FNLC to Complete Groundbreaking Tributary Assessment

Project Update! Friends of Northern Lake Champlain (FNLC) is nearing the final stages of our Rock River Watershed sub-watershed assessment in Franklin County, Vermont. This project is a collaboration with Fitzgerald Environmental Associates (FEA), experts in water and geospatial sciences, and is funded by the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s (LCBP) Research for Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems Fund. 

For the first time in this region, we’re focusing on the often-overlooked smaller agricultural ditches and tributaries that flow into the Rock River. Unlike traditional stream assessments that emphasize larger waterways, this project zeroes in on the intricate drainage networks that play a crucial role in the watershed’s overall health. 

Through this work, we’re not just mapping these ditches—we’re assessing ditch types, evaluating buffer zones, cataloging tile drain inputs, documenting erosion, and describing potential for erosion. By digging deeper, we’re uncovering key stressors and problem areas at a detailed level, providing a clearer understanding of how these smaller systems contribute to the broader challenge of sediment-bound phosphorus entering Missisquoi Bay. 

Why does this matter? Having informed conversations with landowners is essential for addressing water quality concerns. By collecting detailed data on these small tributaries, we can better engage with landowners in the Rock River Watershed and provide them with targeted, actionable insights. We hope this project serves as a model for future sub-watershed assessments across Vermont, paving the way for more effective and localized solutions. 

We’re incredibly grateful to LCBP for funding this important work and to FEA for their partnership. Together, we’re making strides toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for Lake Champlain! 

For more information on FEA’s work visit: https://fitzgeraldenvironmental.com/ 

For more information on the Lake Champlain Basin Program visit: https://www.lcbp.org/