Welcome to the
Watershed Management Division

The Watershed Management Division’s primary mission is to protect, maintain, enhance and restore the quality of Vermont's surface water resources. Inherent in this effort is the support of both healthy ecosystems and public uses in and on more than: 808 lakes and ponds; 7,100 miles of rivers and streams; and, 300,000 acres of wetlands that exist within the State of Vermont.

To accomplish its mission, the Division comprises three media-specific programs that provide for the comprehensive management of Wetlands, Rivers, and Lakes. The Division also supports the integrity of surface waters by administering programs to regulate wastewater discharges and stormwater runoff. The Division has recently completed a major initiative to improve its overall management of Vermont’s surface waters. As a result, our new Monitoring, Assessment and Planning program serves to integrate the Division’s efforts across these programs through the use of our Statewide Surface Water Management Strategy, and to develop basin plans consistent with this strategy.

We welcome you to the Watershed Management Division’s website, and appreciate your interest in the State’s surface water resources.  To learn more about our specific programs please visit their sites by clicking on the appropriate icon above.