Vermont § 1447 - Lake shoreland vegetation protection standards
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 1447 — Lake shoreland vegetation protection standards, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1447. Lake shoreland vegetation protection standards
- (a) Within 100 feet of the mean water level, cutting of trees is allowed provided that
a well-distributed stand of trees and other natural vegetation is maintained. Vegetation
management that occurs within the protected shoreland area and that is conducted according
to the requirements of this section shall not be counted toward the cleared area on
a parcel. (b) A “well-distributed stand of trees” shall be defined as maintaining a minimum rating
score of 12, in each 25-foot by 25-foot area within 100 feet of the mean water level,
as determined by the following rating system. (1) Diameter of tree at 4-1/2 feet above ground level (inches) Points 2-< 4 in.. 1 4-< 8 in. 2 8-< 12 in. 4 12 in. or greater 8 (2) The following shall govern in applying this point system: (A) 25-foot by 25-foot plots shall be established for vegetation management purposes. (B) Each successive plot must be adjacent to but not overlap a previous plot. (C) Any plot not containing the required points must have no vegetative cover removed
unless the removal is allowed pursuant to a registration or individual permit. (D) Any plot containing the required points may have trees removed down to the minimum
points allowed. (E) Existing vegetative cover under three feet in height and other ground cover, including
leaf litter and the forest duff layer, shall not be cut, covered, or removed, except
to provide for a footpath or as allowed pursuant to a registration or individual permit. (F) Pruning of tree branches on the bottom one-third of a tree’s height is allowed. (G) Removal of dead, diseased, or unsafe trees shall be allowed regardless of points. (c) As used in this section, “other natural vegetation” means retaining existing vegetation
under three feet in height and other ground cover and retaining at least five saplings
less than two inches in diameter at four and one-half feet above ground level for
each 25-foot by 25-foot area. If five saplings do not exist, no woody stems less than
two inches in diameter can be removed until five saplings have been planted or rooted
in the plot. (Added 2013, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 1447
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 1447 cover?
Section 1447 ("Lake shoreland vegetation protection standards") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Vermont § 1447?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 1447" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 1447 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.