White River Partnership
2003 Annual Report
Prepared by:
Amy Sheldon
Watershed Coordinator
March 15, 2004
almost entirely cleared of their trees. Today,
the hills are reforested and the valleys remain
open, primarily in agriculture.
Overview
In 1996 the White River Partnership formed
as a locally led, needs driven collaboration
among citizens, communities, organizations,
and state and federal agencies. Our mission
is to help local communities balance the
long-term cultural, economic and
environmental health of the watershed
through active citizen participation.
The White River Watershed has fantastic
human, cultural and natural resources, but
faces many challenges on the journey toward
being a sustainable community. Large-scale
gravel mining was common until 1986. River
morphologists have concluded that the White
River and its tributaries are still experiencing
instability due to decades old gravel mining.
Our vision is that in the watershed, citizens,
businesses and governments collaborate to
make informed, responsible decisions that
improve and protect the cultural, economic
and environmental qualities of the watershed
for present and future generations.
Loss of riparian forest to transportation
systems, agriculture and past forest
management has left parts of the river in poor
habitat condition. At the turn of the century
the watershed was only 20% forested leaving
lasting impacts. Sedimentation from eroding
banks, elevated water temperatures and the
loss of other riparian functions has reduced
aquatic habitat quality for trout and Atlantic
salmon in many reaches of the watershed.
The river has been used for thousands of
years as a travel way, first by Native
American populations and later by European
settlers. By the early twentieth century, the
narrow valleys of the White River had been
The Watershed
The White River Watershed is 454,000 acres covering
all or part of 21 towns in central Vermont. Land
ownership is 85% private, 5% municipal and state
lands, and 10% National Forest. The 56-mile long
White River is free flowing, the watershed is 84%
forested, 7% in agricultural use, and only 5%
developed. The White River Watershed is a Clean
Water Action Plan National Showcase Watershed, an
important river in the Connecticut River Atlantic
Salmon Restoration Program, a Special Focus Area of
the Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, and a
major tributary to an American Heritage River, the
Connecticut River.
State of Vermont
White River Watershed
In 1996 a series of public forums provided watershed residents an opportunity to share their
concerns about the watershed. The seven priority areas identified in those six meetings are the
foundation of the Partnership’s work program today. They are:
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Water Quality
Riparian Habitat
Streambank Erosion
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Public access to the river
Point source & non-point source pollution
Maintaining a working landscape (agriculture & forest)
Public awareness of problems
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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The White River Partnership provides a structure for volunteers and professional resource
managers to work together on critical issues in the watershed, focusing both volunteer effort and
agency time and money in areas that are critical to the health of the watershed and important to
watershed residents
Our partners:
Citizens
Two Rivers Regional Planning Commission
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)
National Wildlife Federation
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Trout Unlimited
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Connecticut River Joint Commissions
Silvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge
Green Mountain National Forest
USFS, Northeastern Region State and Private Forestry
US Fish and Wildlife Service
George D. Aiken Resource Conservation and Development
Natural Resource Conservation Service
The Towns of: Barnard, Bethel, Sharon, Randolph,
Rochester, Royalton, Hancock, and Granville
Goals
The Partnership has developed a five-year
business plan to address the seven priority
areas identified in the public forums
(described above). Our watershed restoration
efforts focus on the following five work areas:
Outreach and Education: We are working
with partner organizations and individual
schools to develop education programs and to
create consistent water-quality monitoring
protocols among schools.
Watershed Assessment: Combining the best
of professional expertise with local knowledge
and volunteer labor (where possible) we are
measuring the health of the watershed through
GIS analysis, in-depth physical assessments,
establishment of permanent cross sections, and
watershed wide water quality monitoring.
Economic Sustainability: We are working
with citizens concerned with the future
sustainability of forestry in the watershed to
develop a long-term plan to address their
concerns.
Stream Corridor Restoration: We are using
natural channel design to restore stream
function and process to reaches between one
quarter
 and three miles long. We also utilize
alternatives to rock riprap on smaller
2003 Accomplishments
stabilization projects and have an aggressive
tree planting program to re-vegetate riparian
Watershed Assessment:
areas.
