Project Summary:

High-elevation environments in Vermont are vulnerable to air and water-quality degradation. Granitic and quartzite bedrock makes these areas sensitive to acid deposition, and thin soils and steep slopes leave them susceptible to erosion when forests are cleared. Recreational (ski area) and associated residential development may increase streams' peak flows from impervious surfaces, decrease baseflows through snowmaking withdrawals, and impair water quality due to erosion, septic-system leachate, and pesticide application. There are scant data in Vermont on high-elevation streamflow and water quality, and there have been no scientific studies in the northeastern U.S. on the effect of ski area development on water quantity and quality.

This is a paired-watershed study on the east slope of Mt. Mansfield, in Stowe, Vermont. Two adjacent watersheds are being studied; Ranch Brook, a 10.5-km² nearly pristine forested basin, and West Branch Little River, a 12.0-km² basin containing the entire Mt. Mansfield Ski Resort and bisected by Vermont State Highway 108. The two basins have similar geology, size, elevation, slope, aspect, soils, geology, and forest cover; the principle difference between them is the sharp contrast in land use. Streamflow-gaging stations were established in the fall of 2000. Data collection at the stations includes discharge, air temperature, and water temperature.

The project is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Vermont and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Collaborative journal articles are anticipated on the response of mountain streams to land-use changes that will provide a scientific basis to assist in the management of high-elevation development.