WCNRCD VT TFS 2016 Final Report FEMA Properties

WCNRCD VT TFS 2016 FEMA Buyout Properties Saxtons River Final Report
Site Location: 409, 429 and 443 Saxtons River Road, Rockingham VT, 05101
Ownership: Town of Rockingham/Bellows Falls Village, PO Box 370, 7 Square, Bellows Falls, VT
802-463-3964
Watershed and Reach: Saxtons River Watershed, Reach M04-M05
Site Visits: 12/2/15 Jolene Hamilton (Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District), Marie
Caduto (Department of Environmental Conservation), Kim Smith (Windham Regional Commission),
Andrew Nguyen (AmeriCorps Member). 2/ 9/16 Devin Smith, Peter Bergstrom, Tom Hernon
(Rockingham Conservation Commission Members) to determine current plant species.
Planting Date: 5/6/2016
Latitude and Longitude: 43.13278 – 72.48164
Summary: Based on the Saxtons River Corridor Plan (Fitzgerald, 2010) and the result of Tropical Storm
Irene these FEMA buyout properties were chosen for riparian restoration located on the Main Stem of
the Saxtons River. The site contains 3 former house sites surrounded by remnants of floodplain forest.
The site perimeter is forested except for the north side, which is becoming colonized by Japanese
knotweed. To the north, the bank nearly abuts the road leaving little space for a functional riparian
buffer, and is covered by a dense stand of Japanese knotweed. The eastern and southern edges are
inhabited by typical of flood plain species. The western edge of the property is a highway right of way,
and contains few generalist upland species. Active succession to woody species is occurring mostly in the
lower terrace in the vicinity of a seep entering the river. Seedlings there are mostly basswood,
willow, and alder. Seedlings under the areas of canopy suggest that sugar maple and basswood may
become dominant over time. Proximity to the road and alteration due to construction and human
habitation provide a degree of structural diversity while likely contributing to the early successional
character of much of the site.
Canopy Species:
The following, listed in descending order of frequency, make up the bulk of the existing canopy.
Cottonwood- Populus deltoids: several 12-20” dbh.
Sycamore- Platanus occidentalis: many smaller mature specimens with one large ~24” dbh.
White Pine- Pinus strobus: mostly in highway right of way. Some in upper terrace near former house
sites. Few young seedlings present.
Black locust- Robinia pseudoacacia: mostly in highway right of way.
Basswood- Tilia Americana: Several 12-16” dbh, abundant seedlings.
White Ash- Fraxinus americana: Several 12-16” dbh.
Sugar maple- Acer sacharrum: Several, mostly 8-12” dhb
American elm- Ulmus americana: few scattered, all <8”. Some seedlings noted.
Willow- Salix sp.: Two large canopy trees, likely Salix nigra north of the seep. Abundant seedlings noted
on lower terrace and bank.
Shrub species:
Speckled Alder- Alnus incana: abundant larger seedlings on lower terrace
Staghorn sumac- Rhus typhina: confined to the highway right of way
Other species noted:
Red Oak- Quercus rubra: no mature trees but many seedlings observed
Red Maple- Acer rubrum
Silver Maple- Acer saccharinum
Box Elder- Acer negundo
Apple- Malus sp.
Musclewood- Carpinus caroliniana
Exotic species present:
Japanese knotweed- Polygonum cuspidatum
Tatarian honeysuckle- Lonicera tatarica
Japanese barberry- Berberis thunbergii
Burning bush- Euonymous
Oriental bittersweet – Celastrus orbiculatus
The purpose for the riparian restoration are the following:
1. Enhance bank and new channel edge with vegetation to build up roots, reduce loss of property
to limit future potential slump sites
2.
Reduce excess sediment, organic material, nutrients, in surface runoff and excess
nutrients/chemicals in shallow ground water flow
3.
Create shade to lower water temps to improve aquatic habitat
Marie Caduto determined stability of site. The contract with the Town of Rockingham was signed in April
2016.
Site Design and Planting Plan:
Soil Type: 23: Ondawa fine sandy loam – makes up most of the map unit
Natural Community Type: Silver Maple –Ostrich Fern Riverine Floodplain Forest – Silver Maple,
Cottonwood, American elm, Hackberry, Boxelder, Sycamore, Butternut, Riverbank grape, Virginia
creeper, nannyberry and chokecherry
River Sand or Gravel Shore – Sandbar willow, Silky willow, Woolly-headed willow, Cottonwood and
Sycamore
Sugar Maple- Ostrich Fern Riverine Floodplain Forest – Sugar maple, White ash, Basswood,
Musclewood, American elm, Red Oak, Sycamore, Black Cherry, Cottonwood, Butternut, Red Maple, Black
Ash, Hophornbeam, Boxelder, Chokecherry, Alternate-leaved dogwood, Virginia creeper and Poison ivy
River Cobble Shore - Silky willow, Woolly-headed willow, Sycamore, Cottonwood
Calcareous Riverside Seep - Woolly-headed willow
Species Selected: Willows, Hackberry, Sycamore, Butternut, Maples (Red, Silver and Sugar), Cottonwood,
Nannyberry, Elderberry, Quaking Aspen, Chokeberry and Red Osier Dogwood.
