The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) focuses on the restoration and protection of Lake Champlain and its surrounding watershed. It collaborates with partners in New York, Vermont, and Québec to tackle phosphorus pollution, toxic substances, biodiversity, aquatic invasive species, and climate change. The program also oversees the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, aiming to foster appreciation and better stewardship of the region’s cultural resources by highlighting and promoting its history.
Since 1992, the LCBP has awarded over 1,000 grants to local organizations, supporting a variety of projects aimed at pollution prevention, habitat restoration, and other activities that enhance Lake Champlain's quality. These grants have also supported projects conducted by universities, consultants, research foundations, nonprofit organizations, and more. These initiatives encompass scientific research, demonstration of best management practices, education, and outreach efforts, all crucial to implementing "Opportunities for Action," a comprehensive management plan for the Lake Champlain Basin. Specifically, the Education and Outreach Grants focus on small, local implementation projects, contributing to the broader goals of preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the Lake Champlain Basin.