A buffer is a width of vegetated land between the lake and adjacent land uses. To function as a "buffer," the vegetation should be a natural mixture of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and the "duff" layer. Think of it as the native Vermont woods. A buffer has many components (leaf canopy layers, decomposing material, etc.) that function together to protect the lake, and many values (wildlife and aquatic habitat, filtration of runoff, bank stability, scenery, etc.).  more information>>

The shoreland is the critical interface between the lake and the terrestrial environment.

• Aquatic life gains important habitat materials (fallen leaves, branches and trees), food (fallen insects), and shade from overhanging vegetation
• Many birds and animals depend on proximity to water for breeding or feeding and use the wooded buffer
• A well-vegetated buffer will filter pollutants such as sediments and phosphorus out of runoff from uphill land uses
• A buffer of diverse tree, shrub and plant species provides long-term bank stability
• A wooded shore adds beauty to a lake experience
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Narrower buffers provide bank stability and promote shallow water habitat, but wider widths are needed to realize water quality treatment and even wider buffers provide wildlife habitat.  more information>>