Site Acreage: 943’l x 35’w = 1 acre (average width) (@400 plants/acre)
Planting Crew: Rockingham Conservation Commission, Saxtons River Permaculture Project, Long View
Forest, AmeriCorps Members, Southeastern Vermont Watershed Association and many volunteers from
the Rockingham community assisted with the planting.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
AmeriCorps Members, 18 people
Gloria (SeVWA), Peter and Devin (RCC and Permaculture), Guy (RCC)
Susie Peters, Meg Lucas & Barbie Schreiber (Permaculture)
Evrita Crosby (her family lived in one of the trailers on this site)
Kathy Leo
David Kaneshiro (lived in Jamaica in house washed away in Irene)
Cynthia Berg Chris Berg + 2 more until about noon
Tatiana Schreiber
Timothy Morton
Judith Yogman & Bob Sartini
Deb Carbin
Kathy Carr
Tom Groves, Long View Forest, two of his crew, and their Forester, Alex Barrett
Kent Phillips
Ed Warner
Christine Armiger and 3 others from Vermont Academy
Sarah O'shea
Deane Ellsworth & Amy
Plant List and Costs: Species Installed and Actual Costs
WCNRCD TFS 2016
FEMA Properties , Rockingham VT
Native Trees and Shrubs
Black willow (Salix nigra)
Pussy willow (Salix discolor)
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Cottonwood (populus x deltoids)
Blueberries (Duke and Northland)
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalisercus)
Red Maple (Acer Rubrum)
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana )
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides )
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago L.)
Juneberry (Alnifolia Saskatoon)
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Butternut whips (Juglans cinerea)
Shipping at 25%
Installation
Total Stems/Cost
Signage
Coordination
Total Project Costs
Height
2-3’
2-3’
3-4’
3-4’
18-30”
2-3’
2-3’
4-5'
3-4'
4-5'
3-4'
2-3'
3-4'
1-2’
2-3’
2-3’
2-3’
Piece
80
40
30
40
25
30
20
50
30
30
30
25
30
20
20
15
12
515
Cost/Item
$2.47
$2.53
$2.96
$2.00
$10.00
$2.63
$1.40
$3.93
$2.47
$4.58
$3.13
$2.76
$5.93
$1.23
$1.90
$1.70
$3.54
Total/Item
$197.60
$101.12
$88.80
$80.00
$250.00
$78.90
$28.00
$196.50
$74.10
$137.40
$94.00
$69.00
$177.90
$24.60
$38.00
$25.50
$42.48
$415.36
1,194.72
1,703.90
$115.08
1,500.00
$4,929.06
per stem

$9.57
Mats were used on all species except the willows to control the spread of invasives and
combat the existing heavy grass cover on site
Expense
Personnel + mileage
Volunteers/
AmeriCorps
200hrs @$15/hr.
Native Trees and Shrubs
Installation
Shipping (25% to cover all sizes)
Signage
Partner Assistance
20hrs @$50/hr.
TOTAL
Actual
Match
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$2,820.00*
$1,703.90
$2,820.00
$1,703.90
$1,194.72
$1,194.72
$415.36
$115.08
$4,929.06
Total Cost
$415.36
$115.08
$1,000**
$1,000
$3,820.00
$8,749.06
* Volunteers
** Marie Caduto (DEC)
Planning Plan:
Purpose: Buffer installation and bank stabilization
Recommended Vegetation and Planting Plan:


Section of native willows, and dogwoods along bank section for vigorous and fast growth to
develop root mass and stabilize bank and to withstand ice sheering.
Bare root tree species staggered in lines to create buffer area and increase diversity of riparian
buffer for habitat purposes.
The willows and shrubs will be planted 3-5 feet apart and we will cluster shrubs in groups to help mimic
natural succession and provide valuable cover habitats. The bare-root trees will be spaced in 8’ to 10’
apart in staggered rows.
