Lake Champlain Sea Grant

Source: University of Vermont and Lake Champlain Sea Grant

Significance: Lake Champlain Sea Grant has an excellent resource on climate resilience, which features research on flood response specific to Vermont counties. 

Description: Although primarily focused on issues related to Lake Champlain, which forms part of Vermont's northwestern border, the Lake Champlain Sea Grant program also addresses flooding and its impacts on the lake and surrounding communities. Research projects supported by the program examine floodplain management, water quality impacts of flooding, and community adaptation strategies. One research project in Rutland County, Vermont, is focused on improving flood warning communication. Due to increased flooding from climate change and development, it is crucial for residents to receive timely and effective flood forecasts. Researchers from the University of Vermont, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, and Research Triangle International are studying how flood information is shared in communities, especially in flood-prone areas like Rutland City and Rutland Town. They discovered that information flows through emails, social media, and word-of-mouth, but gaps in communication exist. These findings aim to enhance both local and national flood forecasting systems.