Capacity Building: We are building a long
lasting, independent organization that
facilitates communication between government
agencies and their citizens.
Brookfield’s famous floating bridge.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Watershed Assessment
Water Quality Monitoring
This season marks the third year of our volunteer effort to
monitor water quality in the watershed. Once again, thirty
volunteers collected water quality data at 23 River Stations
throughout the watershed on a weekly basis. Volunteers
sampled each Wednesday of the summer for E. coli,
turbidity, and conductivity.
A headwater stream flows cold and
clear.
This year, thermographs were moved from the main stem
sites they had been at in the past and put up into the
tributaries. In particular, the mouths of three tributaries of
the Third Branch were monitored after citizens voiced
concern over heavy logging in their headwaters. With only
one season of data, it appears that these watersheds are still
among some of the coldest, with nearly 100 percent of the
hours last summer being within the “optimum growth” range
for Brook trout.
Each week, E. coli data was shared with health officers and town offices throughout the watershed
and was available to the public via the World Wide Web. In the three years we have been
collecting E.coli samples, there have been five sites that have consistently exceeded the EPA
standard. The Middle Branch Stream team started to follow up on high e.coli counts in their towns
and this year we will continue to look more closely at these problem areas.
A “State of the Watershed” report will be completed in the Spring of 2004 that summarizes the data
we have collected over the past three years. It will be shared with partners, towns and volunteers
and will result in a re-design of our monitoring program and assist us in prioritizing work programs
in the coming years.
Assessment Intern
A graduate student from Antioch New England in
Keene, NH, Paul Brown, was the 2004 Assessment
Intern. He coordinated the volunteer water quality
monitoring program, monitored our permanent cross
sections, (bringing our total to 17) and assisted with
surveying at some of our restoration projects. Paul
decided to focus his Master’s research in the
watershed as well: he sampled for Benthic
Macroinvertebrates before and after we the Riford
Brook restoration project was constructed in August.
We are looking forward to getting Paul’s results and
using it as a base to expand our monitoring program!
Paul Brown, Assessment Intern, hard at work.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Phase I Assessment
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources,
one of our most active partners, has
developed a three phase river assessment
process to help characterize the watersheds
of the state and to assist with restoration
project selection. The first phase of the
assessment compiles existing geographic
data and breaks the river into reaches based
on valley slope and width, river sinuosity,
tributary influence and geologic materials.
The reaches provide the framework for the
rest of the Phase I, II and III analysis. The
Phase I assessment is a ten step process that,
when complete, allows the user to identify
reaches based on certain criteria. The Phase
I data helped us identify river reaches in the
Middle and First Branch watersheds with
less than 25’ of riparian buffer on either
bank and soils with a low erodability rating.
We targeted these areas in the second round
of our Riparian Restoration Project, focused
this year on the Middle Branch. (See
adjacent map.)
Using the Phase I data, we were able to
identify reaches of the Middle and First
Branches that had no riparian buffer and had
low erodability soils.
We have completed the entire ten step
Phase I assessment on all six of the subbasins in the watershed – over 700 reaches
and by far the largest Phase I assessment in
the State thus far. This data is now being
updated into the most current version of the
database and used by volunteers to identify
Phase II assessment priority areas.
Phase II Field Assessment
The Phase II Assessment is a field survey that
double checks the Phase I data a field observations
and measurements. We contracted with consultant
Lisa Godfrey to complete a Phase II assessment on
33 reaches distributed throughout the watershed.
Volunteers assisted Lisa whenever possible in this
arduous task, building on the 15 reaches completed
by volunteers the previous year. We are starting to
build the story of the watershed’s past and to
identify the major impacts affecting it today.
Tony Velturo, “Volunteer Extroidinaire!”
collecting Phase II Assessment data.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Stream Corridor Restoration
WRP Stream restoration and tree planting project locations.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Establishing Riparian Buffers
Upper River Riparian Stewardship Project
The WRP, in conjunction with the National
Wildlife Federation (NWF), contacted over 130
landowners in the Upper White River subwatershed to educate them on the benefits of
riparian buffers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Partners for Fish and Wildlife program paid for the
trees and the Partnership rounded up the volunteers
to plant the trees. This year the WRP was able to
plant almost 5,000’ of riparian buffer on twelve
properties located in the Upper White River subwatershed. Next year we will focus on the 4.5
miles of Forest Service lands that lack sufficient
buffers.
