Small ponds, also called "private" ponds, are here defined as those which are artificial and located entirely on one property. (Please note that a legal definition of "private pond" is located on page 3 of "Instructions for Permit Applications. ")  Vermont has hundreds of small ponds - great habitat for local plants, animals, and people.

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to provide individual technical assistance to small pond owners.  We do have a variety of printed and web-based materials that answer questions commonly asked by small pond owners.  Information found on our Lake Protection webpage is also useful for maintaining healthy small ponds.  Photographs and other information about aquatic invasive species are also found on our website.

• What You Should Know About Constructing a Pond or Dam (pdf, 36 KB)
• Only You...Can Save Your Lake (Tips for healthy waters for lake and pond shoreland owners.)
• Information on Controlling Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Algae (pdf, 52 KB)
• What are Algae? (pdf, 189 KB)
• Aquatic Nuisance Control Permit Program (General information, including which activities require a permit, and application, review and appeal processes.)
• Instructions for Permit Applications (pdf, 111 KB)
• Aquatic Plant Management Contractors (pdf, 112 KB)

If you decide to use a chemical to control a weed or algae problem in your pond, please contact the Water Quality Division for a permit application.

Updated: Mar. 2010