(802) 763-7733 info@whiteriverpartnership.org PO Box 705, South Royalton, VT 05068

Hurricane Flats Farm project complete

Hurricane Flats Farm project complete

September 08, 2013

The White River Partnership (WRP) completed an innovative riverbank restoration project at Hurricane Flats Farm in South Royalton last week. 40 people attended a project tour on Sunday, September 8 to learn more about this innovative restoration project and to attend a picnic hosted by the farm to raise money for future WRP projects.

The 37-acre Hurricane Flats organic vegetable farm suffered severe damages during Tropical Storm Irene. Flood waters ruined crops; damaged greenhouses, irrigation systems, and farm equipment; deposited thousands of yards of sand in the fields; and eroded away several drainage ditches and two 150-foot holes in the riverbank.

According to WRP Executive Director Mary Russ, “This week’s project will complete work started in 2012 to restore 300-feet of eroding bank along the main stem of the White River. Our goal is to restore the riverbank using natural materials found on-site while improving water quality, habitat, and flood resiliency.”

Instead of using large rock to stabilize the riverbank, the WRP and its partners buried sections of whole trees with the roots attached. Once in place at the bottom of the bank, the exposed roots deflect water and debris away from the bank while creating habitat for fish.

To protect the bank above the exposed roots, the WRP and its partners installed coconut fabric filled with compacted soil held in place with native willow stakes harvested on-site. The native willow stakes will send out roots that will hold the soil in place once the coconut fabric decomposes.

Next spring, the WRP will recruit students and community volunteers to plant native trees and shrubs at the top of the bank. Along with the grasses that grow up around them, these trees and shrubs will filter nutrients out of water flowing across the farm fields, improving water quality in the White River.

To design, permit, implement, and fund the project, the WRP has convened a diverse group of partners, including the US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Greater Upper Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Clean Water Future donors, Vermont Watershed Grant, and local contractor Ben Canonica.

For more information

2012-2013_Hurricane_Flats_Farm_project

Valley_News_article_090613

Support the WRP

Support the WRP

March 19, 2013

We invite you to support our work in 2013!

Support the WRP

The WRP depends on individual and business donations to implement our stewardship programs – please consider making a donation online today!

Looking for a unique gift? Consider giving that special someone a tree planted along the White River in 2013 – visit Clear Water Carbon Fund to learn how!

We want to thank everyone who helped us monitor, restore, and steward the White River watershed in 2012! For more information, check out our 2012 accomplishments.

For more information

Contact us for more information about supporting the WRP!

Irene recovery grants

Irene recovery grants

March 12, 2013

The White River Partnership (WRP) has received three grants in 2013 to implement flood recovery projects that improve water quality, fish & wildlife habitat, and public access as well as engage people and local communities in watershed stewardship activities.

Davis Community Foundation (DCF)

The Davis Community Foundation supports environmental protection organizations whose projects strengthen volunteer activity and community involvement. The WRP has received DCF funds to protect and enhance brook trout populations by improving fish passage through stream-crossing structures in Rochester, Vermont damaged during Tropical Storm Irene.

Vermont Ecosystem Restoration Program (ERP)

Vermont’s Ecosystem Restoration Program takes action to accelerate the reduction of sediment and nutrient pollution from uncontrolled runoff into our streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and lakes. The WRP has received ERP funds to conduct an intensive physical assessment of the White River, Third Branch, and major tributaries in Bethel, Vermont and to develop a River Corridor Management Plan that identifies on-the-ground projects to improve water quality, habitat, and flood resiliency.

Vermont Watershed Grant (VWG)

Vermont Watershed Grant funds are administered by the State of Vermont and are granted to support on-the-ground projects that protect or restore water quality and shorelines, enhance recreational use, and educate people about watershed resources. The WRP has received VWG funds to implement Irene recovery projects with volunteers, including planting 3,000 native trees and shrubs along the river, removing man-made trash along 25 miles of the White River, and implementing an innovative streambank restoration project in South Royalton.

We want to thank DCF, ERP, and VWG for their generous support of our 2013 flood recovery projects!