One of many buffer planted on private land in 2003
Middle Branch Riparian Buffer initiative
The Partnership received a grant from the Fifteen
Mile Falls Mitigation and Enhancement Fund
(Hydro Dam on the Connecticut River) to work with
the White River Conservation District to extend our
riparian buffer initiative to the Middle Branch of the
White River. Ninety-three property owners were
contacted and educated on the benefits of
maintaining vegetation on their riverfront. Almost
two miles of buffer agreements have been signed,
with the trees to be planted in the spring of 2004.
Next year this project will continue into the First
Branch sub-watershed.
2003 Restoration Projects
Cross vane at the Riford Brook project.
Two of the over 300 volunteers
who helped plant trees in 2003.
A banner year for in-stream habitat improvements and stream
bank stabilization, the partnership completed three reach-level
geomorphic restoration projects this year. Riford Brook, Lower
Granville (an extension of the one mile of restoration work just
up stream) and Howe Acres, for a total of 9,190 feet. The local
chapter of Trout Unlimited paid for most of the Lower
Granville project, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
assisted us with design and implementation of the project. The
Partnership took the lead on and paid for most of the Riford
Brook project, a highly eroding tributary to the Third Branch
that passes through an active dairy farm. Finally, on the Howe
Acres project, the Partnership took the lead in project design
and implementation and the NRCS paid for the project. How
Acres is an active dairy farm in Tunbridge, Vermont, on the
First Branch of the White. The Partnership also completed a
100’ bank stabilization project on the main stem and repaired a
past project in the Town of Royalton.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Outreach and Education
Educational Talks
The Board decided to dedicate half of their monthly meetings to
an educational speakers series. The turnout for this was
remarkable, with at least 30 people attending each one. Topics
included “River Management Alternatives,” “Living with
Beavers,” and “Riparian Buffer Management.”
There was a full house when we learned
how to “Live with Beavers.”
Green Up Day
Once again, over 300 WRP volunteers collected trash in
conjunction with Vermont’s statewide Green Up Day in May.
Watershed Quests
The first Quest, on the Clark Brook Trail in the
Green Mountain National encourages
exploration of the headwaters of the White
River as well as the adjacent Breadloaf
Wilderness area.
“Watershed Ed” Sharron, the Outreach Coordinator for the
Partnership, is working with teachers and Vital Communities,
a region sustainability organization, to develop Quests for our
watershed. Each sub-watershed will have one that will be
included in the official published guide to quests in the Upper
Connecticut River. Participants follow a series of clues to
find their way through the quest. Upon successful
completion, you find a box that contains a stamp for you to
enter into your book.
Also of Note
This year we prepared an educational supplement about watershed management and the Partnership.
This document was inserted into the “The Herald of Randolph” in early December, reaching their 6,000
readers. We are also hard at work developing five more watershed signs – one for each of the subwatersheds that don’t already have one. These will be put up as soon as the ground thaws in the spring.
We also held our now annual and ever popular membership meeting, with Native American story teller,
Jim Bruchac as the featured guest. Finally, we took our show on the road to many of the events in the
watershed included the famous “Tunbridge World’s Fair” in September and a buffer workshop held by
the Hartford Conservation Commission.
Continuing Outreach Activities
The Partnership is committed to the quarterly publication of our newsletter. There is so much
happening at the Partnership, it’s difficult even for Board members to keep track! We also have a very
accessible and successful web-page, full of information about watershed management and the
partnership.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Economic Sustainability
Forestry Work Group
Many of the issues facing the Northeast’s Northern
Forests are also affecting the White River
Watershed. This year, the Forestry Work Group,
responding to citizen concerns about the long-term
viability of forest management in the watershed,
held a forum to identify specific concerns of the
citizens. At the meeting, held in May and cohosted by the State of Vermont Department of
Forests, Parks, and Recreation, attendees identified
water quality associated with large cuts, the how
the standards that regulate logging in Vermont are
being applied and a strong desire to have a long
term plan for forest resources in the watershed as
their priorities.
