Many of the state parks along the waterfront have been hard hit by this spring’s flooding, and many are not yet open for the season. The director of the Vermont State Parks discusses the impact of
the flooding, and the challenges facing the parks as they scramble to clean
up and re-open for the summer.
Dairy and vegetable farms are still dealing with saturated fields
in the aftermath of severe spring flooding, and the delayed planting of crops will have
ripple effects throughout the growing season.
In the wake of the recent flooding, we look at the aftermath in terms of insurance payouts. And we learn what FEMA relief would be available if the President declares Vermont a disaster area. Plus, an insight into home sharing.
The wet, cold spring has left many farmers playing catch up when it comes to planting spring crops. For the state’s dairy farmers, that means they’re waiting to plant corn to feed their cows.
A lingering snow pack and
warm heavy rains have contributed to flood conditions, but the impact of all this water is also
related to how we develop and use land adjacent to rivers and lakes.
A crew of National Guard troops is in the Champlain Islands today helping residents deal with the ongoing flood. More than 400 homes have already been damaged and three destroyed as the lake has risen to historic highs.
Video: Visitors Look At Lake Champlain Flooding
As Lake Champlain reaches historic levels, the
state’s Transportation Agency says a number of highways, including Interstate 89 southbound in Milton, have been either completely or partially closed
because they’re impassable.
Floodwaters are receding in northern Vermont, but many roads remain closed and homeowners are
cleaning up big messes in the wake of flooding from heavy rains and snowmelt.
The
spring floods that have torn up roadways and damaged lakefront property are
having an environmental impact as well. The
high water has washed phosphorus and other pollutants downstream into Lake Champlain, and climate change could make the problem worse.