This handbook is for area residents and government officials who are working to create and maintain a landscape that complements Lake Champlains setting and ecology, while enhancing opportunities for the enjoyment of its natural and recreational features. While some of the introductory information is specific to Lake Champlain, many of the erosion control and stabilization techniques are applicable to smaller lakes as well. The idea for this project began after the ice storm of January 1998, which resulted in an immediate and significant loss of trees in the Champlain Valley. The temporary loss of vegetation has accelerated existing shoreline destabilization and created new areas of destabilization. Discussions with representatives from state and federal agencies, local municipalities, and regional organizations around the lake identified the need for a comprehensive approach to shoreline stabilization that considered a range of environmentally sensitive options tailored to site conditions, costs, and effectiveness.