best management practices
keeping lakes healthy: BMP Video Series
Find the complete series on our Vimeo page
Maine Conservation FACT SHEETS for homeowners
Source: Maine DEP and Portland Water District, updated April 2026
- Construction BMPs
- Dripline Trench
- Dry Wells
- Erosion Control Mix
- Infiltration Steps
- Infiltration Trench
- Live Staking
- Native Plants for Your Shoreline
- Paths and Walkways
- Permitting
- Planting and Maintaining Buffers
- Rain Barrels
- Rain Gardens
- Runoff Diverters
- Turnouts
Native Plant Lists Based on Site Conditions
- Shady and Wet Soil Conditions
- Part Sun and Wet Soil Conditions
- Sunny and Wet Soil Conditions
- Shady and Dry Soil Conditions
- Part Sun and Dry Soil Conditions
- Sunny and Dry Soil Conditions
cumberland county soil + water conservation district yardscaping info sheets
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Lakewise info sheets
Permits and Rules
permit by rule (PBR) Information
A PBR, or "Permit by Rule", gives approval for 18 shoreline activities that have limited impact and low risk of harm to lakes. These activities include such things as shoreline stabilization and movement of rocks or vegetation along a shoreline. The Maine DEP regularly reviews this list so check their website for updates. Applications must be filed prior to beginning work on the activity and agree to follow prescribed standards. The current application fee for most LakeSmart BMPs is $303, though permit fees may be waived for certain activities. Check with your local DEP office for more information. Fees can be viewed here.
DEP Regional Offices
Augusta, Main Office & Central Maine Regional Office. Phone: (207) 287-7688
Bangor, Eastern Maine Regional Office. Phone: (207) 941-4570
Portland, Southern Maine Regional Office. Phone: (207) 822-6300
Presque Isle, Northern Maine Regional Office. Phone: (207) 764-0477
To find out which location is your regional office, use the DEP office finder.