News

The US Forest Service and White River Partnership are pleased to host our Freshwater Snorkeling school education program again this fall.

Here are the program highlights:

WHEN: Weekdays, September 8-19, from approximately 9am-2pm; program is weather-dependent (see weather decision matrix here)
WHO: up to 50 students/day, grades 4-6, from White River valley schools (see White River valley map here)
WHERE: West Branch Restoration Site on the Green Mountain National Forest (2924 Brandon Mountain Road, Rochester, VT)
WHAT: explore the impact of land use on water quality and biodiversity through hands-on snorkeling and waterbug collection activities; utilize the accompanying curriculum before or after the event (optional)
HOW: all participants must sign a waiver and photo permission form; equipment provided to snorkel and to collect waterbugs; porta-potties and changing tents available; dress to get wet, including close-toed water shoes if possible; bring your own lunch, towel, and change of clothes

Interested in participating?

Please contact WRP Watershed Scientist Dan ‘rudi’ Ruddell for more information: rudiATwhiteriverpartnership.org

The White River Partnership is a local group working to keep the river safe for recreation. Here are 4 ways to get involved:

SWIM SMART – Volunteers gather water samples every other week at 16 swimming spots in 11 towns. Then we analyze the samples to answer the question: is the river safe for swimming? Check out the latest Swim Smart monitoring results to learn more.

No matter what the latest Swim Smart monitoring results are, remember this River Recreation Rule-of-thumb: Avoid swimming or tubing in the White River during and immediately after a rain event – there is an increased risk of exposure to pollutants that can make you sick.

EXPLORE – The White River Water Trail is a network of public access sites along the river. Check out this map to find the river access sites near you.

REPORT – Got trash? We invite you to report any trash you find in or along the White River using this form. We’ll use your reports to focus our cleanup efforts in 2025.

VOLUNTEER – Interested in helping us keep the river safe for recreation? Learn more about becoming a White River Water Trail Steward this summer.

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Thank you to our 2025 program sponsors:

Greater Upper Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited

VOREC

We couldn’t do this work without their financial support – and yours: help us keep the White River cleanup and accessible by making a donation today!

Questions? Contact us.

The WRP’s White River Watershed Recreation Map & Guide is now available on Trail Finder, an online trails database for Vermont and New Hampshire.

The WRP released the White River Watershed Recreation Map & Guide in 2019. The map was the result of several years of work with partners to create a printed, waterproof map that highlights access points, paddling trips, tubing routes, fishing tips, hiking trails, and more along the White River and its five major tributaries: First Branch, Second Branch, Third Branch, West Branch, and Tweed River – nearly 110 miles of river exploration!

The online map includes a different link for five areas highlighted on the printed map, including:

White River main stem – Granville to White River Junction
First Branch – Chelsea to the White River
Second Branch – Kingsbury Covered Bridge to the White River
Third Branch – Riford Brook Road to the White River
Tweed River – Pittsfield village to the White River

Follow this link for more information about the White River Water Trail and stewardship opportunities in 2025!