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Press Releases
Press Releases & Editorials
Your copy of the WNRCD recent press releases and editorials. If you have a topic that needs to be covered, please email: info@winooskinrcd.org
Trees For Streams 2019 Participant Search
The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District (WNRCD) is currently seeking landowners within Chittenden or Washington County who live along rivers or streams and are interested in installing a 35ft wide riparian buffer on their property in 2019 to control streambank erosion and floodplain protection.
The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District, in conjunction with the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts, UVM Extension and USDA NRCS, are offering a program to help small farms write Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) to meet the new Required Agricultural Practices. “By writing your own NMP you can: understand the nutrient needs of your soil, learn how to improve water quality and soil health on your farm, learn how to best use your manure on your land and meet a requirement of the state’s Required Agricultural Practices.” The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is here to help you at no cost.
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is pleased to announce two new dedicated staff members joining the WNRCD team; Kristen Balschunat and James Mazzola. Kris
ten will be leading outreach efforts within the areas of Agricultural Assistance, Urban Conservation and Habitat Restoration. James will b
e assisting with water quality monitoring and habitat assessment and restoration work.
Water Quality Monitors NeededDo you want to make an impact on stream health and learn about local water quality issues? Maybe you’re a college student seeking additional experience to put on your resume. Here is your chance to make a difference, have fun and learn about local streams. The Rethink Runoff Stream Team is looking for citizen scientist volunteers to participate in the 2018 water quality monitoring program.
WNRCD Seeking Conservation Specialist
Are you seeking a full-time position working in the natural resources field? Do you want to make a difference protecting and restoring water quality and soil health within the Winooski watershed and beyond? The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) seeks to fill a full-time Conservation Specialist position in northwest Vermont. The Conservation Specialist is predominantly responsible for managing the Stormwater Education and Outreach, Agricultural Outreach and Education, and Habitat Restoration programs. This exciting opportunity will allow the right candidate to grow both personally and professionally.
Emerald Ash BorerRecently in Orange County, VT the invasive beetle the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was discovered. This came as a shock to local foresters and the environmental community. The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive beetle from Asia. It was first discovered in the United States in 2002 near Detroit Michigan. This beetle has killed hundreds of millions of Ash trees within North America. It spreads rapidly and can kill a tree within 2-4 years. Tree branches as small as 1 inch can be infested and contain the EAB. It is primarily spread through firewood transport.
Tree sale Press ReleaseThe Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is offering a wide selection of beautiful native, ornamental and fruit trees and shrubs to the public during our Fundraiser and educational event. All orders must be received by March 31st. All proceeds from this fundraiser are used to develop and implement on-the-ground projects that protect our natural resources, including; riparian and shoreline buffers, stormwater mitigation projects, fish habitat restoration, culvert replacements, and so much more.
WNRCD Seeks Locations of Overlooked Snail Within Vermont Waters
Within Vermont waters is a snail that is most often overlooked. This snail while small can impact the ecology of our lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Recent studies are indicating that the Banded Mystery Snail, a non-native species should be classified as a nuisance species or potentially an invasive species. The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District seeks your help to identify bodies of water that the snail can be found.
Press Release Japanese Knotweed 101
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), which closely resembles giant knotweed and the hybrid Bohemidan knotweed, looks very similar to bamboo, although it is not related. Knotweed can be found along many roadways, stream corridors and along fields within the Winooski Watershed. Thanks to extensive erosion from Irene and other storms, Knotweed has spread far and wide throughout Vermont, impacting water quality and soil health.
2017 Annual Dinner press release
Richmond, VT – On December 6th, 2017 from 5:30pm till 8:00pm, the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting its Annual Conservation Event. A night filled with live music, door-prizes, raffles, great food, and an engaging presentation on Salmon restoration within the Lake Champlain Watershed.
To register and for more information; click here.
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WNRCD SUPERVISOR ELECTION PETITION 2017
Are you seeking a way to make a difference and help identify and implement natural resource projects within Chittenden and Washington County? Here is your chance. The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) is seeking petitions for those wishing to run for District Supervisor and members of the community who wish to volunteer as Associate Supervisors
WNRCD Completes 2 AOP projects
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) works on AOP’s on private property as well as on municipal roads. In summer 2017 the WNRCD worked with partners on the replacement of 2 AOP’s. Read more about the projects, their impact and learn more about AOP’s in this article.
