Floodplain field conserved in Hancock

The White River Partnership (WRP), Vermont River Conservancy (VRC), and 2 private landowners have conserved 15.4 acres of floodplain along the White River in Hancock.

Tropical Storm Irene flood waters deposited large amounts of sediment on the field, which often floods during high water events.  The floodplain conservation project prohibits future development and compensates the landowners for flood-related property loss on the 15.4-acre field.  Allowing the river to access this critical floodplain will reduce the speed and erosive power of flood waters before they reach Hancock village.

The WRP received a Vermont Ecosystem Restoration Program (ERP) grant to work with VRC on acquiring the permanent conservation easement and to recruit volunteers to help restore 50-feet of native trees along the length of the field.

The WRP has worked with the ERP, VRC, and Vermont Land Trust to complete 7 floodplain conservation projects since 2008, conserving 107.8 acres on river-front properties in Granville, Hancock, Randolph, Rochester, and Royalton.

The WRP has received ERP funds to work with VRC and 4 private landowners to complete 2 additional floodplain protection projects in 2017: conserving 12.3 acres on the White River in Hancock and 23.2 acres on the White River in Stockbridge.

For more information

Please visit our River Corridor Protection page.