Watershed Planning and Restoration
Our Watersheds
A watershed is an area of land that all drains to the same point. Franklin County contains portions of three major Vermont watersheds including Lamoille River Basin, Missisquoi Bay Watershed, and Northern Lake Direct. We work independently and collaborate with many partners within and across these areas to plan, design, and implement conservation projects that benefit natural resources at the watershed scale.​
Tactical Basin Planning
We collaborate with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation on their Tactical Basin Planning Process to work towards achieving watershed health.
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Basin 5: Northern Lake Champlain Direct Drainages
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Watershed Projects
Streams and rivers are a huge part of our watersheds. They channel water to outflow points, like ponds, lakes, and oceans. Watershed restoration projects include diverse conservation practices on our streams and rivers, like tree plantings, bank stabilization, obstruction removals, wood additions, and wetland restoration.​ Learn more about some of these conservation practices below.
Earthwork Design
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.
Wood Additions
Trees and dead branches in streams, while they may look messy, are actually beneficial to trout populations across Vermont. Woody 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"
Wetland Restoration
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.
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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.
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Learn More​
