Successful event raises another $4,000 for Next Generation and Lake Champlain Fisheries Recovery Funds

Governor Jim Douglas and Lt. Governor Brian Dubie (left) have been honing
their angling skills in preparation for the LCI Governor's Cup.

On June 9, 2009 Governor Jim Douglas and Lake Champlain International, Inc. hosted the 2nd LCI Governor's Cup charity catch-and-release fishing derby at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife access on Colchester Point.

Seven teams competed for the coveted Governor's Cup, including a team fielded by Vermont's State Auditor Tom Salmon. The Auditor's team finished third, laying claim to a set of books detailing hiking and biking trips around Vermont. If a team cannot win a panfish, worm-dunking derby, we figure they best pursue other forms of recreation.

This year's cup was won by Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources team fielded by Secretary Jonathon Wood. He was joined by VT Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche and VT State Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jason Gibbs. The 2008 Cup was landed by the team from Outdoors Magazine.

"The LCI charity fishing event is a fun way to highlight the importance of the Lake Champlain watershed," said Governor Douglas.

Generous donations came from William Lanzetta of Colchester, VT; the Harrison Family of Georgia, VT; Outdoors Magazine; Tom Salmon; and Shawn Bartlett and Jolley Convenience Stores.

The cup has now raised $10,000 for LCI's Fishing for Friends mentoring partnership with HowardCenter's Community Friends program and LCI's children's conservation education and fishing heritage promotion.

Please check back with us for our 2010 date to make your plans for the 3rd Annual LCI Governor's Cup.

Contact us at 802.879.3466 or chris@mychamplain.net for more information.