South Hero Land Trust and Partners Near Implementation of Clean Water Projects
South Hero Land Trust is working with Grand Isle County NRCD and Friends of Northern Lake Champlain (FNLC) on numerous projects to protect water quality, many as part of our Keeler Bay Watershed Action Plan. Below we are sharing updates on two highly visible projects in the works:
Town Beach Bioengineering
SHLT, GICNRCD, and FNLC have received funding from Lake Champlain Basin 5 Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) and are working together with the Town of South Hero to replace the line of majestic trees at the beach.
As of Spring 2026 we are wrapping up the public outreach phase and are incorporating feedback from the public into the final design, before going back to the Selectboard for final approval. That said, the earliest the project could break ground would be this fall, so it’s not too late to get engaged.
Visit our Town Beach Draft Plan Feedback page to see the full design and submit your feedback/questions.
Community Lane Stream Restoration
This project includes working with landowners at Two Heroes Brewery and the Community Lane Association to protect erosion along a small stream.
SHLT and GICNRCD have hired a contractor to do the earthmoving this summer, and will be hosting several volunteer tree plantings this fall. Work involves re-engineering the ditch back to a more natural stream configuration, reconnecting it to a mini-floodplain, and placing stone in strategic places. Tree plantings will help anchor the banks, provide wildlife habitat, and support climate resilience.
This project is funded by Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for Northern Lake Champlain.