The Mercy Family farmed here for generations, enjoying the productivity of their river valley cropland along the banks of the South Branch of the Trout River. But over time, rivers don’t stay in one place. As the Trout River shifted and flooded, the Mercy family could plant crops along the riverbank, but as the Trout River shifted and flooded fields, they couldn’t count on being able to harvest their crops here.
Arnold and Linda wanted to keep farming most of their land, but knew that the riverbank was one of the worst areas to farm. That’s how they connected with Vermont River Conservancy — they were looking for funding that could help them manage the risks of farming on riverlands and mitigate their crop losses. Now, thanks to a river corridor easement with Vermont River Conservancy, this section of the South Branch will always be able to move freely across the land, and trees and shrubs can grow-up within 50-feet of the riverbank, holding soils in place and keeping soil from eroding into the water. Plus, the Mercy’s were compensated for cropland they won’t be able to plant in anymore.
Arnold Mercy describes this option as, “the best one out there, since the river will move where it wants to anyways.”
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
