The Lake Eden Association conducts several 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, the Lakewise Program, and the Lake Eden Watershed Management Program. In addition, the LEA hires professional contractors to conduct plant surveys, to track the spread of invasive plant species and the efficacy of treatment methods. Native plants are also monitored to track biodiversity and how they may be affected by invasives or the treatment of invasives

Current concerns for the lake:

Eurasian Watermilfoil infestation
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. See Watershed Management Plan

WHY IS EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL A CONCERN?

Ecological Disruption: It forms thick, surface-level mats that shade out native aquatic vegetation, which reduces biodiversity and destroys habitat for fish and wildlife.
Rapid Growth and Spread: The plants grow early in the season and spreads easily via fragments, meaning one broken piece can start a new infestation elsewhere.
Reduced Water Quality: Dense, decaying weed mats can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish kills.
Recreational and Economic Impact: The thick vegetation tangles boat propellers and fishing gear, clogs water intake pipes, and creates undesirable conditions for swimmers, which negatively affects tourism and reduces property values.
Mosquito Habitat: These mats create stagnant water conditions, which serve as perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

What you can do to help prevent spread?

Clean, Drain, Dry: Before leaving a lake or river, remove all plant fragments from boats, trailers, motors, fishing gear, and anchors.
Manual Removal: If milfoil is in your swimming or dock area, pull it out by the roots and dispose of it on shore.
Prevent Fragmentation: Do not chop up milfoil with boat propellers, as fragments can create new plants.
Report Sightings: If you notice new patches, contact your local Snohomish County (WA) or environmental agency.
Use Barriers: Install benthic barriers or mats on lake bottoms in small, private areas to block sunlight, notes Admiral Lake and Pond Restoration.
Volunteering: Participate in local lake association, Diver Assisted Suction Harvester (DASH) programs, or weed-pulling events, notes the Higgins Lake Foundation and Lake St. Catherine Association.

WHY ARE RISING PHOSPHORUS LEVELS A CONCERN?

Eutrophication & Algal Blooms: Excess phosphorus causes explosive algae growth, which turns water green, creates scum, and produces unpleasant odors.
Oxygen Depletion & Dead Zones: As algae die and decompose, the process consumes nearly all dissolved oxygen in the water. This causes "dead zones" where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive.
Toxic Cyanobacteria: Phosphorus fuels toxic blue-green algae, which can be poisonous to pets, livestock, and humans, sometimes forcing the closure of beaches and drinking water supplies.
Habitat Destruction: Excessive algae and plant growth block sunlight for submerged aquatic plants, destroying habitats for fish, insects, and other wildlife.

Buffer Strips: Plant native, deep-rooted shrubs and grasses along the shoreline to filter nutrients from runoff before they enter the water. 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.
Minimize lawns - #1 culprit of chemical and nutrient runoff into the lake. Lawns are poor filters of nutrients.
Fertilizer Management: Use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer and avoid applying fertilizers near water bodies.
Septic System Care: Regularly inspect and pump septic tanks to prevent phosphorus-rich waste from leaking into groundwater.
Runoff Control: Direct gutter downspouts to lawns or rain gardens rather than directly into the lake.
Waste Management: Pick up pet waste, which is a major contributor to nutrient loading. Do not blow or rake leaves or yard debris into lake.

WHY ARE EROSION AND WATERRUN-OFF A CONCERN?

Nutrient Loading and Algal Blooms: Runoff carries fertilizers, pesticides, and organic matter into lakes. Phosphorus, in particular, feeds algae, leading to massive, potentially toxic, blooms that deplete oxygen and kill fish.
Sedimentation and Water Clarity: Eroded soil particles suspended in water turn it murky, blocking sunlight needed by aquatic plants. Over time, this sediment settles, filling in the lake, reducing its depth, and smothering fish spawning beds.
Pollutant Introduction: Runoff washes toxic chemicals from roads, lawns, & roofs (oil, gasoline, anti-freeze, heavy metals) into the water, harming aquatic organisms.
Shoreline Destruction: Increased runoff velocities and wave action cause shoreline erosion, causing banks to crumble, destroying property, and increasing sediment input.
Loss of Aquatic Habitats: Increased sedimentation and reduced oxygen levels (caused by decomposition of organic materials in runoff) destroy ecosystems, killing fish and invertebrates.

What you can do to reduce erosion & Water Runoff

Vegetative Buffers: Planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees along the shoreline creates a natural, stabilizing barrier. Roots anchor soil, while foliage protects against raindrop impact and slows water flow.
Riprap and Rock Structures: Installing riprap (rocks or boulders) along the shore dissipates wave energy and protects against erosion.
Slope Management: Constructing terraces (steps) on steep slopes slows down surface runoff and encourages infiltration.
Minimize Impervious Surfaces: Reduce compacted, paved, concrete and stone tiled areas that prevent water from soaking into the ground.
Rain Gardens and Landscaping: Create rain gardens and use mulch in gardens to absorb water and filter pollutants.
Directing Water Flow: Divert water from gutters, roofs, and driveways away from the lake using rain barrels or by directing flow to vegetated areas.

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