Bennington, Vermont News
Volunteers in Bennington Tackle Flood Risks by Monitoring Culverts
As climate change contributes to more intense rainfall, community groups and Dartmouth researchers team up to help monitor Vermont’s vast network of culverts. Read the story on VTDigger here: Down the tubes: Vermont volunteers crawl culverts to outsmart the next…
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Key points
- Local volunteers are monitoring culverts to prevent flooding risks.
- The program is a response to increased rainfall and past floods in Vermont.
- Community engagement is crucial for maintaining infrastructure resilience.
MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — As Vermont faces increasing rainfall due to climate change, local volunteers are stepping up to protect our roads and communities. The Culvert Crawlers program mobilizes residents to monitor the condition of culverts, which play a crucial role in preventing road damage during storms.
Importance of Culverts in Our Community
Vermont is home to over 100,000 culverts that help manage water flow and safeguard roads, particularly in rural areas like Bennington County. Clogged or damaged culverts can lead to significant road erosion and costly repairs, impacting local services and budgets.
Community Efforts for Resilience
Initiated after the 2023 floods, the program aims to engage residents in monitoring these vital structures. Margo Caulfield, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “I think everybody needs to remember that they can be part of the recovery.”
Kelly Stettner, another key figure, noted the challenges faced by small towns in maintaining these structures. She remarked, “Having that extra set of eyes helps. Any time you can eliminate a problem before it happens by using every resource you can, is a good idea.”
How the Program Works
Volunteers, known as Culvert Crawlers, don bright vests and inspect culverts, checking for blockages and recording their conditions. The information gathered contributes to a map that local highway departments can use to prioritize maintenance efforts.
What’s Next for Bennington
The Culvert Crawlers program has already proven beneficial in nearby towns, and organizers hope to expand its reach throughout the state. By fostering community engagement, residents can play a crucial role in enhancing local resilience against flooding.
Based on reporting originally published by VTDigger. Read the original story.
