Specifications include, but are not limited to: The applicant will assist the State in further developing methods and maps that quantify and display stream and floodplain connectivity and those optimal locations where restoration and protection practices would increase connectivity and stream equilibrium conditions. Stream connectivity mapping will include features and data that explain longitudinal and temporal connectivity (I.e., upstream to downstream flowage of sediment and debris and natural flow characteristics over time). Floodplain connectivity mapping will include features and data that explain vertical and lateral connectivity (I.e., groundwater – surface water stage at different flows and the freedom of the stream to move across the river corridor). In future work, the State will develop data and mapping of hydrology—hydraulics data and include such features as wetlands, soils, and geology. In the current project, the applicant will assist the state and its collaborating academic researchers in refining the models and data necessary to characterize erosion and deposition processes in streams and on floodplains. Conceptual maps are required in this phase to demonstrate how they will work in tandem with connectivity maps to evaluate floodplain functions and optimize restoration and protection practices. 1. Stream reach and watershed departure and attainment scoring: Using existing data, methods should be developed to answer the following questions for both stream and floodplain connectivity: o Which rivers/streams and what percentage of stream lengths are (dis)connected in a given watershed due to existing stressors? o What is the opportunity to readily achieve connectivity in each reach and in the watershed? How should connectivity be scored to support a strategic restoration and protection plan? o When a project is completed to restore or protect connectivity, how is that project scored and credited to the existing connectivity scores for tracking progress at the reach and watershed scales? o What are the highest priority reconnection projects? 2. Separate stream and floodplain connectivity maps for the Lake Champlain Basin in Vermont: Using the scoring systems developed to answer the questions above, create mapping tools and maps for the Lake Champlain Basin in Vermont that depict stream and floodplain connectivity within the Vermont river corridor in different valley settings. The mapping program should enable the user to turn on different layers for different restoration and protection practices showing high, medium and low priority projects. (Notes: (A) This project does not include the actual mapping of groundwater and groundwater stage to explain vertical connectivity. While this may be pursued in later project phases, it will only be inferred from other data at this time. Vertical connectivity will be focused here on the stage of the surface water during flood flows relative to the top of stream banks. (B) Several Program partners have worked to successfully map longitudinal stream connectivity, as affected by dams and stream crossings. It is anticipated that this project will build upon these efforts.) 3. Reconnect Vermont Rivers: Maps will reside on ANR servers, and partners will be able to use them as “best available information” for prioritizing restoration/connectivity projects. DEC will use connectivity maps and scoring, developed by this project, as public outreach tools in its “Reconnect Vermont Rivers” campaign. The applicant will tailor maps, mapping functions, and summary reports to help watershed associations to work with the Rivers Program, other agencies, and NGOs in identifying projects to restore their local streams and rivers. The applicant will complete outreach product testing at a Watersheds United of Vermont meeting.
