Watershed Forestry Resource Library

Analysis of conceptual models stressing the importance of recovery from historic forest disturbances as well as future forest change as important factors influencing the long-term trajectories of ecosystem processes in headwaters.

This brief guide from Vermont Fish & Wildlife provides basic information about planting densities, techniques, and species for riparian forest restoration projects in Vermont.

This is the Phase 1 TMDL Implementation Plan given to the EPA by the State of Vermont in 2016. The plan includes a description of phosphorus impairment in Lake Champlain, and allocates loading and reductions in both point and nonpoint source pollution to various land use types (e.g. agriculture, forestry...). Also includes a description of the Clean Water Initiative and other programs to reduce phosphorus loading in the lake.

This is a subsidiary report for the larger Vermont Conservation Design project (see "Summary Report," also in this resource library). The pages on "Surface Waters and Riparian Areas" (pp 11-12), are a good starting point for projects looking to prioritize riparian forest restoration.

The Vermont Trees for Streams Resource Guide is intended for conservation managers whose goal is to properly identify, plan for, and install vegetated buffer projects. Whether a landowner wanting to learn more, or an interested concerned citizen who is new to the process, or an experienced land steward whose practices match those within, the step by step methods are meant to inform and outline a consistent and up to date process for installing buffers.

This guide from Oregon State Extension describes six steps to help landowners, watershed organizations, agency staff, and others communicate about, plan, and implement successful riparian buffer plantings. The guide is designed for the Willamette Valley in Oregon, but much of it is applicable in Vermont/the Northeast, too. The authors describe selecting plant material, site preparation, planting, stewardship, and monitoring.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide professional land managers and planners with the latest information on the functions, design, establishment and management of riparian forest buffers.

This article identifies the importance of understanding both phosphorus inputs and outputs in farm systems in Vermont in determining potential build-up of phosphorus in soils, and mitigation strategies. A model created to do this work is described.

Thesis describing results of a Vermont study designed to assess how tree health and survival in riparian restoration plantings was related to plant species, plant protection (tree tubes and brush mats), nursery provider, tree planter, planting technique, and plant origin.

Describes NRCS specifications for riparian forest buffers, including zones, widths, vegetation, fish and wildlife habitat specifications, planting plan specs, and both natural regeneration and direct seeding guidelines. [NOTE: Some information may be out of date as this was published in 2009]