Septic Smart Week- Septic system maintenance article
In honor of the Environmental Protection Agencies Septic Smart week, let’s discuss something that is generally out of site, but extremely important in our homes; our septic systems. Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), or septic systems, when properly maintained are an effective method for treating wastewater from homes and businesses. A conventional OWTS is a two-stage treatment process comprised of primary treatment (settling of solids in a septic tank), and secondary treatment (biological and chemical treatment within the soils of the absorption field). There are new innovative systems for sites with constraints (size, soils, proximity to water etc.) as well as systems that utilize composting toilets that can easily be installed in our homes.
CCRPC-Press-Release-Richmond-Stormwater-Master-Plan_FINAL
Through a grant provided by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the State’s Clean Water Initiative, the Town of Richmond and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) are partnering with the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and the Friends of the Winooski to develop a Stormwater Master Plan for the Town. This type of planning is needed to address infrastructure damage and erosion caused by excessive rainstorms and flooding events.
Lake Iroqoius Shoreland Bioengineering Project news release
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is pleased to announce the initiation of the Lake Iroquois Shoreland restoration project, funded in part through a Vermont Clean Water Initiative Ecosystem Restoration Program grant. The project consists of designing bioengineering practices along six adjacent properties on Lake Iroquois, Hinesburg VT to reduce sediment and phosphorus loading.
Press Release WNRCD Seeking farms in need of NMP
The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District, in conjunction with the Vermont Association of Conservations Districts, UVM Extension and USDA-NRCS, is offering a program to help small farms write Nutrient Management Plans (NMP). NMPs have been required for large and medium farm operations, but under the upcoming Required Agricultural Practice, additionally small farms will be required to account for the use of their manure and other amendments. Implementing an NMP will reduce phosphorus runoff and other nutrient loading; improving water quality in Vermont’s streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, as well as maintaining the health of soils. Click here to learn more and to register. Deadline is July 31, 2017
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) received funding in 2017 to support ongoing river restoration projects in the Lake Champlain Basin from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) Ecosystem Restoration Program. Funding has furthered the commitment and ability of the WNRCD to work with landowners to plant beneficial native trees and shrubs along river corridors that will reduce phosphorus and sediment loading that can impact local waterways and Lake Champlain. In spring 2017 a total of four acres of riparian buffer along Browns River, Lewis Creek, Huntington River and Winooski River were restored.
With recent heavy rains in the Northeast there is concern about wastewater flowing untreated directly into our lakes and rivers. Growth, aging infrastructure and increased storm intensity are resulting in wastewater spilling and leaching untreated sewage into waterways. This has included both raw sewage and graywater. Outdated and inadequate infrastructure both public and private are lending to the potential increase in toxic waters, containing harmful algal blooms and pathogens within the waters we drink from and recreate in.
Essex, VT – Do you harbor a passion for protecting local water quality and are seeking a meaningful way to give back to your community this summer? Then consider volunteering for the Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District’s (WNRCD) new Citizen Scientist sampling program in Essex!
The snow is melting, weather is warming and it is once again time to think about our yards. There is nothing like a barefoot walk through a soft lawn. The mixture of clover, grasses and low growing beneficial plants are not only pleasing to the eye, but lend to conservation practices that improve water quality protection
The first day of spring has arrived and it is time to consider the relationship between what we plant in our yards and fields and the pollinator species we rely on. Be it stunning butterflies, buzzing bees, or beautiful songbirds, they rely on the flowering species and trees we plant. Every spring, songbirds migrate from their winter rest to breeding grounds in Vermont. They need a nutritious source of food for energy and habitat to raise their young. The most nutritious forms of plants are native species.
ColchesterRBworkshopPressRelease
Despite the snow, Vermonters know that spring is right around the corner. It is the
perfect time to start thinking about incorporating the use of a rain barrel to reduce harmful stormwater
runoff AND reuse rainwater for lawn and landscaping need s! Join the Chittenden County Stream Team
and Colchester Conservation Commission who are hosting a Build-A-Rain Barrel workshop on April 17th
at 5:30 pm at the Bayside Activity Center in Colchester, VT.
