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Shoreline protection

In July 2014, Vermont established the Shoreline Protection Act, requiring a permit for new development, re-development, or clearing of a property within 250 feet of lakes and ponds over 10 acres in size. This legislation was enacted to allow reasonable development along the shore lands of lakes and ponds while protecting aquatic habitat, water quality, and maintaining the natural stability of shorelines. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources administers the law through the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Visit their website for more information on their Permits are now required for the creation of cleared areas or impervious surfaces (e.g., driveways, roofs, etc.). The agency has a detailed webpage about their Vermont Lake Wise Program that includes Shoreland Protection guidelines. They have also published a Vermont Shoreline Protection Act Handbook which describes details of the law and permitting requirements.

Erosion & Sediment Control 

Lake Rescue and Pauline Lake for several generations of full and part-time Vermonters has been a special place to relax and recreate. However, in the recent decade lake homeowners have taken note of changes that are significantly altering the lake and its use. Increased sedimentation build-up has occurred in several areas of the lake, particularly in the Round Pond area, and especially in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. As members of the Lake Rescue Association, we must all be diligent in addressing these issues.

Along with promoting awareness of the Shoreline Protection regulations, Get Sedimental is LRA’s effort to create awareness and increase your knowledge and understanding of what YOU can do to help improve lake water quality. Let us know if you’d like to have our Get Sedimental magnetic decal to help us promote awareness.

What LRA is Doing

Lay Monitoring Program

Since 2005, Lake Rescue volunteers have participated in the Vermont Lay Monitoring Program to monitor lake water quality that may be impacted by erosion and other contaminants. LRA volunteers and agents sample water on the lake and watershed tributaries and Vermont state provides the laboratory testing of those samples. Watershed grant money is used in support of the sampling effort as well as an ongoing sedimentation depth study on the lake.

Better Backroads Grants

Through a series of VT Agency of Natural Resources Better Backroads Program grants written by LRA members, the Town of Ludlow has secured project funding to reduce road runoff.

Environmental Education

In 2016, the LRA revised their booklet entitled "So You Live on a Lake" for the benefit of everyone who utilizes the lakes district.

Watershed Grants

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has supported LRA projects since 2001 through Watershed Grants. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Chris Salerno, who annually wrote successful grant applications, through 2012, and with the help of many volunteers and the Town of Ludlow, LRA has been able to continue many projects aimed at addressing water quality issues in Lakes Rescue and Pauline. The 2012 Grant Request was for $12,672 to fund a restoration/ habitat improvement project in the watershed and/or at Camp Plymouth State Park to address Tropical Storm Irene damages.

Geomorphic Survey

In 2009, LRA led an effort under the auspices of Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (SWCRPC) to conduct a study of the upstream watershed of Lake Rescue and the impacts of historical land use on our lakes. The 2010 Geomorphic Survey Executive Summary is available for download.

Sediment Coring

As a follow-up to the Geomorphic Survey, in 2011 the LRA commissioned a Sediment Coring Study to profile the historical sedimentation rate in the lake. A report is expected from Dr Lini, University of Vermont geology professor.

Ecosystem Restoration Grant

In September 2012 the LRA received approval of a $41,000 Ecosystem Restoration Grant proposal to study and address long term solutions to the sediment which continues to flow into Lake Rescue from the Black River. This study focused on the three tributaries feeding the Black River upstream from our lake. Previous geomorphic studies have identified Buffalo Brook and Patch Brook as major contributors of sediment. The current project explored alternatives to reduce this flow from the two streams mentioned, as well as recommend solutions at the Money Brook landslide.

Dredging Project and Capital Campaign

On September 11, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene descended on our lake community, wreaking devastation far and wide. The flooding and subsequent degradation of river and stream banks resulted in the depositing of an estimated 1,200 cubic yards of sediment into Round Pond, particularly around the mouth of the Black River inflow, making navigation dangerous or impossible in that area. In June 2012 LRA applied and was approved by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to commission a Dredging Project to remove a significant amount of this sediment. With funding raised by LRA’s first Capital Campaign, this project occurred in September 2013.

Because sediment has again accumulated in the same areas, making navigation difficult in Round Pond and the Narrows Channel, a second dredging permit was approved in spring 2020, and another project is being planned for sometime within the next 2-4 years. As before, a capital campaign is being launched to fund this costly, but absolutely necessary, effort.

Ways You Can Help

The 2014 Vermont Shoreline Protection regulations offer guidelines that help diminish erosion of sediment into the lakes. Here are some basic guidelines:

  • Plant native groundcover, shrubs and trees which stabilize the soils, prevent erosion, enhance privacy and provide cooling shade for the shallow water where fish and insects breed. The lake bottom provides habitat for many small creatures essential to a healthy lake.
  • Plant native species that will provide stabilizing root structures to prevent erosion, habitat for insects, small mammals and birds. Plants such as ferns, blueberries and other low shrubs will provide all this and shade for the shallow water.
  • Steps or paths to the water should ‘infiltrate’, or have a crushed stone base which allows water seep through. The route the path takes should not be a straight line down to the water, but rather should zigzag or meander to slow down the velocity of water runoff and give the water a chance to absorb into the soil.
  • Prevent driveway runoff by having your driveway crowned regularly; by installing water bars for steep slopes, which divert driveway water flow to the side into a vegetated area for absorption; by remediating any water channels that form and flow directly into the lake; and by maintaining vegetative buffer strips along driveways. Plants slow runoff from the road and driveways and help to remove sediment and phosphorus before they reach lakes or stream
  • Don’t cut trees down. Instead prune lower branches and thin out shrubs to open up or maintain partial views. Allowing some small trees to grow is recommended as eventually the large ones will need “replacing.” The spongy “duff” layer of decomposing leaves under trees and shrubs is also a very important aspect of filtering runoff and is why lawns don’t work as well as the natural forest floor.
  • No beach is a good beach. Natural beaches are rare in Vermont! Adding sand or other fill puts phosphorus into the lakes and suffocates the natural bottom habitat. Also, sand which is not stabilized by vegetation washes into the lakes.
  • Minimize artificial structures. Minimize construction of piers, breakwaters, retaining walls, etc., which alter the natural functions of a shoreline. Any work that occurs in the lake beyond the average summer water level requires a Shoreline Encroachment Permit. Check with the new Shoreland Protection Act guidelines before making any changes.
  • Join the Lake Wise Program by enlistingthe technical assistance of Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation in adopting their best practices recommendations, and win a Lake Wise Award and sign that can be proudly displayed on your lake-friendly property.

All members should have a copy of our membership directory which includes So You Live on a Lake 2016, published in 2016, which reviews shoreline protection and erosion guidelines.

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