LSPA Watershed Wise Program
Choices homeowners make about how to manage their property directly impact our lakes, ponds, and streams. Do your part to protect water quality - make your property Watershed Wise!
Watershed Wise is a free, confidential program where LSPA staff provide recommendations to property owners about how to maintain their property in ways that protect water quality. Properties that follow best practices are recognized with a Watershed Wise award.
How to Participate:
Complete the Self-Assessment (hyperlink “Self-Assessment” to go to the assessment)
Site Visit: LSPA will contact you to schedule a visit to your property.
Implement Recommendations: LSPA will provide you with a personalized report with suggestions for making your property more lake-friendly.
Once your property meets Watershed Wise standards, you will be recognized as a Watershed Wise Partner and receive a sign to display on your property if desired. See our current list of Watershed Wise recipients here.
Best Practices by Property Zone
Five areas are part of the questionnaire. For more information about best practices in each zone, please see our Watershed Wise Resources page.
Driveway and Parking: Whether paved or not, these areas shed stormwater and contaminants that can lead to erosion and water pollution. Proper winter maintenance and measures to prevent erosion protect water quality.
Buildings and Structures: Septic systems and sewer connections need to be maintained in order to extend the life of the system and prevent bacteria and nutrients from reaching nearby waterbodies. Roof runoff should infiltrate into the ground, such as through rain gardens, drywells, French drains, dripline infiltration trenches, or rain barrels.
Recreational Spaces: Lawns, footpaths and other areas cleared of natural vegetation can contribute to water pollution when fertilized, overused, or overly large. Manage recreational areas to avoid bare soil, and refrain from fertilizing unless a soil test indicates there is a need.
Waterfront (if applicable): Maintaining trees, shrubs, and groundcover within at least 50’ of the shore helps the shoreland’s ability to filter out pollutants before they reach the lake, pond, or stream.
Undeveloped Land (if applicable): The conservation of undeveloped land on properties larger than 10 acres prevents future pollution from that land and is an important part of the watershed plan.