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is holding its annual fundraiser, offering beautiful native and ornamental trees, shrubs and perennial plants to the public. We offer a wide selection of species for home, garden, and conservation projects. We offer several locally sourced species that are perfect to attract pollinators and birds. All proceeds from this fundraiser are used to develop and implement on-the-ground projects that protect our natural resources, including; riparian and shoreline buffers, stormwater mitigation projects, fish habitat restoration, culvert replacements, and so much more.
It Takes a Watershed To Pollute a Lake
Lake Champlain and other Vermont waters are experiencing impacts to water quality from “pollutants.” These “pollutants” take many forms including excessive nutrients, chemicals and heavy metals. Many factors are contributing to the decreased health of our waterways. These factors don’t just take place within the lake or even the nearshore area; any activity that takes place within a watershed can cause impacts to our water resources. Even those who don’t live along the waters or recreate in them, have an impact.
WNRCD Hosting RAP Workshop 2-21-17
On Tuesday February 21, the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting a workshop featuring the new Required Agricultural Practices and resources from 10am till noon at the Waterbury Congregational Church
Living in the Northeast we depend on clear roads during winter to maintain our way of life. Organizations, agencies and municipalities throughout upstate NY and VT understand that there is an impact to the environment from road salt application practices. We must find the balance that protects the environment and still allows for safe roads. Road salt (sodium chloride) was first utilized within the U.S. on roads in NH in 1938. By 1941 a total of 5,000 tons of salt were applied to highways nationwide. Today, between 10-20 million tons of salt are applied annually. This increase in road salt application is having a negative impact on our waterways, soils, cars, and infrastructure. Lake Champlain alone has seen a 30% increase within the past 10 years and many bodies of water within the Adirondack Park have levels high enough to impact native aquatic organisms including fish populations.
76-years-of-conservation-successes
On Tuesday November 15, the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) celebrated 76 years of conservation successes at their annual dinner at the Canadian Club in Barre VT. The room was packed, the dinner was delightful and the presentations were informative.
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pervisorelection_newsrelease_2016
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Skiers and fish are an unlikely pairing but they both have one more reason to be excited this fall – an important piece of snowmaking infrastructure is now fish-friendly! Thanks to a partnership between Sugarbush Resort and a team of local, state and federal partners, Sugarbush’s snowmaking weir (basically a small dam to collect water for making snow) in Slide Brook across from Fayston School now allows trout to move upstream and gives them access to 2.4 miles of additional habitat!
contractor-survey-news-release
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) in partnership with the UVM NR206 Service based learning class, are seeking private sector road salt applicators to take a brief survey. The outcome will allow partners to better assist contractors to save money and prevent environmental damage. The survey can be requested by emailing: info@winooskinrcd.org or by visiting www.winooskinrcd.org
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All are invited to come celebrate a year of successes and partnerships for the protection of our natural resources. Come listen to engaging presentations, enjoy some amazing food, enter for a chance to win one of our many sponsor donated raffle items and numerous door-prizes and learn about conservation efforts happening within the District. On Tuesday November 15, 2016 the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) will hold its Annual Dinner at the Canadian Club in Barre VT from 5:30-8pm. All are welcome and invited to attend. Dinner is $15 a person.
The Essex community joined together along Indian Brook to participate in Vermont’s River Cleanup Month, in partnership with the Chittenden County Stream Team and the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District. A natural resource class from the Center for Technology, Essex were joined by community members Sarah Weiss and Daniel Stein on September 28th to clean up Indian Brook in front of Essex High School. The students “dove” right into their work, getting completely soaked and muddy in an effort to remove large items from the stream bed. In addition to over a dozen bags of trash, the group pulled out truck tires, yoga balls, traffic cones, and even a couple of bicycles!
The next time you are taking a stroll in downtown Burlington, keep an eye out for color beneath your feet! During the last weekend of September, four artists worked tirelessly to bring storm drain murals to life around the city; each carrying its own unique, awareness message.
