Do you care about Lake Memphremagog’s health? Of course you do!

Do you own shoreline? If so, schedule a visit with the VT Lake Wise program to learn about ways you can manage your shoreline property to help ensure that the lake provides clean water, safe recreation, and critical wildlife habitat now and in the future!

What is Lake Wise, you might ask… Well, Lake Wise is a FREE, VOLUNTARY, and NON-REGULATORY education program for lake landowners that encourages and rewards lake-friendly properties across the state. The program’s goal is to guide property owners in implementing best management practices to reduce stormwater runoff into the lake and promote shoreland vegetation and habitat. Runoff from developed areas and eroding shorelines can negatively impact water quality and aquatic life. Although Vermont boasts many beautiful lakes, it also has some of the most degraded shorelands in the country. Therefore, Lake Wise aims to inspire as many people as possible to practice lake-friendly living to ensure clean and healthy Vermont lakes for years to come. Healthy shores make healthy lakes!

So, what exactly does it entail, you might wonder… It’s really quite simple. You schedule a visit with Sam Nijensohn (VT DEC Lake Wise Program Assistant) and he will join you to assess your property. Together you will spend an hour or two checking out a few elements including your driveway, your structures & septic system, your recreation areas, and your shoreline. Sam will share ideas on ways you could make your property “lake-friendly” and, later, he will send you a detailed report with information tailored to help guide you if you choose to implement any of the recommendations. Most of the recommended practices are things you can do yourself. The Lake Wise Program can also connect you to get help. Again, it’s free and NON-REGULATORY! You can even win a “Lake Wise Award” if your property passes all 4 sections.

Hmmm, what’s the downside, you might ask… No downside! Again, it’s free and non-regulatory. And, if enough of us work together to win shoreline Lake Wise awards, we can improve the health of Memphremagog and become a GOLD Lake Wise Lake like Seymour, Echo and Little Averill. Now, wouldn’t that be great?

Recent Lake Memphremagog Lake Wise Awardees

We have started to get traction on Lake Memphremagog with four awards so far this year (Bluffside Farm, MSTF trails/ Bob and Ellie Primeau, Brandon Vanasse and family, and Bob and Gillian Staniforth). It would be wonderful to keep this momentum going and create a Lake Wise culture & community on Memphremagog.

So, reach out to Sam Nijensohn at sam.nijensohn@vermont.gov and schedule a Lake Wise visit. Help us make Lake Memphremagog healthy for the next generations!

For more information on living with the lake CLICK HERE