The Weston Dam removal (see before and after above) is an example of a project type recommended in the river corridor plan. DEC photo.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a new river corridor plan for the Upper West River. Prepared by Fitzgerald Environmental, the plan focuses on the West River and tributaries upstream of the Townshend dam. It provides an in-depth analysis of the river channel’s stability and assesses the natural and human impacts causing changes to the river system.
“The river corridor plan gives DEC and local communities the information they need to understand what is happening in the watershed,” said DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “It also outlines how to improve our river and lake systems, making them healthier and more flood-resilient.”
The plan offers 60 recommendations for on-the-ground projects to help:
- Improve habitat,
- Restore floodplains,
- Conserve river and wetland corridors, and
- Reduce stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops, roads, and parking lots.
The projects also pinpoint where work will help mitigate flooding and protect downstream communities.
“The Upper West River and its tributaries have caused a lot of infrastructure damage in the past several years,” said Margo Ghia, Natural Resources Planner at the Windham Regional Commission. “The restoration and mitigation projects identified in the River Corridor Plan, once completed, will help reduce future impacts of river flooding.”
DEC will hold an informational meeting on the plan at 6:30 pm on September 3, 2025, at the Londonderry Town Office (100 Old School Rd, South Londonderry, VT 05155).
View the plan and meeting information on the DEC Watershed Planning Program website under Basin 11. Learn more about river assessment online.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620-3901
802-261-0606
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