Brattleboro, VT — This April, Connecticut River Conservancy completed construction work on the removal of two earthen berms in Guilford and Halifax, VT that block the Green River from accessing its floodplain during high water events.  In Guilford, by removing over 800 feet of berm the Green River can now access over one acre of private property for flood attenuation. Similarly, by breaching an historic berm in Halifax, floodwaters will have access to spread out and slow down, thereby reducing pressure and potential damage to a bridge that crosses the river on Green River Road.

Both projects utilized Vermont based companies for engineering design, construction, and tree planting – Fitzgerald Environmental Associates, LLC (Colchester), MT3 Unlimited (Guilford) and Long View Forest (Hartland/Westminster). “We always say that a healthy environment and healthy economy go hand in hand, and it couldn’t be any more true right now,” says Ron Rhodes, Restoration Manger for CRC. “We’re thrilled that our river restoration work can help boost the local economies during these difficult times. And we are proud of the partnerships we have been able to forge over the past decade that have resulted in nearly 350 miles of stream being restored and opened to fish passage.”

Kathy Urffer, VT/NH River Steward and project manager shares, “We are so grateful for the willingness of private landowners to do these types of projects on their lands.  They are providing a valuable service to downstream neighbors and public infrastructure by providing opportunities for our rivers and streams to spread out and slow down during flood conditions.”

Funding for these restoration projects was provided by a grant through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP).

Since 1952, Connecticut River Conservancy has been the voice for the Connecticut River watershed, from source to sea. They collaborate with partners across four states to protect and advocate for your rivers and educate and engage communities. They bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of your river and its tributary streams. Healthy rivers support healthy economies. To learn more about CRC, or to contribute to help protect your rivers, visit www.ctriver.org.

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