Is Your Home Lake Smart?

In 2024, Tripp Lake had several volunteers get trained in the LakeSmart program, an education and outreach program that rewards lakefront homeowners who manage their land to protect water quality. The Tripp volunteers are Debra Labbe, Frank Federico, Lori Moreau, Robin Rolle and Jill Mangini. They were trained by Andrea Stevens Smart program Manager.

LakeSmart is a first-in-the-nation lake resilience program, driven by dedicated community-based volunteers who educate lakeshore homeowners about protecting the water quality of their lakes. The program is free, non-regulatory, and voluntary.  Volunteers are trained to evaluate properties from the top of the driveway to the shoreline using LakeSmart climate-ready standards for water quality protection. They also recommend lake friendly practices for homeowners to manage runoff and erosion.

Tripp Lake volunteers received training late in the season and were able to visit one house and assess the property.

An assessment included, checking for erosion around structures, in the yard, and along the lake. Properties that protect the lake and meet LakeSmart standards earn the coveted LakeSmart Award, consisting of two distinctive signs that can be posted at the waterfront and driveway. The signs identify the homes of good stewards and show everyone what lake-friendly living looks like.

Property owners who volunteer to have their properties assessed will receive recommendations for what they can do to reduce erosion and protect the lake. Whether it’s installing a dripline trench around a structure, reducing lawn size and maintenance, adding more plants to a shoreline buffer, or covering bare areas of soil with erosion-control mulch, there is always something landowners can do to reduce their impact on the lakes.

If you are interested in having your property assessed, please contact us at tripplakeia@gmail.com, to set up a convenient time.

For more information about the program, click here for the LakeSmart brochure.