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AUTHORS: Caroline Alves, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
ABSTRACT: Water quality degradation in Lake Champlain and its tributaries has necessitated stricter regulations for the farming community in Vermont. Previously, floodplain farm fields had fewer restrictions placed on them in terms of cropping and nutrient application. Flat topography causes these areas to be considered “non- highly erodible”. Continuous corn can be grown in floodplains over many years. Heightened public awareness and advocacy by environmental groups has put pressure on regulators to formulate new rules to lessen sediment and nutrient loss in agricultural floodplains. Mapping out a spatially defined area of flooding risk has proved challenging. Farmers need to know exactly where they are expected to implement a higher level of management. _x000D_ In time, statewide lidar data and its derivatives will provide this detailed information. Where lidar is currently available, creating maps that show different degrees of flooding offer a starting point in conversations with farmers. New rules require adjustments in cropping, nutrient management and construction plans - all of which impact financial decisions. This talk will cover a variety of mapping approaches focused on how to delineate the unpredictable risk of flooding.
