Managing for Recreation in Wetlands and Along Riverbanks

Often, the priorities of forest and wetland restoration can be focused on the ecosystem side of management to ensure wildlife passage, native species’ health, and the long-term well-being and function of a forest. However, there are many riparian areas where we may need to balance those goals with the need to maintain safe, accessible recreational spaces for people to enjoy Vermont's forests and waterways.

Duncan Murdoch, natural areas stewardship coordinator at the Intervale Center; Leila Faulstitch, supervisor at the City of Montpelier Parks and Trees Department; and Kathryn Wrigley, recreation specialist with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation are well experienced with this dilemma.

Listen to “Managing Recreation in Riparian Areas,” the November episode of the Watershed Forestry Partnership Restoration Roundup podcast. The three experts talk about the balancing act of protecting natural spaces while also fulfilling the Vermont culture of getting out into nature. They discuss common problems, strategies, and hopes they have for the future.

Learn about the background work that goes into keeping Vermont’s favorite hiking trails, swimming holes, and river access points healthy and well-maintained while also helping visitors stay active, educated, and engaged in natural spaces. The podcast guests also discuss the role of volunteer projects in educating the public about riparian areas.

You can hear this podcast and many others on Lake Champlain Sea Grant's Watershed Forestry Partnership Restoration Roundup Podcast webpage or find the episode on most podcast streaming platforms.

This podcast was produced by Cate Kreider, a University of Vermont (UVM) undergraduate student majoring in environmental sciences and minoring in reporting and documentary story-telling, and Alison Adams, former Watershed Forestry Coordinator with UVM Extension and Lake Champlain Sea Grant.

The Restoration Roundup podcast, released on the last Wednesday of each month, is supported by NEIWPCC and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.