The primary goal of Trees for Streams is to improve and protect water quality by establishing woody vegetation in riparian areas.

Adding vegetation along streams and rivers minimizes bank erosion by holding soil in place and helps trap, store and filter nutrients from runoff and overland flow during high flow events. Vegetated stream banks also help regulate water temperatures by providing more shade, which improves wildlife habitat.

Trees for Streams (TFS) is a program developed and promoted by the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts that assists landowners in planting trees in riparian areas to help protect water quality. The Orleans County NRCD can apply for grants for Trees for Streams projects.

These projects are typically efforts initiated by a property owner or a community to restore a specific riparian area along a tributary at a nominal cost to the landowner. Your property might be a great candidate for our TFS program! 

How Trees for Streams Works:

1. OCNRCD staff meet with landowners to assess the site to determine the suitability of the property and to discuss the landowners goals and program options.
2. If the project is selected, OCNRCD staff conduct additional onsite assessments and develop a planting plant to review with the landowner.
3.  OCNRCD secures grant funding and serves as the project manager of planning, logistics and communications, orders plant material, and coordinates a crew to install the plants.
4. Landowners sign an agreement stating they will maintain the site, in partnership with OCNRCD staff who evaluate plant health.

How much does it cost: A typical one-acre project budget might be $3000, which includes tree and shrub materials and planting labor. Landowner cost share is welcomed but not required. 

Plantings usually occur in the spring when the weather is generally cool and wet. This gives the trees an entire growing season to become established before winter. Ordinarily 250-400 stems per acre are planted with about 20% accepted mortality with 3-5' stock. 

To learn more about the program, please reach out to Ted Sedell (contact info in side bar).

Download our Trees for Streams brochure here:

Other Programs & Opportunities:

Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program (US Fish & Wildlife Service) - We can help connect you with this program, which provides a bridge for private landowners to conserve, protect, and restore fish and wildlife habitat on their property. Different strategies are employed to create riparian and in-stream habitats, restore wetlands, and manage invasive species.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (USDA NRCS & FSA) - CREP provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers to address soil, water, and other natural resource concerns in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (USDA NRCS) - EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to manage their land for wildlife.