ProgramsThe Storm Smart Action Framework consists of eight evidence-based programs, each designed to target a specific stormwater challenge and outcome, and flexible enough to adapt to specific locations or stakeholder groups.
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About our Programs
Ridge to River's two year planning process led to a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of our stakeholders and address action areas. They are included in our action framework and we've detailed them in two ways below.
Our programs are designed to address specific needs or barriers, such as knowledge, planning, or assistance. Most include distinct "projects" that are further tailored to a specific stakeholder group, location or opportunity in the Valley. Click to jump to each program or browse through the whole list.
Our programs are designed to address specific needs or barriers, such as knowledge, planning, or assistance. Most include distinct "projects" that are further tailored to a specific stakeholder group, location or opportunity in the Valley. Click to jump to each program or browse through the whole list.
Integrated Campaigns
Most stakeholder groups face multiple barriers to action. The best way to encourage action is to develop an integrated campaign that packages and markets a set of solutions or programs that address all barriers. We've done that for four priority action areas: homes & driveways, roads & developed areas; municipalities; and trails & recreation areas. In future years, we will work to combine programs into integrated campaigns for other stakeholder groups.
Project Status
Our distinct projects are in varying stages of development or action. Individual programs are color coded to indicate status.
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Complete |
In progress / Funded |
Developing / Funds needed |
Concept / Unfunded |
Integrated Campaigns
FOR PRIVATE HOME & DRIVE OWNERSStorm Smart ChallengeThe Storm Smart Challenge is an integrated program designed to help people identify and fix stormwater problems at their homes, in their driveways, and at their small businesses. The Challenge helps raise the profile on stormwater and directly addresses a sequence of barriers to action - awareness of the issue, knowledge to identify specific problems and diagnose solutions, and time/cost/skills to make fixes. |
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Diagnostic Quiz |
Simple quiz to help homeowners evaluate their properties for stormwater and learn about the home visit program - pilot developed 2016
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Home Visits |
Free home visits by trained volunteers to assess problems and recommend solutions to homeowners - 30 pilot visits & materials funded by LCBP & VT DEC/DFW for 2018
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Toolkit & Online Resources |
Videos, how-to documents, case studies and online resources geared specifically toward homes and businesses - funded by LCBP for 2018
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Seasonal Actions |
Simple, low-cost behavior changes and home maintenance steps, to be shared via integrated marketing & social media campaigns - funded by Robbins-de-Beaumont Foundation for 2018-19
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Demonstration Sites |
Model Storm Smart home sites and demonstration projects to showcase solutions - seeking funding
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Neighborhood Workshops |
On-site workshops for HOAs and neighbors on shared private roads or driveways to explore neighborhood stormwater problems & solutions together - seeking funding
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Cost-Share Fund |
Implementation fund to assist participating homeowners with implementing solutions - concept stage
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FOR ROAD AND PROPERTY PROFESSIONALSStorm Smart ProfessionalsWe need a corps of skilled professionals who will take a proactive and responsible approach to managing stormwater - with construction, property and road maintenance, building and real estate, and more. We're developing roundtable discussions, trainings, resources, a certification program and other support to help road and property management professionals share solutions, learn, and get recognition for taking the right approach to stormwater. |
December 2016 MRV Road Crew Roundtable. Photo by FMR
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Road Roundtables |
Peer-to-peer discussions among road crew members from each of the five watershed towns, designed to promote sharing and collaboration on stormwater challenges and solutions - piloted in 2016; funded for 2018-19 by High Meadows Fund
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Other Professional Roundtables |
Peer-to-peer discussions among private contractors, property managers or realtors, designed to promote sharing collaboration on stormwater challenges and solutions - seeking funding
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Storm Smart Training & Certification |
Market-driven training and certification program in partnership with Yestermorrow Build/Design School, to teach stormwater-resilient techniques to contractors, engineers, property managers, and landscape architects (Learn more here) - under development; seeking funding
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Workshops and Demonstrations |
On-site workshops, trainings and hands-on demonstrations to help contractors and road crews learn from each other while tackling the Valley's stormwater challenges - unfunded
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Storm Smart Directory |
Directory and marketing assistance to help trained and certified contractors advertise their skills to potential clients, and to help clients find Storm Smart professionals - concept; unfunded
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FOR MUNICIPALITIES & LOCAL LEADERS
Storm Smart Towns
We're assisting the five towns in the Valley as they ensure their municipal plans and policies effectively address stormwater runoff for flood resilience and clean water. Our integrated campaign includes outreach and education for municipal leaders, boards and commissions; helping to complete stormwater master plans at multiple scales and integrate stormwater into other local plans; reviewing and strengthening local policies; and helping to implement stormwater management projects.