Forest Forum participants vote for their
priorities.
In response to these concerns, temperatures were monitored in three of the most heavily cut
tributaries, we are studying the impacts to water quality associated with timber harvesting
watershed wide and we are working with the University of Vermont to develop a framework for
citizens to use to plan for forestry in the future.
Capacity Building
Serving the communities of the watershed
Each year more towns in the watershed become familiar with the Partnership and work closely
with us in their community. This past year, we worked with the towns of Rochester, Granville,
Hancock, Sharon, South Royalton, Chelsea, Randolph, Hartford and Bethel. Projects included
water quality monitoring, stream bank restoration, and putting Supplemental Environmental
Program funds (state fines) to work in their communities. These towns have also made modest
commitments to financially support the Partnership.
Stream Teams are the heart and soul of the WRP. Six fully
Stream Teams
functioning stream teams are operating throughout the
watershed, with the Middle Branch team getting on line this
year. Stream Teams work in their communities to assess stream
corridor conditions, make contact with private landowners,
identify restoration and protection projects and rally partners and
volunteers. Each stream team has a different flavor and focuses
on its own priorities. These range from planting trees, to
restoration projects, to outreach events with landowners and
other citizens.
Contributing Members
The stream team invited the public to
learn about Natural channel Design at
the Howe Acres project.
Our base of membership support continues to grow, not only
through the hundreds of volunteers who work for the
Partnership, but also through our paid membership. We have a
committed contributing membership of over 240 individuals and
businesses and eight towns gave us money last year.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Future Actions and Opportunities
Locally Led Watershed Assessment
Compile assessment data into comprehensive “State of the Watershed” report that can be
presented to communities and easily added to in the future;
 Evaluate water quality program and re-design where needed;
 Complete Phase II Assessment on 30 reaches (five in each sub-watershed;
 Hire summer Assessment Intern to continue cross section monitoring and coordinate
volunteers;
 Work with stream teams to follow-up on high e.coli readings;
 Continue to assist stream teams in the use Phase I & II Assessment information for
restoration project selection;
 Complete the URST Pilot Project.
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Stream Corridor Restoration
Bettis & Deering -- Bank stabilization
Lewin & Fallon in MBST – bank stabilization
Broad Brook – bank stabilization
Lower Granville – geomorphic
Lower Riford – geomorphic
Welch’s – line ditch – VTRANS
Howe Acres – complete plantings, repair berm – geomorphic
Schumway Farm – survey & design contracted out – geomorphic
Locust Creek -- Survey & design contracted out -- geomorphic
Complete Upper River Riparian – USFS plantings
Two miles of buffer plantings on Middle Branch
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Outreach and Education:
Quarterly newsletter;
Maintain web page;
Continue to track town contributions and look for ways to get more communities supporting
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Work with Stream Teams to develop and install watershed signs in each sub-watershed;
Complete Valley Quests (3 currently on board);
Maintain WRP presence at special events;
Special speaker series throughout the watershed;
WRP Outings.
Economic Sustainability through the Community Collaborative
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Continue to work with UVM & County Forester on community forest planning initiative;
Capacity Building
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Increase contributing membership;
Retain past members;
Build relationships with funders;
Engage in long term strategic visioning.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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Partnership Funding/Investment in the Watershed
2003 Funding
$85,000
$110,000
Partners
Green Mountain
National Forest
USFS State and
Private Forestry
$130,000
Total Funding: $ 325,000
Watershed-wide allocations
Partnership Goal
Amount
Locally Led Watershed Assessment
Stream Corridor Restoration
Outreach and Education
Economic Sustainability
Capacity Building
$40,000
$190,000
$40,000
$20,000
$35,000
Total $325,000.00
Partnership Contacts
For more information contact: Amy Sheldon, (802) 767-4600 or wrpamy@copper.net; Steve
Roy, (802) 747-6739 or sroy@fs.fed.us.
A healthy river, vibrant communities, and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.
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