Stream and Wetland Restoration

A multitude of programs designed to support restoring natural resources

Trees for Streams

Trees and vegetation can help stabilize stream banks from erosion, provide habitat, and improve water quality. They hold soil in place, filter out nutrients and other pollutants before they reach the water source, and provide so many other ecosystem services.

Interested in planting and maintaining a buffer by a stream?

For eligible projects, the District will provide preliminary consultation, plant materials, and planting labor; the landowner agrees to maintain the site for ten years.

Learn about additional landowner opportunities for streamside plantings in northwestern Vermont here.

Learn more: contact us at info@FranklinCountyNRCD.org

A streambank in a farm field being restored so it is safe and stable.

Earthwork Projects

If a streambank, channel, or floodplain require earthwork to improve the conditions of the landscape or resource, the District will work with you to find opportunities for responsible and appropriate design and implementation.

Stream Temperature Monitoring around Browns Pond

From mid-July through mid-October 2021, the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District, in consultation with Just Water Consulting, conducted a monitoring study of the in-stream temperatures in The Branch upstream and downstream of Browns Pond in Bakersfield, Vermont.

Read the full report here

A waterfall over the dam at Browns Pond in Bakersfield, VT.

A stream filled with plenty of woody debris, which provides habitat for trout.

Wood Additions

Trees and dead branches in streams, while they may look messy, can actually be an effective benefit to trout populations across Vermont. This debris provides hiding places from predators, attracts insects and other food sources, and forms pools for trout to rest and feed. Due to deforestation along stream banks, those helpful fallen trees and branches are in short supply. To learn more about what you can do to keep your streams messy and help Vermont's trout, see the resources below!

"Trout: The Fish that Grow on Trees" webinar recording

Vermont Strategic Wood Addition Handbook

Dam Removals

While there are many partners involved in removing derelict, obsolete, and dangerous dams across Vermont, the District is an enthusiastic partner. Currently, we are involved in the removal of the Johnson's Mill Dam in Bakersfield, VT.

Learn more about the Johnsons Mill Dam Removal

A person standing in front of the Johnsons Mill Dam in Bakersfield, which was removed in 2021.

Wetlands

The District is partnering with Vermont Agency of Natural Resources - Department of Environmental Conservation to provide information and support to land owners and land managers in Franklin County about the opportunities for wetland restoration and easement programs.

Wetland Reserve Easements (WREs) are designed to help restore converted wetland agricultural lands back to their former state. They are just one example of easements supported by the District that can help maintain the legacy of your farmland.