WUV’s Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Enhancement Riparian Buffer Grant (ERBG) is for organizations to implement high priority, cost-effective, riparian buffer plantings along rivers and streams using native vegetation. Projects must have a minimum buffer width of 35 feet and a minimum planting density of at least 300 stems/acre. All projects and expenses under the ERBG must meet the requirements of the 2023 DEC CWIP (Clean Water Initiative Program) Funding Policy. Grant opportunity is rolling, please submit application at time of need for Spring or Fall 2026 plantings.

Please also see the WUV's Enhancement Survivorship Application, this application allows requests fund buffer enhanced survivorship treatment activities of re-planting, vine removal, and weeding. Enhanced survivorship treatment activities are eligible to be performed on sites supported in whole or in part with DEC funds and registered within the Clean Water Project Explorer as “River – Planting” project type or new planting projects under WUV’s current Woody Buffer Block Grant/Enhancement Riparian Buffer Grant. This request will allow subgrantees to fund enhanced survivorship activities at previously planted sites throughout 2026 and 2027.