Planning & Regulatory Tools |
Ridge to River's Planning & Technical Team produced several model policy documents and resources, including: Model LID/GSI Stormwater Bylaw for the Mad River Valley & Town Road and Access White Paper - completed 2016
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Outreach to Boards & Commissions |
Presentations by R2R's Planning & Technical Team to PCs, ZAs, and DRBs to facilitate a conversation about resilience and stormwater and share R2R tools - planned for spring & summer 2018 and funded by High Meadows Fund
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Stormwater Master Plans |
Stormwater master plans can prioritize stormwater management and identify needed projects at multiple scales, from the whole watershed to individual road segments - some completed; Valley-wide plan to be completed in 2019
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Town Planning Technical Assistance |
As part of upcoming town plan revisions, the Mad River Valley Planning District will work with the PCs to incorporate stormwater runoff and flood resilience considerations throughout - planned with Warren & Waitsfield for summer & fall 2017
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On-the-Ground Installations |
As planning processes and master plans advance, we're helping to implement specific projects and best management practices for village centers, roads and other areas - projects underway as funding & opportunities allow
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Policy & Enforcement Technical Assistance and Trainings |
Targeted trainings, coaching and technical assistance for zoning administrators, boards and commissions and other local leaders would assist them as they adapt and incorporate planning and regulatory tools into town land use regulations - as funding allows
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FOR THE RECREATION COMMUNITY
Storm Smart Trails Collaborative
We aim to collaborate with recreation and trails leaders in the Mad River Valley to launch a series of conversations and strategic projects designed to celebrate the value of trails in connecting people to the outdoors while minimizing the impacts of trails on the watershed's resilience and minimizing the damage from rain and storm events on these critical community assets.
Sustainable Trails Roundables |
Discussions among Mad River Valley recreation stakeholders (trail-building groups & businesses, recreational organizations, conservation groups, and others) to share knowledge and ideas about resilience risks and trail-building/maintenance for trail and environmental sustainability. Read more here. - piloting summer 2017
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Trail Suitability Analysis |
Analysis of the Mad River Valley’s geologic, topographic, ecological, and hydrological “constraints,” the existing trail network, and the new trail opportunities the MRV Moves steering committee identified to determine which types of trails are sustainable in which geographic locations. Read more here. - seeking funding
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Trail Construction & Maintenance Standards |
Discussions among MRV recreation stakeholders to draft trail construction and maintenance standards that allow us to enjoy trails throughout the Mad River Valley while conserving the longevity of those trails and the Valley’s valued ecological resources. Read more here. - seeking funding
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Trail & Rec Site Outreach |
Trails and recreation sites can serve as important venues for reaching trail and recreation users with messages about stormwater and the watershed and about best practices. We aim to create outreach materials (posters or signs) to help educate users about the watershed, their impact, and best practices for use - concept
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Programs
Storm Smart Outreach
We've been conducting outreach events and activities since Ridge to River formed, but our activities moving forward will more strategically tap the outreach channels and events that our target stakeholders use, and will involve developing new materials that emphasize our core messages and action opportunities.
