Process

Local Outreach

Property Assessment

Certification & Award

Next Steps & Technical Assistance

Follow-Up & Reassessment
Documentation

Assessment Protocol and Evaluation Criteria
The Stream Wise Assessment Protocol for properties on streams and rivers is based on research conducted on riparian buffer programs, regulations, and guidelines for Vermont, New York, and Quebec under a grant sponsored by the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

Desktop Assessment Atlas
Use the Stream Wise Atlas to complete the Desktop Assessment portion of the Stream Wise assessment prior to going into the field. Enter data from the Atlas in your Fulcrum app.

Fulcrum App
Stream Wise uses Fulcrum to record data. Contact LCBP for login information.
Get the app on iTunes App Store and Google Play.

Summary Report
Use this sample language for the Summary Report to the property owner. Check back for a French version of the report template and instructions.

Field Form
Property assessment form
Tutorials
Intro to Stream Wise Webinar
Branding and Communications Webinar
Desktop Assessment Trainings
Full training video for VT, NY, and QC Assessors
Desktop Assessment for VT
VT assessors: Please watch this video for Vermont instructions.
Desktop Assessment for NY
NY Assessors: Please watch this video for New York instructions.
Desktop Assessment for QC
QC Assessors: Please watch this video for Quebec instructions.
Media Kit

Award Sign
Sites that are awarded the Stream Wise sign represent model, stream-friendly properties.

Messaging & BMPs
Use this guide to help introduce Stream Wise, communicate impact and develop engagement.

Style Guide
This guide provides design standards and recommendations to maintain Stream Wise branding.

This kit helps Stream Wise and its host organizations manage branded social media accounts.

Logos
Download official Stream Wise logos to use in your communications.

Graphics
Download official Stream Wise graphics to use in your communications.

Photos
Download approved photos to use in your Stream Wise communications.
Issues & Solutions
Buffer Width
Buffer Zone
Buffer Vegetation
Resource Library
In order to develop a regionally responsive Stream Wise Award Program that encourages private property owners to adopt and promote stream buffering protection and restoration practices on their property a resource library was developed to enhance the understanding of the resources related to stream buffering or other riparian protection practices.
Literature Review
This is not meant as an exhaustive academic literature review of all possible stream buffering or riparian restoration practices, but rather a foundation to serve as the basis for Program Outline development as a reference point for existing regulations, programs, and practices potentially available to incorporate in Stream Wise. Stream Wise Program development will avoid overlap, communicate existing resources, and fill the gaps needed to support riparian landowners to be good stewards of streams and rivers.
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, The Vermont Nature Conservancy
2023 Community Partners: Ausable River Association, Franklin County Natural Resource Conservation District, Franklin Watershed Committee, Friends of the Winooski River Inc., Lake Champlain Committee, Lamoille County Conservation District, Missisquoi River Basin Association, Organisme de basin versant de la baie Missiquoi, Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute
Stream Wise is a project of Lake Champlain Basin Program and NEIWPCC
Social Media Kit