In November 2025, the Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) wrapped up two more stages of a large-scale stream and floodplain restoration project in Morgan, VT. This project is a continuation of work initiated in 2023 on the newly acquired Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) Streambank Management Area (SMA). Phase 1 work included farm reclamation and multiple floodplain and stream restoration activities along Valley Brook and its tributaries. Phase 2 shifts project focus toward restoration opportunities upstream and downstream of the SMA. Ultimately, this includes the replacement of four crossing structures on Valley Brook and planting a woody riparian buffer along several stretches of the stream.

All four stream crossing structures were greatly undersized and frequently failed during storms and high flow events. During these floods, the structure would clog with debris, overtop the road, and wash road material into the stream. The crossing structures were all redesigned to match the stream dimensions and handle the 100-year flood. Installing larger structures on these channels will improve flood resiliency, reduce sediment loading, and enhance aquatic organism passage (AOP) across the Valley Brook.

Two of the four culverts were replaced in late 2025, including a Valley Road crossing that flows onto the Valley Brook SMA and a private driveway culvert downstream. The previous Valley Road culvert was 2-foot diameter and piped & buried for 150 feet, the tributary flowing under a barn before emptying into Valley Brook. The previous structure was replaced with a 5×8 foot concrete box culvert, fabricated with sediment retention baffles to improve aquatic organism passage (AOP). Below the culvert outlet, the buried stream was daylighted into a newly constructed alluvial fan, or an area where natural deposition occurs. Large woody floodplain structures and rock clusters were installed across the alluvial fan to slow down flows, encourage sediment deposition, and create complex fish and wildlife habitat. Downstream of the SMA, MWA worked with private landowners to upsize a problematic driveway culvert that crossed the mainstem of Valley Brook. This crossing was upgraded from a 4-foot pipe to a 30-foot bridge. This new bridge provides full aquatic organism passage and improves flood resiliency by giving the stream ample room to pass high flows and flood debris.

            In addition to the structure upgrades, roughly 6.5acres of native trees and shrubs were planted along Valley Brook and its tributaries on the SMA. These plantings will not only improve wildlife habitat but will also work to stabilize streambanks and filter nutrients and sediments. An additional 4.3 acres of riparian buffer planting is scheduled to be planted in the Spring of 2026. In Fall 2026, MWA aims to install another bridge and an open-bottom arch culvert in Holland near Hunting Camp Road.  This work will conclude Phase 2and will include __ acres of riparian buffer plantings near the crossing upgrades.

Phase 2 of the Valley Brook 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) and the administrator of the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Fund. MWA wishes to thank the Town of Morgan, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, private landowners, Stone Environmental, Shawn Austin, Inc, NorthWoods Stewardship Center, and Redstart for their ongoing partnership and collaboration.