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VRC Accomplishments:
Completed Projects
Northfield, VT: The Vermont River Conservancy and Joseph and Deborah Zuaro of Northfield recently worked together to establish a River Corridor Easement on 8.7 acres of the Zuaro’s farm land along the Dog River, thanks to a grant from the State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Ecosystem Restoration Program. This easement was completed in October 2014, and helps ensure the conserved area will always be an undeveloped, active floodplain – improving water quality and fish habitat in the Dog River and reducing future flood risks to the downstream Village of Northfield.

Sheldon River Access: This access, below the Sheldon Springs dam on the Missisquoi River, is
a put-in location for paddlers and a take-out location for Northern Forest Canoe Trail through paddlers. It is also a take-out for white water paddlers running the section of Class IV rapids immediately upstream. We enlisted the Northern Forest Canoe Trail's Stewardship Intern crew to clear loose rock, debris, and rubbish and install a 20 ft by 4ft stone ramp and set of stone stairs designed to facilitate river access while withstanding water events.
Funding provided by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Non-motorized Boat Access Fund and the American Canoe Association.
North Ferrisburgh, VT: Another River Corridor easement project, this reach of Lewis Creek is well known to anglers and presents the opportunity for significant riparian habitat restoration. Landowner Clark Hinsdale worked with VRC to craft a conservation easement that balanced the property owner’s desire for agricultural use of certain floodplain areas with the imperative of Lewis Creek to meander freely and access those critical floodplains during high water events. Located near the busy Rte. 7 corridor, this project will preserve a significant land area in its natural state, and is a prime example of how a River Corridor Easement can protect a wide range of conservation values including aquatic habitat, water quality, and flood resilience. This project was completed at the end of December, 2014 and was funded by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resource's Ecosystem Restoration Program.
Fairfax, VT: The Vermont River Conservancy and Flora & Tim Hurteau of Fairfax teamed up to establish a River Corridor Easement on 23.7 acres of the Hurteau’s land (floodplains between the Lamoille River and Goose Pond) in January of this year. A favorite spot for fishing and hunting, this land is much enjoyed by the Hurteau's and their neighbors. The Lamoille River has flooded their lands so frequently that the vegetation remains grasses and shrubs between the river and Goose Pond. Through this easement, the Hurteau’s have protected this land from development, and are ensuring that the river and pond will always be allowed to flood and move. They envision this land being a place to bring their children and grandchildren, to play among the walnut trees planted by Tim’s dad, and to enjoy the beauty of the Lamoille River valley. This project was funded by Vermont's Agency of Natural Resource's Ecosystem Restoration Program and the Vermont Community Foundation's Lake Champlain Tributaries Restoration Fund.
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Adopt a Campsite!
The Vermont River Conservancy is looking for volunteers to help monitor conditions at campsites along the Connecticut River. Campsites open for adoption include:
Volunteers are asked to visit the site in the spring, once during the summer, and once in the fall. By adopting a campsite you are helping ensure the success of the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail - and building an excuse to get out on the water this summer! Contact us to sign up or learn more!
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Lamoille River Paddlers' Trail Community Meeting
You're invited! Please join us to learn more about an emerging initiative - the Lamoille River Paddlers' Trail. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm in the Hardwick Memorial Building (20 Church St.- home to the municipal offices).
The Paddlers' Trail is an emerging, community effort to develop new opportunities for paddling and fishing along the Lamoille River. Our vision is of a network of well maintained river access points, primitive campsites, and portage trails from the river's headwaters west to Lake Champlain.
At the meeting, you will have a chance to:
- See the results of an assessment of river access points, portage trails, and potential campsites
- Help craft a shared vision and guiding principles for the Paddlers' Trail
- Brainstrom priority on-the-ground projects for the upcoming year
- Light refreshments will be provided. This meeting is a follow-up to a gathering held in Johnson, which brought over fifty community members together to discuss recreational priorities along the Lamoille River.
Please join us and help share the future of this exciting endeavor!
To RSVP, or to sign-up for periodic project updates, e-mail noah@vermontriverconservancy.org.
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Upcoming Event:
Clean Water Legislative Day
on March 17th at the Vermont State House
Come learn about water quality legislation pending in the Vermont Legislature, and show your support for clean water. This event at the State House starts at 9:30 am March 17th and will include briefings on legislation that is under discussion in the Vermont Legislature. There will also be opportunities to connect with your lawmakers on this important issue. Email lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org for more information.
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Thank you for making VRC's 2014 Annual Appeal a Success!
Thank you for supporting VRC with your year-end gifts. We were thrilled with not only the success of VRC's Appeal, but also with the many notes you included with your donations! It is wonderful to hear why Vermont's rivers are important to you. Please keep the notes and emails coming, and thank you again for continuing to support the important work of protecting Vermont's rivers!
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Help protect Vermont's rivers by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Vermont River Conservancy today!
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When you shop Amazon Smile, choose VRC as your charity organization and Vermont's rivers benefit!
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