Skip to main content
An Official Vermont Government Website
Vermont State Logo

guidance

Lake Wise Info Sheet - Conserve & Protect Lakeshores

WS-Lakes Fact Sheet
August 23, 2022
There are many ways to protect and conserve your land to meet environmental, financial, and family goals. Protecting the natural conditions of your shoreland ensures the long-term health and resiliency of your lake while benefitting your family, lake community, and future generations.

Lake Wise Info Sheet - Bioengineering

WS-Lakes Fact Sheet
August 23, 2022
Bioengineering uses native plants, biodegradable products, and other natural materials to stabilize shorelands, prevent erosion, protect property, and support healthy lake ecosystems. It is often referred to as “soft-scape engineering,” living shoreland restoration, or naturebased solutions. A suite of methods mimic naturally stable shorelines by creating vegetated lakeshore banks and a stabilized bank toe.

Lake Wise Info Sheet - Beaches & Recreation Areas

WS-Lakes Fact Sheet
August 23, 2022
In Vermont, natural lakeshores are wetlands, forests, and/or bedrock. Few lakes have naturally occurring sandy shores. Shoreland best management practices can help to maintain artificial beaches and recreational areas while also protecting water quality and wildlife habitat so we can ‘share the shore’. Stabilized and naturally vegetated areas, such a s upland meadows or lakeshore buffers, filter upland runoff and delineate beaches, pathways, and lake access points, preventing sand and other pollutants from washing into the lake.

Engagement & Training

Training for Clean Water Service Providers & Basin Water Quality Councils

TMDL & Target Setting Primer

PCBs in Schools

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are human-made chemicals that were used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980. Schools renovated or built before 1980 are more likely to have PCBs in their building materials, typically caulk and fluorescent light ballasts.

Using Air Quality Forecasts

Map of New England Showing AQITo minimize potential health impacts from open burning, we recommend utilizing air quality forecasts when planning the burn. Depending on the meteorological conditions, the proximity of the burn to residences, and air quality level on the day of the burn, smoke from open burning may cause health problems such as respiratory effects or aggravation of heart and lung diseases.

Subscribe to guidance