Resources
Tools to support environmental stewardship in Grand Isle County & Beyond
Explore these resources for key reports, guides, and general information. As a Natural Resources Conservation District, we are trained to implement many of these opportunities or assist you in learning more. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out—we’re here to help.
Guide to Assistance for Agricultural Producers
This guide includes local, state, and federal technical and financial assistance opportunities for individuals and entities working with crops, forestry products, livestock, nursery stock, or other land-based products. The guide provides an overview of each opportunity available to you.
New and Beginning Farmer Resources
Are you a new or aspiring farmer? The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has created a community to support new farmers in building successful enterprises. Explore fact sheets, guides, videos, decision-support tools, and other valuable resources.
Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs)
The Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) are standards to which all types of farms must be managed to reduce the impact of agricultural activities to water quality. Resources are available in the form of both technical and financial assistance for farmers to help them comply with the RAPs.
Nutrient Management Planning
In Vermont, nutrient management planning (NMP) helps landowners and farmers use manure, fertilizers, and other soil amendments efficiently while minimizing environmental impacts. Assistance is available for developing or updating a plan.
Tree Plantings
Planting trees and vegetation can stabilize banks, prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and improve water quality. There are many organizations in northwestern Vermont that can help landowners plant trees alongside rivers, streams, and other waterways—at no cost to you! Learn about these opportunities.
Stream Wise
These resources for property owners include how-to guides and information on stream restoration and planting, managing access, stormwater, invasive species, and more.
Invasive Species
Learn more about invasive insects, plants, and pathogens. This website is designed to guide visitors to the appropriate place to learn more and become involved in various monitoring, management, and outreach efforts.
Cyanobacteria Tracker
The Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Tracker allows you to check recent cyanobacteria bloom reports at shoreline sites and recreational swimming areas of Lake Champlain and various inland lakes in Vermont. At many sites, observations are made weekly from early June to early October.
Tactical Basin Planning
This five-year water quality management plan guides the Agency of Natural Resources and its partners in protecting and restoring the watershed’s lakes, wetlands, and rivers – supporting recreational opportunities, aquatic habitats, and many other vital uses.
State of the Lake
The Lake Champlain Basin Program publishes the State of the Lake Report every three years, offering the latest scientific assessment of Lake Champlain’s health. The report highlights current challenges, recent successes, and advances in water quality management and ecosystem protection.
Lake Wise
The Lake Wise initiative provides free, non-regulatory, technical assistance to lakeshore homeowners and awards lake-friendly shoreland properties, including state parks, town beaches, private homes, and businesses.
Shoreland Best Management Practices
These practices help all lakeshore landowners protect water quality. Use these tips to make your property more water-friendly and support clean water, healthy habitats, and better fishing, swimming, boating, and birdwatching in Vermont’s lakes.