Community Forums & Events |
We've held numerous engagement events, including a "Lunch and Learn" at Sugarbush Resort in summer 2016 and Community Forum & Resilience Celebration in December 2016. More are planned, including another summer/fall 2017 Forum. - ongoing, as funded
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Outreach to Boards & Commissions |
R2R's Planning & Technical Team is developing presentations and planning to facilitate conversations with PCs, ZAs, and DRBs to facilitate a conversation about resilience and stormwater and share R2R tools - planned for summer & fall 2017
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Media & News Series |
A series of educational articles, tips and stories will help raise the profile of stormwater runoff and watershed problems and solutions. Content will be cross-posted in the local newspapers, social media, Front Porch Forum & other channels for maximum exposure.
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Outreach Materials |
We plan to develop a set of outreach materials including displays, interpretive materials, a brochure, and collateral for specific programs or action ideas. These materials will make it easy for us to have volunteers spread the word at a variety of events. Funded in part by Robbins-de-Beaumont Foundation for 2018-19
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Stormwater Master Planning (SWMP)Stormwater master plans help us take a comprehensive approach to managing stormwater at a specific scale. We are working with community stakeholders to complete SWMPs for the Valley overall, as well as for large developments or sites that are major contributors to stormwater due to impervious surface coverage. |
Harwood Union SWMP site map and recommended stormwater management practices
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Harwood Union SWMP |
Stormwater plan for the regional middle/high school campus. Read more here. - completed 2016
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Fayston & Warren Elementary SWMPs |
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Mad River Valley-Wide SMWP |
Comprehensive plan to address stormwater throughout the Mad River Valley - funded by VT DEC, to be completed in 2018
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Stormwater Art & Demos
One of the best ways to help people see and understand stormwater is to make it visible in the landscape. Public art and demonstration projects can bring stormwater problems and solutions to life through color, creativity and real life representations.
Arts Partnerships |
Working with Valley Arts can help celebrate the connection between art, clean water and resilience. We will incorporate stormwater learning at the Vermont Festival of the Arts each summer through displays and outreach - under development; seeking funding for 2017
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Stormwater Art |
We aim to develop local versions of popular public art projects that highlight stormwater in the landscape. Example projects include painted catch basins, hydrophobic paint, painted rain barrels, river trash sculptures and stormwater art shows - concept
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Demos & Interpretive Sites |
Demonstration sites & interpretive displays are effective ways to help people understand what stormwater problems and solutions are - in real life. We're hoping to highlight successful projects with signage and educational displays, and create new demonstrations specifically for the purpose of informing stakeholders about potential actions - concept
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On-the-Ground InstallationsWe're working with landowners to install a variety of stormwater solutions on the ground, to address impacts and problems identified in SWMPs and other planning or engineering processes. These solutions can include road and driveway Best Management Practices (BMPs), Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), or traditional stormwater management - they're practices that help to slow water down, spread it out, and sink it into the ground. |
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Fayston Rural Road BMPs |
Road BMPs stabilized thousands of feet of roadway along Center Fayston, Kew Vasseur, and Tucker Hill Roads, reducing damaging runoff. Learn more here. - completed in 2015
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Harwood Union Rooftop Runoff Rain Garden |
Raingarden planned for middle/high school campus, resulting from SWMP - funded by VT DEC; construction planned for 2017
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Warren Village Improvement Project |
Integrating stormwater improvements into other infrastructure work in Warren village - funding pending; construction planned for 2017
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Planning & Technical Assistance
Ridge to River will provide concrete technical assistance and planning help to towns as they develop stronger plans and policies. R2R will help by developing specific tools, completing needed research, and integrating stormwater concerns into existing planning processes.
