Funded projects will improve aquatic habitat in Memphremagog Watershed
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has awarded $681,822 in the second round of Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program funding to four organizations engaged in aquatic habitat improvement work in the watershed. The third round of applications is currently open, with an application deadline of March 24th.
Those interested should visit the VHCB website for more information: https://vhcb.org/leahy-CWP
Memphremagog Science and Education Center
MemSEC Education Access Project: $216,727
Grant will support MemSEC’s mission to foster environmental awareness and understanding of Lake Memphremagog through accessible, hands-on educational programs. Funding will be used to enhance access to and increased participation in their Floating Classroom program, develop free and low-cost learning resources, purchase supplies and equipment for their programs, and support Americorps, internship, and French-speaking volunteer positions.
Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District
Culverts Design and Implementation: $267,145
Funding will be used to upgrade three undersized culverts on a farm in Orleans County with bridges to improve aquatic organism passage and water quality. These culverts are currently severely undersized and perched above the streambed and are therefore a barrier to fish passage for a number of species. They have experienced recent blowouts due to flooding, causing sediment to enter the stream. Replacing these culverts with bridges will remove the barrier to fish, as well as improve flood resilience and water quality.
NorthWoods Stewardship Center
Memphremagog Riparian Lands Outreach: $15,450
Grant will support education and outreach events related to NWSC’s Riparian Lands program, including youth education development, general public events, and student conservation training. This series of events follows the progression of seed collection through tree propagation for riparian restoration efforts.
VT Fish and Wildlife Department
Albany Black River Riparian Land Acquisitions: $182,500
The VT Fish and Wildlife Department will acquire three riparian parcels in Albany and Irasburg along the Black River, totaling about 197 acres. These parcels will be excluded from agricultural production and managed by FWD for fish and wildlife habitat, flood resilience, water quality, and public recreation.
About the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB)
VHCB invests in the development of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity. VHCB is dedicated to supporting the creation of permanently affordable housing for Vermonters and conserving and protecting Vermont's agricultural land, forestland, historic properties, important natural areas, and recreational lands to ensure the economic health and quality of life of the State.
Source: 3.5.2025. Montpelier, Vt. – Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
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