Ruane River Corridor Easement
Ruane River Corridor Easement
Name of Project: Ruane RCE
Location: Clarendon, VT 
River: Cold River
Type of Project: Floodplain Restoration
Public Access: No
Date Completed: February, 2020
Size: 6.8 acres
Water Frontage: 870 feet
Landowner: Vermont River Conservancy
Funding Partners: Rutland Natural Resources Conservation District
Property Description: The parcel is located upstream of the Middle Road bridge over the Cold River, which experienced significant flood damage during Tropical Storm Irene. The Cold River is a dynamic stream that begins to flatten out on this property as it approaches the confluence with upper Otter Creek, but still has abundant riffles, rocks and cobbles in its channel.
Project Background: The parcel was identified by the State of Vermont as a priority floodplain restoration project identified through Stream Geomorphic Assessments and River Corridor Plans. In order to restore this site to an active, functioning floodplain, VRC needed to ensure the removal of an existing berm, thereby allowing the forested wetland to store water and sediment during heavy rain events. VRC has is also restoring floodplain capacities with an easement on an adjacent parcel, enabling the Cold River to have space to flood and spread out flood waters before meeting up with the Otter Creek.
