\n\tIn the Champlain Valley, restoration of riparian forests, also known as forested floodplains, can be challenging, given the presence of heavy clay soils and stands of reed canary grass, an invasive species that can outcompete native tree species.<\/p>\n
\n\tA new University of Vermont (UVM) research project\u00a0will evaluate different management practices to assess survival of native plants when establishing riparian buffer corridors in river floodplains. The results will help landowners who are considering riparian restoration for flood control, wildlife habitat, or reduction of surface runoff to achieve greater success in establishing forested buffer plantings.<\/p>\n
\n\tGraduate student\u00a0Stever Bartlett will carry out the project in collaboration with Alison Adams, UVM Extension forestry coordinator, and Kate Forrer, UVM Extension\u00a0community forestry specialist. Bartlett, a master’s student in the UVM Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, is advised by\u00a0Dr. Kris Stepenuck, Lake Champlain Sea Grant Extension leader.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe study\u00a0is\u00a0funded by a Pollution Prevention and Habitat Conservation grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program<\/a>. It is the first applied research project of the new Watershed Forestry Partnership<\/a>, a collaboration of\u00a0UVM Extension<\/a>,\u00a0Lake Champlain Sea Grant<\/a> and various partnering organizations. The partnership was\u00a0established in 2020\u00a0to coordinate research and outreach efforts among organizations that focus on\u00a0riparian\u00a0forest restoration and management practices to protect the Lake Champlain basin’s water resources.<\/p>\n \n\tResearchers will conduct the study on\u00a0eight Addison County test plots located along waterways with well-established stands of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea<\/em>). This cool-season perennial grass was originally planted throughout the country in the 1800s for erosion control and as a food source for grazing livestock.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tBartlett recently completed preparation of the trial sites where, with the help of volunteers, he will plant 1,200 trees native to Lake Champlain basin floodplains next spring. The sites are located in the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Dead Creek, Lemon Fair, Little Otter Creek, and Whitney\/Hospital Creek Wildlife Management Areas.<\/p>\n \n\tThe research, which will take place over the next two years, will examine the survival success of the planted saplings on two adjacent plots at each site. The control plot will be managed using standard techniques with minimal management while an herbicide-free approach to weed control will be employed on the second plot. Bartlett will share results and recommendations through a peer-reviewed scientific paper and a written guide and training for landowners.<\/p>\n