The Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) is pleased to announce the completion of two lakeshore restoration projects on Shadow Lake during the summer of 2024. A partnership between MWA, the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District, and NorthWoods Stewardship Center, these two projects represent important steps toward implementing water quality and habitat restoration projects that were identified during the development of the Shadow Lake Watershed Action Plan. 

MWA was contracted by the Orleans County NRCD to design and permit both projects – one located on Stone Shore Ln and the other on Shadow Lake Road. The design process focused on opportunities to reduce impervious surface cover, improve stormwater runoff management, promote infiltration, restore lakeshore riparian buffers, protect eroding shorelines, and stabilize lake access areas.

On Shadow Lake Road, MWA designed a series of tiered perennial planting beds that double as underground biofiltration areas. These biofiltration areas work to absorb, treat, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from the adjacent road, driveways, rooftops, and lawns. Approximately 300 square feet of asphalt driveway was removed and excavated to a depth of 3 feet. The excavated area was then partially backfilled with crushed drainage stone and terraced with three 1-foot-high timber retaining walls. Clean sand and topsoil were then placed on top of the drainage stone and within each terrace. Native plants – including wild blue indigo, milkweed, aster, elderberry, geranium, and red osier dogwood – were then installed within each terrace to further improve stormwater treatment and provide pollinator habitat. In addition, approximately 50 feet of infiltration steps were installed alongside the biofiltration planting beds and down the lake access path. Infiltration steps are hardy staircases that allow stormwater and sediment to infiltrate into the ground rather than quickly wash into the lake. A favorite among lakeshore property owners, infiltration steps are a tried-and-true approach to offering stable lake access paths that double as attractive stormwater management best practices.

On Stone Shore Ln, MWA designed and permitted several different Best Management Practices to improve shoreland habitat and reduce runoff to the Lake. Here, a 40-foot-long gravel dripline trench was installed to capture and infiltrate rooftop runoff before it makes its way to the lake. Approximately 70 native riparian plants – including cedar, willows, winterberry, buttonbush, sweet gale, cranberry, and more – were installed along the shoreline to enhance and restore the lakeshore buffer. Slate pavers and pea gravel were used to construct a stable lake access path that prevents further erosion and allows stormwater infiltration.

 Lastly, MWA designed a novel approach to stabilize a vulnerable stretch of shoreline. In this case, a mature cedar hedge growing on top of the bank was being undermined by wave and ice erosion. MWA designed and permitted a new-to-Vermont bioengineering practice – dubbed “driftwood bank protection” – to prevent further erosion, protect the root systems of the cedar trees, and allow other low-growing vegetation to survive and thrive without further disturbance or impact. Eight logs with intact rootwads were brought in, positioned along the bank, and anchored in place. Logs and rootwads were positioned and interlocked with each other to provide a natural driftwood appearance and protect the most vulnerable sections of the bank. Then, earth anchors were driven deep into the shoreline and tethered to the logs to prevent them from dislodging or floating away.

Both projects represent starkly different approaches to designing and implementing Best Management Practices on our lakeshores. We wish to thank all the landowners involved for supporting and embracing these practices. This work was managed by the Orleans County NRCD and funded by the Vermont Association of Conservation District’s Enhancement Design/Implementation Block Grants. MWA designed, permitted, and oversaw construction of both projects. The NorthWoods Stewardship Center provided technical expertise and implemented the work, while Auger Heights Excavation of Glover performed all earthwork and hauling services.