guidance

Permeable paver blocks and geogrid reinforced aggregate or turf are structural surfaces consisting of a permeable material underlain by a storage or infiltration reservoir. They can be installed to infiltrate, filter, and store stormwater.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, algae, fungi, or pathogens that threaten and often outcompete native species and undermine the function and integrity of an ecosystem. They are typically a result of human degraded environments and introduction. Limiting the growth or eradicating invasive species is critical to protecting the survival and diversity of native plant species, which are the foundation for ecosystem health, wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and aesthetic and recreational value.

Low impact development (LID), also called green infrastructure (GI), refers to the practices and systems that protect ecological function of a landscape by minimizing disturbance and mimicking natural processes of water absorption and filtration to treat all stormwater runoff and protect water quality.

Live stakes are dormant woody plant cuttings capable of quickly vegetating restoration areas. Fascines are bundles of dormant branches that are laid horizontally along a slopes’ contour, often in a small swale.

A protected or restored area of multi-layered native vegetation, organic material, and noncompacted soils that provides a protective buffer for the lake from developed areas. The vegetated buffer protects water quality, stabilizes shorelands, and provides vital habitat.

Simple yard and garden maintenance practices that can save time, effort, and money, and help keep lake waters safe for people, pets, and wildlife.

Associations form for many reasons. In Vermont, lake associations coordinate and provide a voice for the lake community on a diversity of issues ranging from private road maintenance; shoreland, water quality and wildlife issues; native plantings; boating safety; sharing local berry recipes and lake stories; to outlet dam ownership situations. Shoreland owners and lake recreationists benefit greatly by working together to protect the lake.

An infiltration trench is a stone-lined shallow channel that collects and infiltrates stormwater runoff from developed areas including walkways, driveways, parking lots, and roofs.

Infiltration steps are framed with timbers and filled with stone to infiltrate stormwater and prevent erosion.

Filter berms are vegetated mounds of earth with gradually sloping sides that slow and soak up stormwater runoff. The berm is filled with sand or stable, well-drained soil.