Julie Moore, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Natural ResourcesOne of my favorite aspects of living here, in Vermont, is the numerous and exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether hiking in the woodland behind my house with our dogs, paddling on nearby lakes and reservoirs, camping in a State Park, or rummaging through the blackberry patch in search of a few sweet morsels - I take advantage of Vermont's long, warm summer days by spending time outside.
And my love for all things outdoors translates directly to the great privilege I feel in being able to spend my work hours engaged in the mission of the Agency of Natural Resources - promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, protecting and improving the health of Vermont's peoples and ecosystems, and promoting sustainable outdoor recreation.
As you may know, the Agency is made up of three Departments - Environmental Conservation (DEC), Fish & Wildlife (F&W), and Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) - each of which plays a significant role in the stewardship of Vermont's natural resources. For most Vermonters, the work of F&W and FPR are associated with fun - supporting a myriad of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, paddling, and bird watching.
On the other hand, DEC is often seen as simply a regulatory body and no fun at all! As is often the case, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. FPR regulates the working forests as well as maintain a network of 55 fantastic State Parks. The game wardens of F&W both apprehend poachers and teach classrooms full of children a deep appreciation for our native flora and fauna. And while DEC serves a whole host of regulatory functions from monitoring air emissions to permitting landfills, they also help preserve a landscape where ponds are swimmable, vernal pools support healthy populations of salamanders and tree frogs and the views from our mountaintops are not obscured in smog.
In this issue of our e-newsletter, my first as ANR Secretary, I'd like to introduce you to a few of the less-well-known things we do to make the outdoors fun. I won't call them obscure, because I know that many of you have toured the Ed Weed Fish Hatchery or enjoyed the mountain biking opportunities at Little River State Park. But I am hopeful that the next time you hear the spring peepers or hike up your favorite hill to watch the sunset, you will give a little nod to the work of this Agency which helps preserve those moments for current and future Vermonters. It's easy to forget all that ANR does to protect the environment, and yet I can assure you that you'd notice if we failed to do our job.
Julie Mooreis the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources.Formerly, she worked as an environmental engineer focused on watershed planning and water quality concerns associated with runoff from developed land and agricultural areas. She lives with her husband in Middlesex where they garden, raise chickens and try to keep up with two active children who love the outdoors.
Building Trails (and an Ethic) That Last |
|
The Rebirth of a Hatchery: A Fish Tale |
|
State Government Municipal DayComing in September to a town near you! |
|
"All In" for Clean Water!August 21 - 26is Clean Water Week in Vermont. |
|
Catalysts of the Climate EconomyA National Innovation Summit,September 6 - 8in Vermont |
|