Stream Wise Property Assessment
Our property assessment and evaluation is evidence-based and aligns with riparian buffer programs, regulations, and guidelines for Vermont, New York, and Quebec.
We partner with watershed organizations, conservation districts, and water quality groups to inform and recognize private landowners that maintain wide buffers of native plants along the sections of the rivers and streams that they own. Stream Wise is fostering stream health and resiliency throughout the Lake Champlain basin, in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
We provide the tools, connections, messaging and resources needed for our partners to work directly with their local stream communities. Our Community Partners conduct outreach, perform site assessments, provide targeted recommendations, technical assistance, and award our Stream Wise Award for Best Management Practices in a Vegetated Stream Buffer.
Get Involved
Do you think you have the best buffer in your neighborhood? Is your stream nice and shady? Stream Wise AWARDS and RECOGNIZES private landowners that maintain wide buffers of native plants along the sections of the rivers and streams that they own to foster stream health and resiliency throughout the Lake Champlain basin, in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
If you own streamside property, ask about our FREE property assessment and awards program. Do you want to help protect and improve the streams and rivers in your community? Reach out to be connected to local volunteer opportunities with Stream Wise.
Our Community Partners
Ausable Freshwater Center
The Ausable Freshwater Center helps communities protect their streams and lakes. Using a scientific approach and informing stewardship by residents and visitors, they generate solutions to problems facing the watershed.
Franklin County Natural Resource Conservation District
FCNRCD promotes land use that supports human livelihoods and sustains ecosystems in Franklin County, VT, and empowering landowners and land-users to address natural resource concerns through USDA and locally-developed programs.
Franklin Watershed Committee
The Franklin Watershed Committee improves the healthful integrity of the Franklin Watersheds so that the uses and values desired by the people are assured, and to enhance the water quality and aesthetic values of Lake Carmi as a recreational facility.
Friends of the Mad River
Friends of the Mad River is dedicated to stewarding the Mad River Valley’s healthy land and clean water for our community and for future generations. Our work is grounded in sound science, inclusive education and engagement, and thoughtful action.
Friends of the Winooski River Inc.
Friends of the Winooski River is working to restore and protect their watershed by reducing pollution, improving habitat, and increasing floodplain resiliency, while encouraging sustainable enjoyment of the river.
Greensboro Association
The Greensboro Association’s mission is to conceive, advance and support village initiatives and organizations that enhance our community, and to protect Caspian Lake and its surrounding environment.
Missisquoi River Basin Association
The Missisquoi River Basin Association’s goal is to restore and maintain the ecological integrity of the Missisquoi River system so that the uses and values desired by the community are supported by the river and quality of its water.
Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District
WNRCD’s mission is to promote the wise use, sustainable development, and conservation of our District’s natural resources.
Organisme de basin versant de la baie Missiquoi
L’Organisme de bassin versant de la baie Missisquoi is recognized by the Government of Quebec as being responsible for the integrated water management area of the Missisquoi Bay watershed to affirm the collective character of water resources and to strengthen their protection.
A stream like this…
The stream pictured suffers from a narrow buffer and lack of vegetation along the edges. The following image is a simulation showing a roughly 50’ re-naturalized riparian buffer of multi-tiered diverse native vegetation. Though some of the field is taken out of agricultural production, the land is protected from further erosion, sloughing of the bank, and the resulting loss of valuable land.
…is healthier like this.
Stream Wise was first developed by a team of regional experts, convened by the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), who drew upon current research, riparian buffer programs around the country, and existing regulations in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. FluidState Consulting, Greenleaf Design, and The Image Farm were awarded the grant contract by the LCBP to develop Stream Wise in consultation with the project’s advisory committee and local community partners via an agreement awarded by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to NEIWPCC in partnership with the LCBP.
Advisory Committee: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Adirondack Park Agency, Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program
2026 Stream Wise Assessors include staff from: Ausable Freshwater Center, Franklin County Natural Resource Conservation District, Franklin Watershed Committee, Friends of the Mad River, Friends of the Winooski River Inc., Greensboro Association, Missisquoi River Basin Association, Organisme de basin versant de la baie Missiquoi, and Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District.
Stream Wise is a project of the Lake Champlain Basin Program and NEIWPCC.