The intention of this art campaign is to raise awareness of the connectivity of storm drains to the lake by creating an eye-catching and beautiful image that each passerby is compelled to take notice of. Each mural contains an inspiring and catchy phrase to remind people that these drains convey untreated stormwater directly to local streams and ultimately Lake Champlain.
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cd-seeking-locations-for-streamside-plantings
The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District (WNRCD) is currently seeking landowners within the District who live along rivers or streams and are interested in installing riparian buffers on their property during the 2017 growing season. Riparian buffers are the grasses, shrubs, and/or trees that grow along streams. In natural conditions these plants colonize streambanks, controlling erosion and helping to filter and clean stormwater runoff before it enters our waterways. Without this protection, streambanks become unstable, erode, and become a greater source of non-point source pollution.
wnrcd-enrolling-small-farms-in-nutrient-management-class
The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District, in conjunction with the Vermont Association of Conservations Districts, UVM Extension and USDA-NRCS, is offering a program to help small farms write Nutrient Management Plans (NMP). NMPs have been required for large and medium farm operations, but under the upcoming Required Agricultural Practice, additionally small farms will be required to account for the use of their manure and other amendments. Implementing an NMP will reduce phosphorus runoff and other nutrient loading; improving water quality in Vermont’s streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, as well as maintaining the health of soils.
IndianBrookCleanUpPressRelease_Sept2016
Essex, VT – Chittenden County Stream Team and the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District are seeking volunteers for our upcoming stream cleanup effort on Wednesday, September 28th. Every year, trash illegally discarded or swept downstream, litters the floodplains and substrates of our streams and rivers. In an effort to protect and preserve these important riparian habitats, the state formally recognized September as Vermont’s River Clean Up month. Chittenden County Stream Team (CCST) has chosen to take part in this effort by hosting a stream clean up in Essex!
2016_Working Group Invite – Press Release
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) will host a Local Work Group meeting on Friday September 16, 2016 at The Waterbury Congregational Church, 8N Main Street, Waterbury VT. The meeting will run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of discussing natural resource concerns and issues of District residents.
Seeking Property in need of shoreland erosion control assistance
The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District (WNRCD) is currently seeking landowners who own shoreline property along the lakes and ponds within the Winooski River Watershed that are in need of shoreline erosion control. The WNRCD is currently scoping projects that involve the implementation of best management practices utilizing bioengineering methods.
Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District Fall Trout Sale
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is pleased to announce our Fall 2016 Trout Sale. We are excited to provide this opportunity to District property owners to purchase Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout to stock their bodies of water. Anyone interested in purchasing can print the required order form. Proceeds from the sale will benefit conservation projects within the District.
Rumney School Project Construction News Release
Construction has begun on Stormwater Partnership Project at Rumney Memorial School. The WNRCD, Stone Environmental, SE Group and Canonica Farm and Forest Service have partnered over the past year and a half with the Rumney Memorial School, Middlesex VT, to develop and now implement a project to better manage stormwater runoff from the school campus.
WNRCD seeks participants for Trees for Streams 2017
The Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District (WNRCD) is currently seeking landowners within the District who live along rivers or streams and are interested in installing riparian buffers on their property during the 2017 growing season. Riparian buffers are the grasses, shrubs, and/or trees that grow along streams. In natural conditions these plants colonize streambanks, controlling erosion and helping to filter and clean stormwater runoff before it enters our waterways. Without this protection, streambanks become unstable, erode, and become a greater source of non-point source pollution.
For its fourth anniversary, the Connecting the Drops traveling Rain Barrel Exhibit will be held at the Milton Farmers Market, adjacent to the Hannaford Plaza in Milton, VT, from June 9th – July 7th . As in years prior, this display will feature original art by local artists using rain barrels as the canvas! During the exhibit Chittenden County residents will have a chance to sign up and win one of the five, uniquely decorated
rain barrels for use at their own home or work.
WNRCD Announcing Skidder Bridge Build Demonstration
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is pleased to announce our Skidder Bridge Build demonstration in conjunction with the Fontaine Mill Works open house, scheduled for Tuesday May 17, 2016 in East Montpelier VT. Visitors will visit a working mill, see the new equipment demoed throughout the day and witness as volunteers and partner organizations including Forests Parks and Recreation construct a skidder bridge for the WNRCD. The District currently has three skidder bridges that are rented out to local loggers to insure water quality protection under a grant from the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts and VTDEC. At 2pm join public officials and staff for a ceremonial board cutting. There will be live demonstrations, exhibits, food and more.
