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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.

Vermont Use of Public Waters Rules

Vermont’s public waters are held in public trust for the benefit of all Vermonters and visitors, and public recreational uses are protected. Public waters can be used for a variety of recreational activities, including access to wilderness and solitude, wildlife watching, winter recreation, fishing, non-motorized boating, motorized boating (high speed and low speed), water skiing, personal watercraft operation, and even seaplane use.

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