Media Contacts:
Susan Warren  Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (802) 241-3794
Crystal French - Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (802) 241-3777

DEADLINE FOR VERMONT WATERSHED GRANTS IS OCTOBER 28

WATERBURY, VT  Applications are available for the Vermont Watershed Grants program to fund projects that help Vermonters protect, restore and enjoy the states watersheds. Applications are due to the Vermont Watershed Grants office by Friday, October 28.

Watershed Grants are available to municipalities, local or regional governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and citizen groups, said Susan Warren of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC). We fund many types of watershed projects including those that protect or restore water quality, shorelines, or fish and wildlife habitats.

We also fund projects that monitor water quality or fish and wildlife populations, improve recreational use of watersheds, educate people about watersheds, or identify historic and cultural resources, added Warren. The work can be done on public or private lands.

Vermont Watershed Grants is a joint project of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and VTDEC. It is funded by Vermont Conservation License Plate sales. The program has funded 168 watershed projects statewide since 1998.

When Vermonters purchase a Conservation License Plate theyre helping protect clean water as well as preserving wildlife and important habitats for future generations, said Wayne Laroche, Commissioner of Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Proceeds from the sale of Conservation License Plates fund the Watershed Grants program and help support the Fish & Wildlife Departments Nongame Wildlife Fund.

The Watershed Grants Application Guide and application forms are available on the web at: www.vtwaterquality.org/lakesgrants.htm or by calling VTDEC Water Quality Division at
802-241-3777.        Applications for the Vermont Conservation License Plate are available on the Fish & Wildlife website: www.vtfishandwildlife.com/support_plates.cfm or by calling 802-241-3700.

                     -30-


For Further Information please contact: Susan Warren or email to susan.warren@state.vt.us