Trees for Streams Program

Although 84% of the White River watershed is forested today, much of the land adjacent to streams and rivers has actually been deforested over the past 200 years to accommodate the development of roads and railways, housing, and farms. The loss of streamside trees and shrubs – also called riparian buffers – has resulted in lasting ecological and economical impacts throughout the White River watershed. Healthy, well-vegetated river corridors are essential to good water quality and aquatic habitat.

Riparian buffers filter pollutants from run-off, reduce erosion, decrease sediment loading into streams, provide shade to keep water temperatures cool for fish, ward off non-native invasive plant species, and create corridors for wildlife. Buffers also serve as the first line of defense against flood events and can safeguard property from erosion. The re-establishment of buffers through planting trees is one of the most effective and efficient ways to improve water quality, reduce erosion, and maintain healthy fisheries in our watershed.

In 2000, in partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the WRP launched a very successful Trees for Streams Program that seeks to restore riparian buffers throughout the watershed by working with local landowners to plant native trees and shrubs on their property – at no cost to them. To date, the WRP has partnered with more than 70 landowners throughout the watershed to plant thousands of trees along more than 14 miles of river!

If you own streamside property in the White River watershed that lacks adequate vegetation, please call us at (802) 767-4600. We would be happy to visit your property, assess your buffer needs, and share more information about our important Trees for Streams Program.