the creek will rise
On the second anniversary of what I refer to as “Bummer Summer 2023,” parts of Vermont experienced flash flooding for the third consecutive year. Vermont has a history of significant flooding events: The Great Flood of 1927, the floods of June 1973, and Hurricane Irene - all of which were unprecedented at their respective times. But, we know after the past 3 years, these are no longer rare events.
After Hurricane Irene, the Vermont Economic Resiliency Initiative published an extensive report of recommendations in 2015 to help make Woodstock more resilient against climate events In the future. You can read the report here.
The town is making progress on several of these recommendations: the biggest being the suspension of the water main under Elm Street bridge (which we are now able to do thanks to our acquisition of the Aqueduct Company earlier this year). The Selectboard has approved applications for FEMA buyouts for the Dead River and Woodstock Farmer’s Market properties along West Woodstock Road (though this report encourages flood proofing and elevating), and we are investigating projects for RIVER grant funding to preserve the floodplain and floodproof areas around the Ottauquechee (like Riverside Park) and Kedron Brook.
The Ottauquechee River at the White Cottage Snack Bar, Summer 2023
But what else can we do?
Federal cuts to NOAA and FEMA mean that not only will we have less resources for preparedness and disaster relief in the future, but that we could still be recovering environmentally and financially when the next climate event occurs.
More than ever, we are going to have to rely on our regional and local community infrastructure to see us through these events. What does this look like?
Adopting common sense public safety policies like E911 Compliance Addressing in the Village, which ties your address to your physical location so that emergency responders can easily know where you are and how to get to you. This is very important in a community like ours that relies on the mutual aid of responders from other towns.
Continuing to work with Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission to adopt zoning regulations that follow best practices for flood resiliency; to identify and apply for funding for flood management projects (including relocation or flood proofing); and to coordinate these projects with communities both upstream and downstream.
Devoting more funds to public works and infrastructure (in operating costs and in capital reserves) so that in the event of disaster, the roads and bridges can be cleared/repaired quickly and we can more easily navigate staffing and overtime.
Supporting local organizations that prioritize mutual aid, such as Woodstock Community Food Shelf, Ottauquechee Health Foundation, Woodstock Community Trust, and Sustainable Woodstock.
Additionally, I highly recommend the following household preparations:
Update your Emergency Address in your cellphone. If you have an iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling > Emergency Address.
Pack a go-bag with portable battery chargers, flashlight/headlamp, water bottles and dry food, a blanket, clean underwear, important documents, and medications.
Know your neighbors!
Have a planned route to get to Hartford High School where American Red Cross will set up a regional shelter in case of emergency, and Woodstock Elementary School which may be activated if HHS is at capacity or unable to be used.
NWPL wants your feedback!
Norman Williams Public Library is collecting feedback on the children’s space and programming. If you are a parent, grandparent, caretaker, or someone who otherwise visits the space frequently please take a few moments to fill out the survey with your honest feedback. The survey closes soon!
Upcoming!
Water bills are due on July 30th! Please reach out to our Finance Department if you haven’t received yours or have questions.
Sustainable Woodstock is hosting a potluck picnic on King Farm tomorrow Tuesday, July 22nd I know you are all debating about whether or not to go to this or the Selectboard meeting :)
Get outside while it’s nice!
