"We approach the static elasticity of a vortex lattice using the elastohydrodyamic approach. We derive the elastic Green's function for the vortex lattice, and connect it to the lattice distortion in an inhomogeneous condensate. We find that the longitudinal elastic response of a vortex lattice is screened by the effect of the ""global"" fluid velocity, but the shear response remains the same as conventional elastic systems. Applying the theory of dislocation-mediated melting to the vortex lattice, we find that the lattice melts at a temperature depending only on the shear modulus. Finally, we apply the theory of melting to trapped rapidly rotating BECs."