When experts at Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation looked at rivers around Brattleboro, this was one of the priority properties where permanent protection from development would help reduce flood risk in downtown Brattleboro. We helped buy the land, add a conservation easement, and then transfer the land to the Westgate Housing Community to use for recreation and agriculture.
With a River Corridor Easement held by Vermont River Conservancy, the Westgate Housing Community has agreed to allow Halladay Brook to flow naturally over their land. When spring meltwater is high, the river floods the land, and its banks may shift over time. Instead of controlling the river and forcing it to stay in the channel it’s in now, the landowner will let water flood and recede, and will let the river change its course over time. This is especially important when water is high — the flooded land provides seasonal wetland habitat for birds and wildlife. Perhaps most importantly, the land helps slow the river, which filters out debris and pollution, and helps reduce flood risk for homes and businesses downstream.
Grab a coffee and chai donut at Duchess Coffee Co. in Brattleboro on your way. Or, finish off your day on the river with dinner on the outdoor patio at Peter Havens.
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
From downtown Brattleboro or Exit 2 off Interstate 91, head west on Route 9 (Western Ave which becomes Marlboro Ave) for about 3 miles. Turn right on Sunset Lake Ave and park, property is on the north of the junction of Sunset Lake Ave and Marlboro Ave.
