Final Design Completed for Floodplain Restoration on Westcott Brook

FRANKLIN, VT -- In June 2026, the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) completed final design for a project that proposes to restore a segment of Westcott Brook, located on the western side of Lake Carmi in Franklin, VT. FCNRCD partnered with Fitzgerald Environmental Associates (FEA) and Hartgen Archeological Associates to complete the final design and submit relevant permitting applications.

The project site is located on the lakeward side of Riley Road on the western side of Lake Carmi. Westcott Brook is one of 14 tributaries to Lake Carmi, Vermont’s only designated Lake In Crisis.

The incised stream channel. Photo: Mel Auffredou.

The goal of this project is to restore the brook’s floodplain access and habitat function using methods that improve both water quality and ecosystem benefits. The final design created by FEA includes berm removal and strategic wood addition components. FCNRCD and FEA worked with the landowner to refine the project design based on a combination of environmental benefits and landowner priorities. Hartgen Archeological Associates performed cultural resources review of the project area by conducting a Phase I Investigation with shovel test pits, confirming that the project does not have any cultural resources concerns. FCNRCD recently secured implementation funding and plans to move forward with this project in Summer 2026.

Funding for this project is provided by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Clean Water Initiative Program through the Enhancement Design and Implementation Block Grant program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Council.