Rochester
posted
Aug 23, 2012
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently
announced that it will be collaborating with state, federal and
community partners to support Tropical Storm Irene-damaged fish
habitats in Vermont, a state where fishing annually generates at
least $63 million.
Trout populations were significantly impacted by Irene in some
areas, and are as historically and culturally important to
Vermonters as they are economically.
"Equally important to your average Vermonter is the heritage and
culture of fishing," said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Commissioner Patrick Berry. "The most popular sport fish in Vermont
is the brook trout, a fish that often lives in the kinds of rivers
and streams that were most directly impacted by the tropical storm.
When you have miles and miles of stream that are affected, that
hurts not only the state's pocket book, but it hurts your average
Vermonter who wants to get out on a weekend with his kids and go
catch their favorite fish, the brook trout."
Berry represents the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, one
of several organizations working alongside FEMA to support Tropical
Storm Irene-damaged fish habitats in Vermont.
The White River Partnership; the town of Rochester; Green
Mountain National Forest; Vermont's Department of Fish and
Wildlife; the U.S. Forest Service; Trout Unlimited; and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program are also
part of the unique collaboration.
The White River Partnership, a South Royalton-based non-profit,
has worked with the town of Rochester to secure funding to enhance
culverts that clogged and failed during Tropical Storm Irene. The
culverts will be rebuilt stronger and larger to allow more storm
debris to pass. What's more, the culverts will be reconstructed
using sand, rocks and other elements to mimic natural, more
eco-friendly passages for the fish. This modern approach of stream
reconstruction and restoration creates a more balanced, natural
stream system that, among other benefits, provides a more seamless
transit for fish.
The first of the culverts was ordered in mid-July. The culvert
is scheduled to arrive in mid-August to be installed on North
Hollow Road. As many as three culvert installations may be
completed during the 2012 season; the remaining four will likely be
completed in 2013.
One creative approach will be to replace a culvert that was
damaged at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Rochester with a discarded
bridge unearthed from a salvage yard by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Reclaiming and repurposing the discarded bridge will cost
just $8,500. This is just one example of how recycled materials are
being repurposed in the reconstruction process.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first
responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build,
sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect
against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all
hazards.
Tagged:
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Vermont Fisheries
