In the year that Tropical Storm Irene brought to the forefront of public attention the need to address issues related to our lakes and tributaries, three funds focused on preserving Lake Champlain and Vermont’s waterways collectively awarded 19 grants totaling $98,967.
The Lake Champlain and Tributaries Restoration Fund awarded five grants totaling $57,471; the South Lake Champlain Fund awarded 10 grants totaling $26,496; and the Deerfield River Enhancement Fund awarded four grants totaling $15,000.
The Lake Champlain and Tributaries Restoration Fund was established by Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) in 2009 as part of a comprehensive settlement agreement with the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) for the Lamoille River, Carver Falls, and Silver Lake Hydroelectric Projects. CVPS contributed $500,000 to the fund.
Established in 1989, the South Lake Champlain Fund (SLCF) awards grants to support research and education and help effect positive environmental impact on the southern portion of Lake Champlain, defined as that area of Lake Champlain south of Crown Point. Because research is exceptionally important in achieving this goal, SLCF recognizes the need to take risks and fund projects with the potential for high impact.
The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund was established in 1999 by USGen New England, Inc.’now known as TransCanada’for the environmental preservation of the Deerfield River Watershed.The fund supports watershed conservation; development of low-impact recreational and educational facilities; and the planning, design, maintenance, and monitoring of such facilities in the Deerfield River Watershed.Grants are awarded for new initiatives, one-time special projects, or continuing funding for outstanding, existing programs. The Vermont Community Foundation and theCommunity Foundation of Western Massachusettsjointly manage grantmaking for the fund.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND TRIBUTARIES RESTORATION FUND: 2011 GRANT AWARDS
Five grants totaling $57,471
Friends of the Mad River
$6,500 to support the Mad River Private Culvert Upgrade Initiative
Lamoille County Conservation District
$21,450 to support connecting the Mid-Lamoille Culvert Development Project
Missisquoi River Basin Association
$9,710 to support streambank restoration and stabilization fieldwork
Poultney Mettowee Conservation District
$10,000 to support post-Irene restoration projects
Winooski Soil and Water Conservation District
$9,811 to restore fish habitat in the Winooski River Watershed
SOUTH LAKE CHAMPLAIN FUND: 2011 GRANT AWARDS
10 grants totaling $26,496
Ticonderoga Festival Guild
$1,000 to support the 2012 Arts Trek
Fair Haven Grade School
$2,000 to support the Great Adventure Project
The Nature Conservancy
$3,000 to engage volunteers in the southern Lake Champlain Valley
Fort Ticonderoga Association
$1,900 to support a conference on Lake George and Lake Champlain
Clinton Community College
$2,500 to support the lighthouses of Lake Champlain
Audubon Vermont
$2,500 to support the Champlain Valley Shrubland Enhancement Project
Orwell Village School
$2,596 to support the East Creek Project
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
$6,500 to support the South Lake Shipwreck Study
Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds
$3,000 to support the third phase of the Widening Circles program to expand the effectiveness of lake protection outreach.
Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Life
$1,500 to support cross-boundary management
DEERFIELD RIVER ENHANCEMENT FUND: 2011 GRANT AWARDS
Five grants totaling $15,000
Deerfield River Watershed Association
$4,000 toassess chemical, physical, and biological conditions in six previously un-assessed streams in the Deerfield River watershed in southern Vermont
Deerfield River Watershed Association
$4,000 to train citizen volunteers to monitor vernal pools in the Massachusetts portion of the watershed
The Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
$1,700to immerse students and community members in a hands-on program focused on their local water resources, including a focus on watersheds health and how that ties into our daily lives and drinking water
Windham Regional Council
$5,300to build upon the existing Phase SGA report and develop a river corridor management plan for the mainstream of the North Branch Deerfield River in Dover and Wilmington, Vermont.
The Vermont Community Foundation is a family of hundreds of funds and foundations established by Vermonters to serve their charitable goals. It provides the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office expertise to make giving easy and inspiring. The Foundation also provides leadership in giving by responding to community needs and keeping Vermont’s nonprofit sector vital. Together, its funds and programs provide more than $15 million a year in grants and other investments in Vermont.
www.vermontcf.org3.21.2012 PHOTO: Silted flood waters pour into Lake Champlain across Route 2 last May. Photo courtesy of Governor Shumlin's office.