We would like to remind FLOW readers that a law prohibiting the application of phosphorus fertilizers in most circumstances went into effect in 2012. The use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers with less than 15 percent “slow-release nitrogen” is also restricted. The reason for the law is that phosphorus and nitrogen are plant nutrients which feed algal … Continue reading
With support from state grant funds administered by the Ecosystem Restoration Program, the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) and participating districts will be undertaking streamside planting efforts this spring on 19 sites throughout Vermont. The 19 sites involve about 18.5 acres. The grant to VACD includes a second round of site selection during fall … Continue reading
Can you believe that just two years ago we were witnessing some of the earliest ice-out dates in recent history? By mid-March the ice had gone out on many lakes and ponds in the Champlain Valley and southern Vermont, and by late March and early April, in the Northeast Kingdom. Despite the fact that the … Continue reading
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has released a draft tactical basin plan for the Passumpsic and Upper Connecticut River Basin for public comment until May 8th. The draft plan is available at http://www.watershedmanagement.vt.gov/planning/htm/pl_passumpsic.htm. The draft tactical basin plan includes targeted actions (as shown in the maps below) to address bacteria from combined sewer overflows in … Continue reading
As discussed in a previous blog, in February the Wetlands Program evaluated its internal processes for improvement opportunities. Several ideas were hatched and will be implemented throughout the year. The program website was identified as an underutilized tool which could be used to improve program efficiency. Last week the Wetland Program unveiled a new and … Continue reading
