Sandwiched between a rock and a hard place, this stretch of the White River is tucked between Vermont Highway 107 and River Road. The riverbed would naturally bend and braid through the valley, slowing floodwaters. But due to decades of state and town roadwork that’s built-up the roads with gravel fill and rip-rap, the straightened-out riverbank makes flood waters speed downriver on a crash course into roads, homes, and businesses. The effects of this were clear during Tropical Storm Irene, when the White River washed out nearly 1-mile of Highway 107.
We protected this island in order to help protect roads, homes, and businesses from the next big flood. This means that when the White River is high, water can flow across this 9.3-acre island, where the island’s forests and gravel beaches can absorb water, slow the river, and help keep communities safe.
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
