Pearl Becomes Streamwise

Are you a landowner in the Upper Missisquoi region and have a stream flowing through your property? Missisquoi River Basin Association is offering free stream assessments through the Stream Wise program.

Stream Wise is a program that engages streamside property owners in the Lake Champlain basin to enhance and protect vegetated stream buffers, increasing flood resiliency and benefiting water quality and natural habitat.

During a Stream Wise assessment, an MRBA Staff member will walk your stream or river during a site visit and give an overview of the perceived health of the water, the surrounding landscape, and provide recommendations of land management practices that protect water quality. After this visit, a report will be written and your property will be designated as Stream Wise or on the way to becoming Stream Wise. If your property is designated as Stream Wise, you will be given your Stream Wise award. If your property is on the way to becoming Stream Wise, your report will highlight what steps can be taken to receive the award.

To become more Stream Wise, Pearl went out on a Stream Wise assessment. She was contacted by a local land owner who was interested in the program. At this assessment, Pearl saw some things she did not like such as invasive knotweed on river banks, an eroded river path, and trash found in the buffer zone. To help fix these issues, landowners can consider different invasive species treatment options, plant trees along the river bed, fill pathways with crushed stone, and clean up any trash that has accumulated in and around the stream.

Pearl also saw several things she did like on this property. For example, deep pools in the streambeds, large amounts of wood in the streams, and buffers 30 feet and larger. Keeping up practices like these can ensure the river ecosystem stays healthy, providing ideal habitat for fish and allowing room for native plant species to grow and protect the stream from runoff. It is important to be a good steward of our environment and properly maintain your property.

Pearl was tired out after her day in the field but she sure learned a lot! Reach out today if you are interested in a free assessment. Let's be streamwise together.