PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – January 15, 2025
Media Contacts:
Sloane Sullivan, ECO AmeriCorps Clean Water Communications Specialist
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-522-4042, Sloane.Sullivan@Partner.Vermont.gov
Rachel Wood, ECO AmeriCorps Supervisor
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-461-7395, Rachel.Wood@Vermont.gov
Vermont DEC Launches Clean Water Conversation Series:
Centering on the Clean Water Community
Montpelier, Vt. – This winter, the Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP) at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is launching the 2025 Clean Water Conversation Series. These monthly webinars are free and open to the public.
This year’s series will spotlight a variety of groups working on projects in communities across Vermont to improve water quality in our rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Those who join will learn about clean water successes making a difference in Vermont.
“The Clean Water Conversation Series is a great way for the public to connect with clean water work statewide,” said DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “We are pleased to feature Vermont’s clean water partner network, who make protecting, enhancing, and restoring our waterways possible.”
DEC will host four talks this winter and announce the rest of the series in the spring. Register or find more information on the following scheduled CWIP Clean Water Conversation Series webinars:
Vermont Clean Water Initiative 2024 Performance Report
- Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
- Connect with Claire Madden from the DEC Clean Water Initiative Program to learn about water quality progress in Vermont made through public investment and regulation. This talk will provide context on the drivers of water quality work in the state. It will also highlight the important role of our statewide network of partners in protection and restoration efforts.
Collaboration Between Lake Associations and the State
- Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
- Join Alison Marchione from the DEC Lakes and Ponds Program to learn about Lake Watershed Action Plans and the lessons learned about the importance of community engagement and landowner support when working within the voluntary water quality project world.
Watersheds and Community Stewardship
- Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
- Learn from Watersheds United Vermont and three community-based watershed groups about their work in restoration and protection activities that improve water quality and lead to healthier and more resilient watersheds. Groups will touch on the challenges and opportunities of flood recovery and resiliency efforts in the context of devastating floods over the past two years. Find out how communities get involved in the work from tree planting to water quality monitoring to river cleanups.
Clean Water Initiative Program Forestland Practices
- Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
- Hear from David Wilcox and Silas Rainville from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation about the Forestry Acceptable Management Practices and their role in the prioritization of Forestland Clean Water Projects in Vermont.
To request accommodations to attend a talk, email ANR.CleanWaterVT@Vermont.gov. Use “Clean Water Conversation Series Accommodations Request” as the subject line.
For updates on the series, subscribe to the email list. You can also find past recorded talks on the CWIP YouTube channel.
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The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.
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