Site Pre-Photo
Site During Planting
Site Post Planting
Site Map
Saxtons River Watershed – Reach(s) M04 and M05; 43.13278 – 72.48164
409, 429 and 443 Saxtons River Road, Rockingham, VT 05101
Media Coverage: Allen Flower approached Devin Smith about helping to produce a program about the
buffer planting to be aired on FACT-V. Devin and Allen agreed that the planting and the social and
conservation issues surrounding it represented a potentially engaging narrative of unique interest to the local
community. This program will be part a series that focuses on improving our ecological footprint by rethinking
how human and natural systems interface. The fact that the planting was done on a property at which some
of the most visible and severe damage from Tropical Storm Irene occurred provides a unique leverage point
with which to frame the value of riparian buffers. Our hope is that the program will enhance the success of
planting by enhancing visibility of the project in the Rockingham community, engaging the community in
actively caring for the site, and by educating the public about the many benefits of quality riparian habitat.
The production is still in the raw footage stage, but Allen obtained some footage of Devin speaking with both
David Deen and Marie Caduto about the scope and goals of the buffer planting project, as well as why we
should value riparian buffers more broadly. I'm sure Allen's footage will also represent the spirit of service of
all who turned out for the planting. One volunteer, who spoke on camera at length, had actually grown up in
one of the houses that had been destroyed at the planting site.
Photo - Devin Smith and Jolene Hamilton – discussion prior to flagging site
Brattleboro Reformer <news@reformer.com>,
"The Commons (news)" <news@commonsnews.org>,
Calendar--Commons News <calendar@commonsnews.org>,
Calendar--Rutland Herald <calendar@rutlandherald.com>,
Keene Sentinel <news@keenesentinel.com>,
"WKVT 92. 7 Brattleboro" <psa@wkvt.com>,
WTSA-AM Brattleboro <psa@wtsa.net>,
The Shopper/Vermont Journal <editor@vermontjournal.com>,
The Message for the Week <mftwmail@gmail.com>
The Message (Chester) ran a story without photo on 5/4. http://www.themessage.news/news/2016-0504/Rockingham/Irene_destruction_spurs_community_resilience.html
http://www.themessage.news/news/2016-05-04/PDF/Page_008.pdf
Here is a scan I made of the first page of the Reformer photo section. Those photos and more are online at
http://photos.reformer.com/2016/05/06/photos-planting-trees-in-rockingham/#1
Here is the Commons article, from 4/27: http://www.commonsnews.org/site/site05/story.php?
articleno=14543&page=1#.VzxtEDArK70
Here is the Shopper article from 4/21: http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/irene-destruction-spurs-community-resiliencerockingham
You can see the photos I took here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.1114302025259986.1073741842.595881837102010&type=1&l=5ebe260147
The photos that Meg Lucas took are online here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.1598178200472242.1073741829.1588134584809937&type=3
Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District
28 Vernon Street, Suite 332
Brattleboro, VT
05301
MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT
between
Windham County Natural Resources Conservation
District and
Town of Rockingham
This agreement is entered into this April 5, 2016 by the Windham County Natural Resources
Conservation District (NRCD) and Landowner/Grantee, Town of Rockingham. This agreement
sets forth the conditions under which the landowner will preserve the riparian buffer installed by
the Windham County NRCD through the Trees for Streams 2016 program. The buffer is located
at 409, 419, and 443 Saxtons River Road, Rockingham, VT 05101 (see attached map). This
agreement may be amended at any time by mutual consent of the parties in writing.
A.
Landowner/Grantee responsibilities:
1. Maintain and preserve the buffer located: at 409, 429 and 443 Saxtons River Road, Rockingham,
VT 05101for a minimum of 15 years. The buffer has an average width of 35 feet and an approximate
linear length of 943', for a total of one acre (Please refer to map in Attachment 1 ).
2. Proper buffer maintenance and preservation including:
A. No landscapi ng within the buffer area, to allow the buffer to return to a wild and natural state.
B. Refrain from removing vegetation (woody or herbaceous) from
within the agreed upon buffer area. Competing vegetation around
planted material (outlined in Attachment 2) may be removed.
C. Watering in the first year to ensure proper plant/root establishment.
3. Landowner/Grantee is not responsible for vegetation damaged from natural overflow events. I f
vegetation is damaged, landowner agrees to contact the Windham County NRCD to apply for
additional Trees for Streams installations(s) of riparian buffers in same location.
4.
Allow Windham County NRCD access to buffer location for the duration of the
contract to evaluate the progression of the work accomplished.
B. Oversight:
Technical and administrative oversight of all work performed under the Trees for Streams 2016
agreement shall be provided by the following:
Windham County NRCD
Contact: Jolene Hamilton, District
Manager 28 Vernon Street, Suite 332
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 254-9766 extension 104
Jolene.hamilton@vt.nacdnet.net
C. Duration of the Contract:
The Landowner/Grantee shall agree to the responsibilities outlined in Section A of this agreement until
April 5, 2031.
WCNRCD
Landowner/Grantee
Town of Rockingham
Date
D
April 5, 2016