The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Basin Planning Process for the Lamoille River drainage area began in 2003. The underlying objective of the Vermont Basin Planning Process is to protect the high quality surface waters of the basin and to restore those waters that do not meet the Vermont Water Quality Standards. DEC is working in a collaborative fashion with other state, federal, non-profit and volunteer organizations as well as local residents for input, funding, technical assistance, and public education for various water quality improvement projects identified through the watershed planning process.

The Lamoille River Basin has a watershed area of 706 square miles. The main stem of the Lamoille River flows over 84 miles from its headwaters in Glover to the outer Mallets Bay in Lake Champlain. Major tributaries to the Lamoille River include the Wild Branch, North Branch, Brewster River, and Browns River. Larger lakes in the watershed include Caspian Lake, Lake Elmore, Green River Reservoir, and Arrowhead Mountain Lake.

Lamoille River Watershed Public Forums:

Eight public forums were held throughout the watershed in 2003 to listen to residents' concerns and visions regarding water quality issues in the Lamoille River watershed. The top issues of the forums were prioritized and are directing the Lamoille River Watershed Council, DEC, and various partners in developing strategies, securing funds, and recruiting technical advisors to improve water quality locally.  Numerous other meetings have occurred since those initial forums to sharpen restoration and protection strategies.

The Watershed Council and the Watershed Plan:

A Lamoille River Watershed Council was formed including a diverse mix of stakeholders within the watershed. Council members represent watershed constituents from various backgrounds including farmers, foresters, loggers, business owners, municipal officials, anglers, local watershed organizations, environmental groups, teachers, utility companies, regional planners, and a ski area. The DEC Watershed Coordinator and the Lamoille Watershed Council have developed the watershed plan and will assist in the implementation of watershed restoration projects. For more information regarding the basin planning process, the Lamoille Watershed Council and the Lamoille River Basin Plan contact Jim Ryan.

The Draft Interim Final Lamoille River Basin Water Quality Management Plan has been prepared and can be inspected by clicking here (pdf, 2.8 MB).  The appendices to the draft plan can be inspected by clicking here (pdf, 598 KB).  Three public meetings have been scheduled to discuss and take comment on the DRAFT Interim Final Plan.  Details for the three public meetings is as follows:

MONDAY, November 17, 2008 from 7 - 9 pm at the Red Brick Meeting House in Westford, VT (Route 128 in Westford Village)

TUESDAY, November 18, 2008 from 6:30 - 8 pm at the Hardwick Elementary School

WEDNESDAY, November 19, 2008 from 7 - 8:30 pm at the Tegu Building in Morrisville (Route 100 in Morrisville Village)

FRIDAY, December 5, 2008 is the deadline for submitting comments on the DRAFT Interim Final Lamoille River Basin Water Quality Management Plan.  For further information regarding the DRAFT Plan, the upcoming meetings or how to submit comments, contact Jim Ryan.

• Guidelines for Watershed Planning (pdf, 374 KB)
• Lake Champlain Basin Program
• Lake Champlain Basin Program Atlas
• Map of Vermont's 17 River Basins
• Meeting Dates & Minutes
• Vermont Clean and Clear Action Plan

Updated: October 2008