The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Ecosystem Restoration Program (ERP) is pleased to announce its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the first round of State Fiscal Year 2016 grant funds to restore and protect Vermont’s rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands.  The funds target unmanaged nonpoint pollution sources – diffuse sources of runoff and erosion caused by precipitation or snowmelt running off of developed areas, roads, agricultural lands, and logging areas.

“Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality degradation in Vermont, delivering excessive amounts of sediment, nutrients such as phosphorus and other pollutants to our waterways,” explains Kari Dolan, ERP Manager.  “The ERP grants help municipalities, watershed groups and other partners implement priority actions to restore clean water.”

Proposals are due on April 13, 2015. To access the application, eligibility information and submission guidelines, please contact the ERP Program: http://www.watershedmanagement.vt.gov/grants.htm

BEFORE – School parking area. Photo credit: Lamoille County Conservation District.

AFTER – School parking area after installation of stormwater bioretention system. Photo credit: Lamoille County Conservation District