The Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) was recently awarded $200,000 from the Water Quality Formula Grant program to implement a stream and floodplain restoration project on the Johns River in North Derby. While the Johns is the smallest of the four major rivers that flow into Lake Memphremagog, sections of it sustain over 2,000 fish per mile. The restoration project aims to restore natural stream habitat and important flood storage areas on a former farm situated along the river bottom near Beebe Plain. The 26-acre property was acquired and conserved in 2024 by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) in close partnership with MWA. The property is now a Streambank Management Area (SMA) and is open to the public for fishing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing. Restoration work aims to enhance fish habitat, protect and improve water quality, and increase flood resiliency.

MWA has worked steadily since late 2024 to analyze, design, permit, and coordinate the implementation of this important Clean Water project. Thorough surveys were performed to map the river & floodplain topography, model frequent and infrequent flood intensities, and evaluate potential restoration alternatives.

Ultimately, the project will enhance over 8 acres of wetlands, reconnect 2.6 acres of flood storage areas, and enhance fish habitat along a half mile of stream. Woody habitat structures will be built to provide shade and cover for trout, and nearly 3,000 native trees and shrubs will be planted along the River Corridor. The project also calls for two derelict buildings to be removed from the banks of the river, and three defunct drinking water wells to be decommissioned to protect groundwater resources.

The Johns River Beebe Floodplain Restoration project was supported by funds from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) in their role as the Memphremagog Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP). MWA wishes to thank the Town of Derby, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, the Village of Stanstead, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, neighboring private landowners, and our partners at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation for the thoughtful collaboration and support.