Grant awards fund 2011 WRP projects

Grant awards fund 2011 WRP projects

February 15, 2011

The WRP has received three grants in 2011 to implement projects that improve water quality, enhance fish passage, and engage people and local communities in watershed stewardship activities.

Northfield Savings Bank Foundation (NSBF)

Northfield Savings Bank contributes to Vermont-based non-profit organizations serving the needs of and benefitting people living within its service area. In 2011, the WRP has received NSBF funds to support our school-based watershed education program, Monitoring the White River. With NSBF funding, we are training students and teachers to record tracks and signs of wild animals along the river corridor during the winter months.

Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund (MEF)

MEF funds are administered by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and are granted to support on-the-ground projects that protect or restore rivers, shorelands, and wetlands within the Upper Connecticut River watershed. In 2011, the WRP has received MEF funds to restore riparian buffers in Royalton and Sharon and to enhance fish passage through the Broad Brook I89 culvert in Sharon.

Vermont Watershed Grant (VWG)

VWG funds are administered by the State of Vermont and are granted to support on-the-ground projects that protect or restore water quality and shorelines, enhance recreational use, and educate people about watershed resources. In 2011, the WRP has received VWG funds to work with volunteers to plant 2,000 native trees and shrubs along the river and its tributaries; to monitor and raise awareness about 2 aquatic nuisance species in the river – didymo and rusty crayfish; and to remove trash from over 24 public access sites along the river.

We want to thank NSBF, MEF, and VWG for their generous support of our 2011 projects!