Lake Carmi Water Quality
About Lake Carmi
As Vermont's fourth largest natural lake, Lake Carmi is known for its scenic beauty and valuable recreational opportunities. However, due to historic phosphorus inputs from the surrounding watershed, the Lake Carmi community has faced severe toxic cyanobacteria blooms in the lake since 2017. As a result, Lake Carmi has been designated Vermont's only Lake In Crisis.
Through efforts to improve water quality and reduce watershed inputs to the lake, FCNRCD has worked closely with community members and Town of Franklin residents, who demonstrate a deep love for their lake and tireless enthusiasm to move forward with water quality solutions.
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We want to thank the Franklin community and landowners in the Lake Carmi watershed for their generous and consistent efforts to improve the lake's water quality.
Water Quality Projects
In Fall 2024, FCNRCD completed an assessment of completed, in progress, and potential beset management practices (BMPs) in the Lake Carmi watershed. This work was done in partnership with the Franklin Watershed Committee and Fitzgerald Environmental Associates to assess progress and create new opportunities for improved water quality throughout the Lake Carmi watershed.
Kickoff Meeting Materials
Meeting Recording
Meeting Slides
Meeting Transcript
If you are a landowner in the Lake Carmi watershed and would like to discuss a potential water quality project, please call 802-582-3133 or email info@franklincountynrcd.org.
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This project was made possible with funding from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Watershed Workshops
In Summer 2023, FCNRCD partnered with the Franklin Watershed Committee to host four educational Watershed Workshops for Lake Carmi community members. To watch workshop recordings, use the links below:
These workshops were made possible with funding from the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
Lake Wise
The FCNRCD has partnered with the Franklin Watershed Committee to offer free Lake Wise consultations to Lake Carmi residents with lakeshore properties and camps in both 2022 and 2023. Lake Wise provides opportunities for learn ways to manage their camp to improve lake health. The program is completely voluntary and nonregulatory.
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Are you interested in scheduling a Lake Wise consultation? Please call 802-582-3133 or email info@franklincountynrcd.org.
Additional Resources
Local Organizations
Franklin Watershed Committee
Lake Carmi Campers Association
BMP Resources
Vermont Lake Wise Resources
Vermont Clean Water Information
Restoring Lake Carmi
Vermont Clean Water Lecture Series
Vermont Clean Water Initiative YouTube