Session C4- Getting to AOP in Vermont

Beginning in 2004, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, with assistance from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, began a multifaceted effort to improve fish and aquatic organism passage (AOP) at road/stream crossings in Vermont including: X Developing and implementing protocols to assess AOP and geomorphic compatibility at culverts throughout Vermont. X Developing screening tools to identify potential AOP enhancement projects from culvert assessment information. X Developing and implementing technical design guidelines for AOP at road/stream crossings. X Hosting technical AOP design workshops for state and consulting engineers, environmental contractors, transportation planners, biologists and regulators. X Producing workshops for local state and municipal road crews on the effect of road/stream crossings on AOP and geomorphic compatibility. X Producing and distributing the Vermont Stream Crossing Handbook, a less technical overview of ecological and geomorphic issues associated with road/stream crossings for use by townofficials, local and regional planning commissions, conservation organizations and developers. X Implementing AOP enhancements at road/stream crossings in cooperation with local watershed and angling groups, conservation organizations, US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Forest Service. Over the past 6 years, these activities have greatly improved awareness of AOP and geomorphic compatibility issues associated with road/stream crossings. However, the key to meaningful improvement “on the ground” has been through maintaining effective communication and coordination with the Vermont Transportation Agency, state and federal regulators, municipalities and the development community. Continued project evaluation and feedback has also been critical to insure that AOP design and construction techniques are meeting AOP objectives. AOP is now a normal part of the language for stream crossing projects in Vermont and AOP friendly crossings are being constructed on state, town and private roadways. While we still experience resistance and occasional setbacks, we have made significant strides in improving aquatic habitat connectivity and our experiences in Vermont may be helpful to other states