Staff
Eric Howe
Program Director
(802) 372-0218
ehowe@lcbp.org
Eric became the Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program and Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership in 2016. Eric joined the LCBP in 2009 as the Technical Coordinator, where he managed LCBP-funded research projects and coordinated the LCBP Technical Advisory Committee. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources and an M.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from the University of Vermont, and undergraduate degrees in environmental biology and ecology from SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry and Paul Smith’s College. His research experience includes examining the effects of shoreline development on the quality of shallow-water habitat in Vermont’s inland lakes and ponds, sea lamprey management in Lake Champlain, acid deposition on numerous Adirondack ponds, aquatic plant management, and extensive water quality monitoring experience in New York and Vermont. Eric lives in Williston, VT with his wife, two children, and a dog where he is an avid gardener and explores the art of freestyle cooking. Eric is also a member of the Williston Conservation Commission.
Jim Brangan
Cultural Heritage and Recreation Coordinator
(802) 372-0213
jbrangan@lcbp.org
As the Cultural Heritage and Recreation Coordinator for the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and the assistant director of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP), Jim Brangan’s work focuses on facilitating cooperation among partners in New York, Vermont and Quebec on efforts that improve appreciation of the natural and cultural resources of the region.
Jim staffs the LCBP’s Heritage Area Program Advisory Committee (HAPAC), which provides input into the management of the CVNHP. In addition to managing the HAPAC ‘s budget process and the CVNHP’s robust grant program, Jim’s passion lies in building and coordinating partnerships around specific anniversaries and events, including: The Lake Champlain Quadricentennial (2009); Bicentennial of the War of 1812 (2012-2014); Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War (2011-2015); 350th Anniversary of the “Valley of the Forts” (2016); International Year of the Salmon (2019); Centennial of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (2020); Temperance, Prohibition, and Smuggling (2021); and the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act (2022).
Jim was instrumental in the development of the LCBP’s award-winning wayside exhibit program, which has developed almost 300 interpretive panels throughout the region. He has been involved in developing new trail guides, bikeway routes, and interpretation of all sorts since starting with the LCBP in 2002. Jim’s path to the Champlain Valley led him though Connecticut, Montana, Idaho and West Virginia. Some of his previous experience includes working as a handyman, journalist, surveyor; serving as a wilderness/snow ranger on the Clearwater National Forest; developing interpretive programs/exhibits and establishing partnerships for the Monongahela National Forest’s Seneca Rocks Discovery Center; and working as a regional planner in Chittenden County. He lives in Shelburne with his wife and no-good dog, Ellie. His two sons, Robby and Nate, attend college. He is active on the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department and the Boy Scouts of America.
Elizabeth Lee
Communications and Publications Associate
(802) 372-0217
elee@lcbp.org
Elizabeth works with the Communications and Publications Coordinator and the Education and Outreach Coordinator to promote a better understanding of the Basin. She has a degree in Human Sciences from Dawson College in Montreal. Her past experience includes work in interior and graphic design for firms in Montreal and Miami. Most recently she has worked in communications and outreach for non-profit organizations in Northwestern Vermont. She lives with her family in the Champlain Islands.