“The projects that are funded under this program are project types that are difficult to fund through other mechanisms,” said Nathanael Johns, Clean Water Program Manager for VHCB. “This funding will help fill gaps that currently exist in aquatic habitat improvement work in the Memphremagog watershed.”
The new program is funded by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) and aims to improve Lake Memphremagog’s aquatic habitats and increase capacity among VHCB partner organizations engaged in work that protects the watershed. Funding was made possible by the Senator Patrick Leahy, for whom the program was named; Leahy served as Chair of the US Senate Appropriations Committee and secured strong funding for the GLFC.
Below is a summary of the funded proposals:

Memphremagog Science and Education Center:

Education Program Development: $52,000
The Memphremog Science and Education Center is a relatively new endeavor undertaken by Memphremagog Community Maritime whose mission includes fostering environmental awareness and understanding of Lake Memphremagog through accessible, hands-on educational programs and collaborating with partners in Quebec. This grant will help them increase their capacity by hiring an Education Program Manager, making website improvements, purchasing marketing material, and conducting promotional activities.

Floating Classroom Developments: $33,400
Along with their capacity proposal, this grant will be used to hire an AmeriCorps member for one year, purchase classroom equipment, life jackets, water quality monitoring educator kits and teaching materials, as well as procure a consultant for equitable education curriculum design.

Memphremagog Watershed Association:

Capacity Grant: $128,000
The Memphremagog Watershed Association manages a variety of clean water projects in the region and is currently working on several projects in the basin funded by the DEC Water Quality Restoration Formula Grant and other funding programs. This grant will increase their capacity by providing funds to hire an additional Project Coordinator and an Administrative Specialist. Additionally, they will be utilizing these funds to purchase a total station for surveying and other necessary equipment related to clean water project planning and monitoring.

Black & Barton River Project Development: $43,000
This grant will provide support to MWA as they scope out additional clean water projects within these areas, allowing them to expand their work into these subwatersheds.

Scotts’s Cove Lakeshore Enhancement Project: $56,618
MWA will use this grant to treat a severe infestation of the invasive plant Phragmites australis on public land in Newport located in the Bluffside Farm. This is a very visible area that is used by both Newport residents and visitors, providing many educational and community benefits.

South Bay DASH: $6,000
Along with treating Phragmites, MWA will also be piloting a project to control aquatic invasive species on several access points in Lake Memphremagog through a method called “Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting.” The purpose of this project will be to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species to other neighboring lakes.

Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District

Lake Watershed Restoration Program Manager for Memphremagog LWAP Implementation: $90,000
Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District partners with a variety of organizations and addresses natural resource issues from a multi-faceted perspective. This capacity grant will allow them to hire this position in order to continue and expand their lake programs—including both restoration projects and education.

Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District

Working Lands & Nursery Specialist: $40,260
These funds will help support hiring for this position, and training for the Specialist and District Manager to design low-cost clean water projects and allow for increased efficiency in getting more projects implemented in the watershed.

ECNRCD Native Tree Nursery: $40,045
Procuring trees for riparian planting projects is currently difficult due to availability and price. ECNRCD seeks to address this issue by expanding their tree nursery and purchasing equipment and supplies to increase their production.

NorthWoods Stewardship Center

Conservation Capacity Growth at NorthWoods: $112,000
NWSC implements and maintains clean water projects region-wide, collects seeds from native riparian plants to be used in restoration efforts, and provides public education and engagement. This grant will be used to hire and train a full-time, year-round Watershed Program Coordinator, establish an office space for administrative operations, and purchase a vehicle suitable for clean water project operations.

Vermont River Conservancy

Community Engagement and Riparian, Wetland, and Floodplain Project Identification: $35,000
VRC is an existing VHCB partner on a variety of river corridor conservation and restoration projects throughout the state, and this grant will help support their increased work in the Memphremagog watershed and coordination with other regional partners.

VT Fish and Wildlife Department

VFWD Memphremagog Riparian Lands Acquisitions: $250,000
Riparian land acquisitions are a priority for the Leahy Memphremagog program and support the Fish and Wildlife Department’s efforts to utilize this effective mechanism to protect water quality and riparian habitat in the watershed. This grant will be used to acquire and conserve eight such parcels with additional acquisitions in VFWD’s pipeline for the region.