Planning & Regulatory Tools |
Ridge to River's Planning & Technical Team produced several model policy documents and resources, including: Model LID/GSI Stormwater Bylaw for the Mad River Valley & Town Road and Access White Paper - completed 2016
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Town Planning Technical Assistance |
As part of upcoming town plan revisions, the Mad River Valley Planning District will work with the PCs to incorporate stormwater runoff and flood resilience considerations throughout - planned with Warren & Waitsfield for summer & fall 2017
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Suitability Analysis and Mapping |
Part of stormwater management is ensuring that activities and development happens in the most suitable locations. We're exploring a project to do suitability analysis for trails and recreation sites, and the technique could be expanded to other types of development - concept
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Trainings & Certification
Hands-on trainings and workshops are one of the best ways to build capacity among everyone from DIY homeowners or trailbuilders to professional road crews and contractors. Certification and recognition programs offer an extra incentive or recognition for participants, while also helping consumers to recognize which professionals are well-versed in Storm Smart techniques.
Professional Training & Certification |
Market-driven training and certification program in partnership with Yestermorrow Build/Design School, to teach stormwater-resilient techniques to contractors, engineers, and landscape architects (Learn more here) - under development; seeking funding
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Homeowner & Volunteer Trainings |
Hands-on workshops or short courses designed to teach property owners and volunteers simple green infrastructure or stormwater management techniques, such as building water bars or rain gardens - concept
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Local Policy & Enforcement Training |
Targeted trainings, coaching and technical assistance for zoning administrators, boards and commissions and other local leaders would assist them adapt and incorporate planning and regulatory tools into town land use regulations - as funding allows
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Toolkit & Online Resources
Many stakeholders said that information and skills are a barrier to taking action on stormwater runoff. There are many potential fixes - from quick DIY projects to larger implementations. We will produce an online toolkit with a variety of resources that inform our community about their options and the benefits of taking action, and provide instructions and resources for doing so.
Resilience Booklets |
We created a series of guides to highlight examples and strategies that are already working to increase resilience and decrease flood risks throughout the MRV, with a special focus on collaborative solutions. - completed December 2016
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How-to Videos & Instructions |
Simple how-to videos and instruction sheets can go a long way toward helping people manage minor stormwater problems. We have funding to produce an initial series geared toward homes and private drives - funded by LCBP for 2017
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Case Studies & Stormwater Stories |
We aim to document success stories and local examples of stormwater management projects, as a way to capture and share evidence for the benefits and feasibility of this work. - concept
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Peer-to-Peer Sharing
Research and best practices from around Vermont and beyond show that the most effective messengers are often peers. Many stakeholders already know a great deal about stormwater management, and peer-to-peer sharing opportunities can help validate and make use of their expertise. Farmers may be most receptive to farm-based workshops with fellow farmers; homeowners may prefer a visit from a neighbor; road crews might learn best in an informal conversation with their peers.
Road Roundtables |
Peer-to-peer discussions among road crew members from each of the five watershed towns, designed to promote sharing collaboration on stormwater challenges and solutions - piloted in 2016; seeking ongoing funding
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Sustainable Trails Roundtables |
Discussions among Mad River Valley recreation stakeholders (trail-building groups & businesses, recreational organizations, conservation groups, and others) to share knowledge and ideas about resilience risks and trail-building/maintenance for trail and environmental sustainability. Read more here. - piloting summer 2017
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Home Visits |
Free home visits by trained neighbors and volunteers to assess problems and recommend solutions to homeowners - 30 pilot visits & materials funded by LCBP & VT DEC/DFW for 2017
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Neighborhood Workshops |
On-site workshops for HOAs and neighbors on shared private roads or driveways to explore neighborhood stormwater problems & solutions together - seeking funding
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Other Roundtables & Collaboratives |
Additional roundtables or collaboratives tailored to serve other stakeholder groups and audiences (property managers, realtors, farmers, etc.) - concept
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Landowner Walk & Talks |
Place-based walks and workshops that get farmers, forest owners and other large landowners out walking the land together to look at stormwater problems and solutions - concept
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