Physical Condition Assessment
The physical condition of Tributary 7 was evaluated though a series of surveys performed in the summer of 2005, which culminated in the completion of Rapid Habitat and Rapid Geomorphic Assessments (RHA and RGA) pursuant to the Vermont ANR Stream Geomorphic Assessment Protocols. The stream within the study neighborhoods has been subject to channel alteration (i.e. dredging), and is characterized by relatively homogenous feature and substrate conditions. Fine sediment deposits are common throughout the reach, and several areas of significant erosion were identified. In many areas, all of the riparian buffer vegetation has been completely removed, and residential landscaping and lawns are maintained to the edge of the stream. Piles are yard waste were noted in several areas directly in the stream channel. A significant amount of in-stream vegetation is present through the Tributary, including wetland-type species (e.g. cattails) and aquatic grasses. The stream is degraded and incised is many areas.
The RHA and RHA evaluations include the assignment of a score rating the condition of the study reach. Based upon our surveys, Tributary 7 in the study neighborhoods is assigned a RHA score of poor and an RGA score of fair. The following table shows the results of the geomorphic and habitat surveys for Tributary 7 and the 6 functional assessment sites.
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