Shadow Lake Watershed Action Plan

The Shadow Lake Watershed Action Plan (LWAP) is a collaborative effort to better understand the conditions affecting Shadow Lake and identify opportunities to protect and improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and watershed health.

Through field assessments, mapping, data analysis, and community engagement, the process evaluated lakeshore conditions, tributaries, drainage systems, wetlands, hydrologically connected roads, and working lands to develop a prioritized list of projects and recommendations that support long-term watershed protection.

Shadow Lake LWAP Resources

Access reports, maps, datasets, and project information developed throughout the planning process.

ArcGIS Map Data Viewer

Explore interactive maps showing watershed conditions, assessment findings, and priority areas identified during the planning process.

Data Library

Browse background information and technical resources related to the watershed, including mapping data, water quality information, infrastructure inventories, presentations, and supporting documents used throughout the assessment.

Phase 1 Assessment

Phase 1 of the Shadow Lake LWAP focused on lakeshore conditions, roads, major stream crossings, and watershed-wide desktop assessments. Explore the Story Map to learn about the assessment process and findings, or download the final Phase 1 report.

Phase 2 Stream Assessment Report

Phase 2 completed the watershed assessment by evaluating Shadow Lake's tributary streams and headwaters. Field staff assessed approximately four miles of streams to identify erosion concerns, sediment sources, habitat conditions, and opportunities for restoration.

The assessment documented more than 200 field observations and identified 12 potential projects designed to reduce phosphorus loading, improve stream stability, strengthen flood resilience, and enhance aquatic habitat throughout the watershed.

Download the Phase 2 Report to explore stream assessment findings, watershed recommendations, and prioritized project opportunities.

Community Engagement

Community input has been an important part of the Shadow Lake Watershed Action Plan process.

Review project presentations, meeting materials, and outreach resources from throughout the planning effort:

• Kickoff meeting materials
  • Shadow Lake LWAP One-Pager
  • Presentation
• August 2023 public meeting presentation
• Summary of survey results 
• March 12, 2024 Final report presentation recording
• Orleans County NRCD presentation
• Watershed Consulting Presentation