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Shoreline Protection Act

The Shoreland Protection Act establishes regulations for guiding shore land development. It applies to activities with 250 feet of the mean water level of all Vermont lakes greater than 10 acres (Lake Eden is 198 acres).  The passage of this act emphasized the importance of protecting lake shorelands in order to ensure and improve the health of our state’s waters.  Sadly, VT Lakes rates lowest in all of New England for Lake Health.  Below is a summary of the law:

  • Under the Act, a Shoreland Protection Permit or Registration is needed to create new cleared area or new impervious surface within 250 feet of mean water level of a lake 10 acres or larger.

  • The Act requires new development to be set at least 100 feet back from mean water level. Expansions of existing development are permitted to the back or side, but not closer towards the lake.

  • All projects within the protected shoreland area must follow these additional development standards:

  1. Avoid steep, unstable grades: keep projects in areas with a slope less than 20%.

  2. Minimize development: no more than 20% of the parcel should be impervious surface.

  3. Keep natural vegetative cover: no more than 40% of the parcel should be cleared.

  4. Clearing of vegetation and trees within 100 feet of the lakeshore is unlawful with the exception of a 6-foot wide path.  Permits are required for any further clearing.

  • The Act's Vegetation Protection Standards allows lakeshore landowners to selectively remove individual trees, with a permit, in a manner that allows for lake views and light, while still preserving the benefits of a forested shoreland.

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WHO OWNS THE WATER?

 

Lake Eden is a Public lake and therefore belongs to the people of Vermont.  It is managed by the VT. Agency of Natural Resources, which aims to preserve and protect a healthy ecosystem while also guaranteeing the right for all to swim, fish, boat, and otherwise enjoy the lake.

 

Lakeshore property in Vermont extends down to the mean (average) water level. Beyond mean water level, the water and lake bottom are public resources to be shared, much like space is shared at a public park. Projects that will entail work beyond the mean water level may require an Encroachment Permit. Encroachment projects include, but are not limited to, the installation of a shoreline stabilization project, repairs to an existing boathouse, or additions or removal of fill.

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SHORELAND STABILIZATION

 

Waves, ice push, and upland runoff can contribute to erosion at the shoreline, especially at those areas devoid of vegetation. Minimizing "lawn-to-lake" landscaping and creating a no-mow zone along the shoreline is a simple approach to tackling erosion. For landowners who don't mind a little sweat equity, actively planting trees and shrubs can further enhance stability at the shore.

 

In more heavily eroded areas, bioengineering methods that use biodegradable materials, dry-laid stone, and native plants are encouraged. Mimicking a natural shoreline requires minimal long-term maintenance, provides important habitat, and is aesthetically pleasing for those viewing from land or water.

 

Solid, vertical retaining walls along the shoreline create an artificial barrier between land and water. Retaining walls are mistakenly perceived to be more stable – in reality, waves crashing into the retaining wall will bounce back, causing scouring around and under the edges of the wall. For these reasons, vertical retaining walls are not recommended and new walls are generally not approved. Retaining walls also contribute to nutrient loading as they replace natural vegetation borders which filter out nutrients.

 

Shoreline stabilization projects extending below mean water level will require a Lake Encroachment Permit. Occasionally, stabilization projects will need both a Shoreland Protection and Encroachment permit.

 

Learn More:

VT Shoreline Protection Act Handbook - link

Lake Eden Association Watershed Action Plan - link

Best Management Practices for Lake Properties - link

Lake Friendly Yard Maintenance - link

List of Vermont native plants - link

Homeowners guide to Wastewater systems - link

Sharing the Edge: A guide for Lakeshore Property Owners in VT - link​

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