Enhancement Riparian Buffer Grant

The Enhancement Riparian Buffer Grant is administered by Watersheds United Vermont in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. It provides funding to organizations undertaking riparian buffer plantings using native woody vegetation along rivers, streams, wetlands, and lakes. The program aims to improve water quality, restore aquatic ecosystems, create resilient watersheds, and enhance public enjoyment of Vermont’s waters. All funded projects must comply with the Clean Water Initiative Program Funding Policy of 2023 and follow technical standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Eligible projects must plant a minimum 35-foot wide buffer with at least 300 stems per acre, and project designs must be approved by a DEC River Scientist and Basin Planner before award. Applicants must demonstrate that their projects are aligned with existing tactical basin plans or river corridor plans. Projects should also include a planting plan, landowner agreement, and a ten-year operation and maintenance agreement. Projects are prioritized when they source planting stock from Vermont nurseries, use larger saplings, expand buffer widths, or increase density to strengthen ecological impact. Headwater stream projects and those with demonstrated resilience benefits also receive consideration. The grant supports a broad range of eligible expenses, including native plant materials, site preparation, planting equipment, and tools costing less than $10,000 with a useful life greater than one year. Enhanced survivorship funding is available for maintenance activities such as weed control, vine removal, and limited replanting in the years following installation. Deliverables include pre- and post-implementation site photographs, signed agreements, Clean Water Project signage, and a final performance report submitted through the ANR Clean Water Project database. Applications for the current cycle are due November 3, 2025, with awards announced later in November. This round supports spring and fall 2026 planting projects. Applicants must submit the official WUV Enhancement Riparian Buffer Grant application in Word or PDF format by email to both the WUV Director and Grant Manager. Multiple applications are permitted for organizations with more than one planting site. Letters of support are not required. All applicants must be able to demonstrate insurance coverage and provide W-9 forms. Subcontractors must be approved through WUV and DEC processes and incorporate DEC standard language. The program is anticipated to continue with rolling opportunities beyond the current round, making it important for applicants to monitor future opening and closing cycles. Program contacts are the WUV Director and Grant Manager, who provide guidance throughout the process. Notification of awards will follow by late November 2025, allowing time for spring 2026 project preparation. Approved sites must meet all statutory purposes, including protection of high-quality waters, restoration of impaired waters, creation of resilient communities, and support of public use and enjoyment of Vermont’s waters.

Prioritize Vermont-grown stock, larger saplings, wider buffers, higher planting density, and smaller headwater sites; secure DEC approvals early