lakes

In Vermont:

Technical Guidance

Benefits of Shoreland Buffer Widths
Diagram of benefits of buffer widths

Act 138 Executive Summary

What Is Lake Wise?

Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-In-Aid Program

The Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) Grant-in-Aid Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and agencies of the state for aquatic invasive and nuisance species management programs. Funding for the ANC Grant-in-Aid grants comes from a portion of annual revenues from motorboat registration fees and federal funds. This grant program has supported over 70 municipalities since 1994.

Various aquatic invasive species control efforts have been implemented in Vermont, and many are ongoing. VTDEC permits many AIS control actions, and is directly involved in the implementation of others. Local governments, watershed and lake associations, and other individuals are also involved in a myriad of control efforts around the state.

With over 800 lakes and ponds throughout Vermont, and 100 of those infested with aquatic invasive species, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) staff annually monitor and survey priority lakes and ponds along with aquatic invasive species (AIS) considered a severe threat. During the growing season, VTDEC staff routinely survey and monitor Vermont waters to:

There are many ongoing programs in Vermont aimed at curbing the spread of invasive species and preventing new infestations. These initiatives are supported by Vermont DEC and often involve participation from landowners, watershed associations, and other interested volunteers.

Invasive species currently found in Vermont

Plants

Effective July 1, 2014, the Vermont Legislature passed the Shoreland Protection Act (Chapter 49A of Title 10, §1441 et seq.), which regulates shoreland development within 250 feet of a lake’s mean water level for all lakes greater than 10 acres in size.

Lake Encroachment Permits (LEP) are issued under 29 V.S.A Chapter 11 (Management of Lakes and Ponds), which regulates Encroachment in public waters. The goals of this program are to minimize the encroachment on public waters as well as ensure that projects do not adversely affect the public good and are consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.