Lake Health

​

The Lake Eden Association conducts a number of programs and projects that enhance and protect the health of Lake Eden and the surrounding ecosystem.  These include the VT Invasive Patrol (VIP) program, the Lay Monitoring program and the Lake Eden Basin Program. In addition, the LEA conducts plant surveys to identify the various species found within Lake Eden. 

 

Our current concerns for the lake are as follows:

• New introduction of Invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil

• Rising phosphorus levels. We are now considered to be at a “stressed” level

• Erosion/Runoff water from roads and streams and properties that abut the lake.  They are carrying nutrients and sediment that are negatively affecting the lake quality.  Shoreline properties accounted for more than 50% of the areas of concern. 

​

Negative Affects of High Phosphorus levels:

• Algae blooms which produce algal toxins, & are harmful to human and animal health.

•  Reduces overall water quality & clarity

•  Speeds up eutrophication  (reduction in levels of dissolved oxygen), which can kill fish and beneficial aquatic plants.

•  Death rate of species speeds up and out paces decomposition rates.  This results in a build-up of mucky lake bottom and shallower waters.

•  Causes weeds, including Invasive species such as Eurasian WatermilfoiL to grow more quickly.  This can result in the weeds clogging the waterways and affecting lake health and recreational use further.

 

This dangerous trend of rising phosphorus levels can be reversed if we all work together to implement some simple and cost effective measures on our personal properties.

• Minimize lawns - #1 culprit of chemical and nutrient runoff into the lake.

•  If you must have an area of lawn - keep a barrier of at least 3-5 feet of native plants between water's edge and where lawn begins. Something is better than nothing.

•  Avoid fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides 

•  Maintain a barrier of native plants along the shoreline; this is key in absorbing any nutrients, carried by storm water, before they reach the lake.  Healthy shoreline barriers also stabilize the shoreline, provide habitats for wildlife, and help cool water to prevent algae blooms and harmful bacterial growth.

•  A buffer of native plants at water's edge can also discourage waterfowl from taking over your lawn. A lawn right to the shore attracts waterfowl, which add nutrients to the lake. 

•  Avoid retaining walls. Instead use native plants to hold your bank and provide a habitat for wildlife.

•  Limit the amount of hard surfaces such as compacted or paved driveways, poured concrete, stone patios, structures/roofs

• Correct any areas of soil erosion on your property and where you see water running directly into the lake during a storm.

• Maintain septic systems to prevent leaching into lake

• Do not blow or rake leaves or yard debris into lake

• Remove pest waste from yards to prevent runoff into lake