When Tropical Storm Irene flooded the river here, waters washed out a section of the state highway. With climate change, Vermont is likely to see more and severe floods, which is why Vermont River Conservancy protects floodplains like this.
Flowing down out of the highest peaks of the Green Mountains, the north and south branches of the White River join together in the village of Stockbridge, continuing through Central Vermont’s narrow valleys en route to the Connecticut River. Here, just downstream from the Stockbridge village center, we worked with private landowners to make sure their stretch of the White River — nearly a half-mile of meandering river bends and sandbars — would always be able to absorb flood waters.
With Vermont River Conservancy’s unique river corridor easement, the farmland can flood and help absorb the river’s energy during high water, slowing its flow. This helps decrease erosion, reduces flood risk for downstream communities, filters pollution and debris out of water, and creates better habitat for fish, birds, and wildlife.
We’re grateful for the foresight of people like the Freud-Finn Family who recognize how they can do their part to protect Vermont’s rivers.
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
