Concerns about increasingly frequent flood events have prompted the Town of Brattleboro and the State to work with the town of Marlboro to closely examine the Whetstone Brook watershed to scientifically determine the causes of the flooding and erosion to guide efforts to reduce the problems and the impacts on the stream and the communities.
The Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District has received grant funding to work with a fluvial geomorphological consultant to conduct a Stream Geomorphic Assessment of the Whetstone watershed to identify problem areas and develop potential solutions to address them.
There are many reasons to do a stream geomorphic assessment, ranging from learning about the natural environment and the effects humans have had on the landscape over time, to identifying high quality aquatic habitats, to characterizing erosion and flood hazards. Data collected during the stream geomorphic assessment will foster a better understanding of the physical processes and features shaping the watershed in order to help the towns, the state, and other involved people and organizations in making sound strategic decisions about how to best protect, manage, and restore watershed resources.
The Conservation District and its consultant will be working with the state’s regional Watershed Coordinator, Marie Caduto, and River Scientist, Shannon Pytlik, and the Towns of Brattleboro and Marlboro in conducting this study and planning effort. The planning team will kick off the process with an explanatory public meeting on June 12th at the Marlboro College Technology Center in Brattleboro at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Marie will present an overview of the watershed and the issues and concerns that have compelled the State to begin the assessment of the brook. Shannon will discuss the purpose of the stream geomorphic assessment and the benefits of such a study.
There will be time to ask questions and share your concerns before the study is initiated.
Phase 1 of the Assessment will start in July. We encourage you to attend.
Jolene Hamilton
District Manager
Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District
802-254-5323 ext 104