We’ve Been Gearing Up For This Work For A Long Time: The VYCC Watershed Program
February 8, 2018 |
A VYCC Program Highlight by Daniel Schmidt, Conservation Watershed Program Manager
In watersheds across Vermont, erosion issues like this one are being identified, and fixed. In this case, the crew was able to create an earthen berm that would redirect the flow of stormwater from the road back into the ditch. Referred to as nonpoint source pollution, eroded sediments from a multitude of sources are carried into our lakes, streams and wetlands, often during heavy summer rain storms or spring melt. Individually each of these erosion events are responsible for minimal amounts of nutrient pollution, however, collectively they contribute significantly to the harmful algal blooms that plague Lake Champlain, Lake Carmi and other water bodies during the summer and fall.
VYCC, in conjunction with Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is working to reduce non-point source pollution in Vermont’s watersheds and improve the health of our lakes and rivers. According to VT DEC, “Vermonters value clean water and appreciate their local streams, lakes, and wetlands. Our economic prosperity and way of life depend on clean water. Clean water protects public health; supports fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreational uses; and provides critical wildlife habitat.”
Since 1995, VYCC has worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Regional Planning Commissions, Conservation Districts and Watershed Groups to identify and implement water quality projects throughout the state. Over the course of 22 years, VYCC crews have, among other things, installed water bars, planted trees, constructed rain gardens, and worked a collective 81,458 hours to improve Vermont’s lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. .
Our watershed program has grown to include dozens of projects taking place in watersheds throughout Vermont. Last year VYCC crews installed timber check dams in eroding gullies in Rupert, Middlebury, Essex, Williston and Bolton, assessed and implemented class 4 road remediation in Middlesex, Moretown, Brookfield, Woodbury, Waitsfield, Cabot, Marshfield, and Barre Town, and planted native trees along river banks in Hinesburg, Charlotte, Calais, Huntington, Jericho, and Rochester. And more is planned for 2018. Throughout our planning season (i.e. winter) we’re making some big leaps, including fully incorporating watershed work into our corps-wide training program, streamlining our project outcome analysis and reporting process, and creating employment and education opportunities for VYCC crew members in the field of watershed science.
As you’re driving around Vermont this summer, keep an eye out for VYCC watershed crews. You’ll likely find them placing stone in eroding gullies or planting trees along stream banks or installing rain gardens in a town park. Or maybe you won’t see them but you’ll begin to notice their work in the form of healthier lakes and rivers.
Contact Daniel to learn more about this program.