In 2011 Tropical Storm Irene devastated the Quintown valley, which includes the towns of Granville, Hancock, Rochester, Stockbridge, and Pittsfield along the Upper White River. Although these communities recovered quickly and efficiently, the valley is vulnerable to future flood damages.
The Quintown Collaborative is a grassroots effort to build support for on-the-ground, watershed restoration projects that will reduce flood damages in Quintown communities and keep the White River healthy. Project partners are identifying and developing projects that protect the transportation network – like culvert replacements – and reduce development in active floodplains – like river corridor easements.
Watch this video to learn more about how culvert replacement projects reduce flood damages and improve the health of the White River:
The High Meadows Fund has funded the grassroots collaboration between the WRP, the regional planning commission, the 5 towns, and several interested state and federal agencies since 2014. Today the Quintown Collaborative consists of two working groups:
The Fish Passage Partnership includes representatives from the WRP, the five towns, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, Green Mountain National Forest, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Vermont Agency of Transportation, and on-the-ground project funders.
The Floodplain Conservation Partnership includes representatives from the WRP, landowners from the five towns, Vermont River Conservancy, Vermont Watershed Management Division, and on-the-ground project funders.
Since 2014 the Quintown Collaborative has accomplished the following strategic objectives: