About Us
The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) is part of a network of field stations located throughout the nation that works to conserve fish and aquatic resources. Biologists from Alaska to the Florida Keys restore native species, protect imperiled species and their habitats, and monitor and control invasive species. We evaluate native fish stocks and provide recommendations to states, tribes, and international partners for sustaining native fisheries, including migratory fisheries. And we work with partners to restore habitat through programs such as the National Fish Passage Program and the National Fish Habitat Program.
Work at the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is conducted through partnerships with others including the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, universities, recreational anglers, farmers and other landowners and many other partners.
We facilitate the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative with the VFWD and NYSDEC and Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and we are key partners in the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
Our Mission
Since 1871, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been applying science-based approaches to conservation challenges. We work with our partners and engage the public to conserve, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and we recognize that we do this work for the American people–both the present generation who benefit today and future generations who will inherit our legacy of conserving America’s aquatic resources.
Our History
The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office was established through provisions in the Lake Champlain Special Designation Act of 1990 and through the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Lake Champlain Basin Program Act of 2002.