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Beginning in 1999 LCCD has coordinated Trees for Streams (TFS), a locally driven program to stabilize eroding stream banks, establish forested riparian buffers, and deliver watershed education & outreach. As part of the Lamoille River Watershed Initiative, LCCD has partnered collaboratively with Winooski, Caledonia, Franklin, and Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation Districts to expand TFS from the headwaters in the Northeast Kingdom to Lake Champlain. LCCD's signature model program is now offered state-wide by other Natural Resource Conservation Districts, and watershed organizations. The benefit for the program allows programmatic flexibility to meet specific landowner/site needs and concerns that are often not offered with state and federal cost share programs. TFS has planted over nine miles of streambank in Lamoille County with buffer widths ranging from fifteen to fifty feet. Participating landowners sign a ten year contract and make a 20% financial contribution to materials. The remaining 80% is covered by grant dollars, volunteers, and community contributions. Planted species are based on Vermont ’s natural communities and sourced locally from conservation nurseries collecting seed within corresponding or adjacent watersheds. Volunteers from schools and community organizations within the locale of the TFS project take part in TFS Service-Learning Projects. Participating schools receive educational curriculum, a presentation by the TFS Lead Project Manager, and a hands-on field study investigation. The Service-Learning Project encapsulates in a planting day at the TFS project site. An expansion of the TFS Program to shoreline owners can be seen through acompleted a demonstration project at Lake Eden in conjunction with the Lake Eden Association. TFS is made possible by a Watershed Grant awarded by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Wildlife Program. Additonal support for the continued success of the program is made by the Lamoille River Anglers Association. Special Thanks to our Trees for Streams Participating Individuals, Schools, and Organizations who we dedicate the success of our program to:
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