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Local Vermont Governor Appoints LCI's Ehlers to Represent State on New England - Wide Water Quality Commission
Guy Mitrano
Burlington Boatyard
August 23, 2008
By Guy Mitrano
The members of BBY congratulate Mr. Ehlers on his recent accomplishment, and are honored to work closely with him as we move forward.
Below is the press release for further information on this recent appointment.
For Immediate Release
23 August 2008
Vermont Governor Appoints LCI's Ehlers to Represent State on New England-Wide Water Quality Commission
Colchester, VT-Vermont Governor Jim Douglas named James Ehlers, executive director of Lake Champlain International, Inc., to represent the State of Vermont on the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) has been a leader in the fight for clean water since 1947. As a not-for-profit interstate agency, NEIWPCC serves and assists its member states-Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont-in many ways: by coordinating activities and forums that encourage cooperation among the states, educating the public about key water quality issues, supporting research projects, training environmental professionals, and providing overall leadership in water management and protection. NEIWPCC's initial emphasis was on surface water protection, but that role has grown over the years to include such matters as wetlands restoration, nonpoint source pollution, water allocation, and underground storage tanks.
NEIWPCC is overseen by commissioners from each member state-who are appointed by their state governors or, in some cases, assume the post due to their position. The commissioners, of which Ehlers is now one, are a diverse group, representing state water pollution control agencies, environmental protection agencies, health departments, industry, municipalities, and the general public. The chairmanship of the Commission rotates between states every two years.
NEIWPCC's staff develops and carries out programs endorsed by the commissioners. Further coordination of the work comes from the directors of its three main divisions: Water Quality, Wastewater and Onsite Systems, and Drinking Water. Its headquarters are in Lowell, MA.
More information on NEIWPCC can be found on the internet at www.neiwpcc.org.
On appointing Ehlers, Governor Douglas said, "James is a tireless advocate for Vermont's natural resources and understands the link between a healthy environment and a strong and growing economy. I am confident he will be a voice for continued regional collaboration as the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission continues its work to ensure each of our states benefits from clean water and healthy, thriving ecosystems."
"I am flattered by the Governor's confidence in my abilities to represent Vermont well on this important commission. I look forward to working on this assignment and definitely intend to be the strong advocate that Vermont needs to ensure that we not only maintain our environment but that we improve it. A healthy environment and healthy economy are inextricably linked. And the value of clean water to Vermont-to all of us-can never be taken for granted. It will always require work and our constant attention. I'm eager to do my part," said Ehlers, who will be traveling to Connecticut next month to represent Vermont at the next NEIWPCC meeting.
Ehlers, a successful entrepreneur, now leads the federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation Lake Champlain International, Inc. (LCI), located in Colchester, VT. LCI's mission is the conservation, restoration and revitalization of the Lake Champlain watershed and its communities. It hosts the nearly 30-year old LCI Father's Day Fishing Derby, which draws more than 5,500 people from more than 30 states to enjoy Lake Champlain for the weekend. Through that marquee fundraising event and other fishing-related fundraisers, LCI is able to finance their conservation and education programs. They include the Champlain Fisheries Recovery Initiative, the Fishing For Friends mentoring partnership, After-School Fishing Clubs, and the Fish and Flowers Rain Garden program. These programs encourage the current 21,000-plus LCI anglers to actively engage the next generation in carrying on the angling heritage and the conservation ethic it embodies. LCI is on the web at mychamplain.net.
For more information on either NEIWPCC or LCI, call 802.879.3466 or email info@mychamplain.net.
We at Burlington Boatyard thank Mr. Shellito for allowing us the opportunity to share his sentiments with our users, and cannot agree more with the fact that actions need to be taken by all to communicate just how detrimental it would be to overlook a very pressing issue that does not effect anglers alone, but the health of Vermont and its generations to come.
Article submitted Saturday, August 23, 2008
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