FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION AND FLOOD RESILIENCY: AN APPLICATION OF FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY ALONG THE DOG RIVER IN NORTHFIELD, VERMONT

The residential neighborhoods along the Dog River in Northfield, Vermont experienced historic flooding and damages during Tropical Storm Irene. The Town of Northfield took a progressive approach and facilitated the voluntary buyout of many damage-prone properties along the Dog River and Union Brook, including seven contiguous properties on Water Street along the Dog River. Friends of the Winooski River joined the project team to address questions about floodplain function on the property. The principals of fluvial geomorphology and hydraulics were used to evaluate alternatives to reduce flooding and improve riverine and floodplain function of the reclaimed residential land. A combination of alternatives was chosen including removal of a berm, restoring a floodplain over 3.1 acres, and revegetating the floodplain. A Town park was created in the reclaimed floodplain area that can store water during future floods and also be used by local residents during non-flood times for recreation. The park includes ADA-accessible paths and a wide, mowed lawn adjacent to the street, play areas, mowed paths through a meadow to access the river, and a riparian buffer planted with native shrubs and trees. Floodplain restoration and natural park creation is one example of how communities can both improve resiliency while also creating amenities in village centers.