Hello LSC, we have some great news to share. 

In partnership with the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District (PMNRCD), we have earned a grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and NEIWPCC for $15,097 to perform Lake Wise assessments, and to install best management practices (BMPs) on Lake St. Catherine. This grant also includes up to an additional $20,000 for supplies and materials to install BMPs around the lake!

Lake Wise is a program developed by Vermont’s Lakes and Ponds Program to recognize outstanding efforts by homeowners who live along a lakeshore to protect the water quality and habitat along the shoreline and within the near-shore area of the lake.

Stormwater has a widespread environmental impact which makes it a growing concern in Vermont. In a statewide effort, towns and local organizations are working to implement large scale projects to help clean stormwater before it enters water bodies. Excess nutrients in the water contribute to problems which affect both human and wildlife health including; lower oxygen levels in the water, toxic algae blooms, and excessive plant growth, which is why limiting stormwater from carrying phosphorus, nitrogen, sediments, and other pollutants into the lake is so important.

Projects can include the creation of buffer areas, native plantings, water diversion and water infiltration, and shoreline stabilization.

Currently, Lake St. Catherine has 29 Lake Wise Award winning properties. You can learn more about Lake Wise on Lake St. Catherine, and can see where these properties are on the lake by viewing the interactive map on our Lake Wise page here: https://lakestcatherine.org/lake-wise-program.

The LSCA & PMNRCD would like to help other Lake St. Catherine property owners implement best practices to mitigate stormwater on their properties, and help them to earn the Lake Wise award. To date, over 110 properties have participated in the Lake Wise Program, and have at least received an initial assessment. This program is FREE to shoreline property owners, with funding earned through grants. If you would like to have your property assessed, or if you would like a reassessment, please email us at info@lakestcatherine.org to sign up for Lake Wise 2026.

2024 Lake Wise Award Winners Kimberly Thomas & Dave Williams