PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - October 9, 2023
Media Contact:
Keith Fritschie, Watershed Planner
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-490-6176, Keith.Fritschie@Vermont.Gov
Join the Discussion about the Water Quality Plan for the Winooski Basin
Montpelier, Vt. – State and regional planners are hosting three hybrid meetings this October about the State’s Draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Winooski River Basin (Basin 8). This plan has been developed to protect and restore rivers, lakes, and wetlands in the central Vermont watershed and to reduce phosphorus loading to Lake Champlain.
Interested members of the public are invited to join the meetings in-person or online. To attend virtually use the meeting links on the Basin 8 webpage.
October 10, 6:30 PM hosted by the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
In-Person: Conference Room, Central VT Chamber of Commerce, 963 Paine Turnpike North, Berlin, VT 05641
October 17, 6:30 PM hosted by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
In-Person: Conference Room, 110 West Canal Street, Suite 202, Winooski, VT 05404
October 24, 6:30 PM hosted by the Lamoille County Planning Commission
In-Person: Conference Room, 52 Portland Street, Second Floor, Morrisville, VT 05661
“The Winooski basin faces complex water quality challenges that cut across forested, agricultural, and developed landscapes,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “The Tactical Basin Plan helps coordinate state and watershed partner efforts to address these multi-faceted challenges, focusing work where it may have the greatest benefit.”
The Draft Tactical Basin Plan describes water quality conditions across the Winooski Basin and identifies 50 priority strategies to protect and restore water quality and aquatic habitat. The Final Plan will guide how the State and key watershed partners provide funding and technical support over the next five years.
“Citizen engagement is critical to the success of the Winooski Tactical Basin Plan,” said Brian Voigt, Program Manager for the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. “Reviewing the Draft Plan, attending public meetings, and providing feedback will help the State identify strategies to address water quality challenges that resonate with local communities.”
The public comment period for the Draft Plan runs from October 10 until November 10. Please submit comments at one of the public meetings, by email to Keith.Fritschie@vermont.gov, or by mail to Keith Fritschie, Basin 8 Comments, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05602. State officials will respond to each comment in a written summary later this fall.
Visit the Basin 8 webpage for a copy of the Draft Plan, dates and locations of the public meetings, and an interactive Story Map. To request paper copies, contact Keith Fritschie at Keith.Fritschie@vermont.gov or 802-490-6176.
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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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