Ecological design students present projects
Advanced Ecological Design students Kensey Hanson, Mollie Gerber and Jessica Wymer are designing a rain garden for Landry Park in Winooski. The student team reimagined the garden and recommends a terraced approach to improve infiltration on the steep site and allow plants space to thrive and beautify a residential roadside. Through this real-world setting, the students learned site assessment techniques, rain garden design, use of optimal growth media and plant selection methods. They will share their final design with the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District who hope to implement the plan in the coming season.
District seeks farms who have implemented BMP’s
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is seeking Vermont farmers who have implemented water quality protection measures on their farms. Practices implemented can include: buffer plantings, cover crops, manure composting, and nutrient management planning. Any farmer with examples of Best Management Practices in action on their farms and are interested in being featured as a success story in multi-media productions and publications are encouraged to contact the District.
First Winooski Basin Conservation Commission Meeting
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) in partnership with the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) held the first Winooski basin regional Conservation Commission meeting on Wednesday March 31, 2016 in Waterbury VT. The event was well attended by representatives of 16 Conservation Commissions and various partner organizations.
WNRCD Announcing Updated Website
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is pleased to announce their updated website featuring resources, links and tools for towns, organizations, and the general public. The updated website includes information about the WNRCD including services provided and examples of conservation work accomplished.
WNRCD Appoints New Stormwater Specialist
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District announced today that Holly Kreiner has joined the District to further their development of stormwater mitigation and outreach and education. Holly comes with an extensive background with outreach development, watershed education, stream monitoring, riparian restoration and land management practices to improve water quality. Holly received a Bachelors of Science degree in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont.
33rd Annual Tree and Trout Sale
Place your orders now for the Winooski NRCD’s 33rd Annual Tree Sale. Visit the District’s website for an order form and pick up the plants on Saturday, April 23, 2016 in Berlin or Essex Junction. We will have a wide variety of bareroot trees and shrubs available at very low cost including Northern White Cedar, Sugar Maple, Witchhazel, Nannyberry, a variety of fruit trees and berry species including Apple, Pear, Apricot, Strawberries, Blueberries and more. We have potted perennials too including Cardinal Flower, Beebalm, and Black-eyed Susan.
WNRCD Embarks on outreach to farmers about RAP’s
The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) awarded funding to the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) to reach out to small scale farmers in the Lake Champlain Basin and offer information about Best Management Practices (BMP) and the impacted of the proposed Required Agricultural Practices (RAP). With the assistance of the grant, Winooski NRCD staff are reaching out to small farmers within Chittenden, Washington and Orange counties, meeting for ‘Kitchen Table Talks’ – one-on-one, onthe-farm discussions between farmers and District staff about BMPs and available resources. New resources available for farmers include the WNRCD educational series factsheets.
WNRCD received funding for Trees for Streams program
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) has received funding to support six river restoration projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. Funding from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) Ecosystem Restoration Program has been allocated to WNRCD to work with six landowners in Essex Junction, Milton, Shelburne, Jericho, Huntington and Bolton to plant a total of four acres of riparian buffer along Indian Brook, the Lamoille River, McCabe Brook, Lee River, Huntington River, Joiner Brook this spring.
WNRCD receives funding to design and construct stormwater project at Rumney School
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) awarded an Ecosystem Restoration Program grant to the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) to design and construct a stormwater installation at the Rumney Memorial School in Middlesex that will address its contribution to sediment and runoff into Martin’s Brook (locally called Shady Rill).
WNRCD seeking new Stormwater Specialist news release
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is seeking a part time Stormwater Specialist to join their dynamic team, focusing on natural resource issues and water quality protection. The Stormwater Specialist is predominantly responsible for managing the stormwater projects throughout the Winooski Conservation District. Job duties include the coordination and implementation of effective stormwater conservation programs and projects with partner agencies, towns, not-for-profits, and individuals through education, outreach and implementation.