Paradee River Corridor Easement

Swanton/Sheldon, Vermont

Hungerford Brook, Missisquoi River

Wildlife & Watershed Protection
Wildlife & Watershed Protection
Wildlife & Watershed Protection
Wildlife & Watershed Protection
Conservation land, not open to the public. Please respect private landowners.
An easement here lets Hungerford Brook meander, and lets trees and shrubs grow-up along the stream bank.
Dogs not allowed
Dogs not allowed
No cell service
No cell service
  • Public access: No
Paradee River Corridor Easement Swanton/Sheldon, Vermont Hungerford Brook, Missisquoi River

Paradee River Corridor Easement

Thanks to this 50-foot wide river corridor easement, Hungerford Brook is a little bit healthier. This is a place where Hungerford Brook was “channelized,” with fill forcing the river into a straight-line path and making water flow more quickly. Also, the land used to be farmed right up to the river’s edge, with few deep roots to hold-in soil along the river’s edge. Ultimately, few roots and faster water means more erosion, washing away soil and making murkier water for fish and other water creatures.

To help solve this problem, the easement allows a “riparian buffer” of trees, shrubs, and plants to grow up within 50-feet of the river. Their roots help hold soil in place, provide great habitat for birds and wildlife, and help ensure cleaner river water by absorbing runoff from the farm fields. Plus, once channelized and straightened, Hungerford Brook will also be allowed to regain its natural meandering pattern. This helps the land absorb more water, increasing resilience during times of drought, while keeping downstream roads and buildings a bit safer from the next flood.

 

Conservation Details

  • River: Hungerford Brook, Missisquoi River
  • Acreage: 7.70
  • River frontage (ft): 3,200

Funding Partners

This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:

  • Vermont Agency of Natural Resources