Gold LEAF Institute Course Catalogue

In-Person

This is a quest to understand a dynamic river and its impacts on communities along its 73.3-mile corridor. Come and hear what experts say and what concerns residents.

In February 2025, 50 local and regional partners met to address worsening floods in the Sandy River Watershed. Following major 2023 floods and over 100 events in 230 years—including three recent FEMA disasters—farmers reported erosion and land damage. Professionals cited outdated flood maps, past river modifications, and climate change.

The group called for updated mapping, a geomorphic assessment, and coordinated, large-scale solutions beyond piecemeal fixes. How would this impact citizens, and what are their ideas?

Four forums took place across the Sandy River Watershed. These forums were centered on the community—designed not only to help residents understand the characteristics of the Sandy River, but more importantly, to listen to their stories, concerns, local knowledge, and history.

March 12, 2026

1:00 P.M.

Location: Franklin County's Emergency Operations Center, 1 County Way in Farmington.

Amanda Simoneau, Franklin County Emergency Management Director, will be joined by Sara Bickford, Somerset Emergency Management Agency Director, to describe what impact the flooding has had and mitigation suggestions moving forward.