Unsung Heroes: Vermont's Culvert Crawlers
In the quiet moments after a storm, when the rain has subsided and the roads are left to bear the scars of nature's fury, a group of dedicated volunteers in Vermont steps into the spotlight. They are the Culvert Crawlers, and their mission is to ensure that the next flood doesn't wash away the progress made.
The Power of Community Resilience
Vermont, with its vast network of roads and over 100,000 culverts, faces a unique challenge. As climate change intensifies rainfall, these culverts become critical infrastructure, safeguarding roads and communities. Small towns, already stretched thin, need all the help they can get.
That's where the Culvert Crawlers come in. This community-led initiative mobilizes local residents to become the eyes and ears of road maintenance crews. By monitoring culverts, they provide valuable data to prioritize maintenance efforts and prevent road damage during storms.
A Personal Journey Towards Resilience
The story of the Culvert Crawlers is deeply personal. Kelly Stettner, a resident of Springfield, found herself coordinating volunteers in the aftermath of the 2023 flood. With a background in river cleanups, she channeled her organizing skills into flood recovery efforts.
Stettner's collaboration with Margo Caulfield, a long-time community organizer in Cavendish, sparked a conversation about resilience. They asked: Where does the flood mud come from, and how can we prevent it?
Unblocking the Culprit: A Focus on Culverts
As they explored the causes of flood damage, their attention turned to culverts. When these structures fail, water overtops roads, leading to erosion, costly repairs, and sediment buildup downstream. Cavendish, where Caulfield resides, has over 700 culverts, a testament to the scale of the challenge.
Charis Boke, a Dartmouth researcher and Black River area native, joined forces with Stettner and Caulfield. Together, they developed a platform that empowers community members to record culvert conditions. Culvert Crawlers don their vests and venture into roadside ditches, checking for blockages and assessing road conditions.
A Collaborative Effort for a Resilient Future
The data collected by the Culvert Crawlers becomes a powerful tool, mapped and shared with local highway departments. This community-driven approach complements state data, providing more frequent monitoring and a deeper understanding of culvert conditions.
Rick Chambers, Town Manager of Cavendish, praises the initiative, acknowledging the limitations of municipal resources. He emphasizes the value of having an extra set of eyes, especially in eliminating problems before they escalate.
However, monitoring and maintenance are just the first steps. Many of Vermont's culverts are ill-equipped to handle the region's changing climate, requiring costly replacements.
A Broader Vision for Community Resilience
The Culvert Crawlers program is part of a larger vision for community resilience. Margo Caulfield, for instance, has helped her community prepare for future disasters by providing go-bags. Both Caulfield and Stettner are actively involved in their region's long-term recovery group.
Caulfield's decision to stay put, despite the challenges, is a testament to the power of community. She believes that facing climate change together, with the support of familiar faces, is a strength, not a weakness.
Final Thoughts
The Culvert Crawlers initiative showcases the potential for community-led projects to make a tangible impact. By taking ownership of their resilience, these volunteers are not only protecting their roads but also building a stronger, more connected community. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions come from within.
