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The District helps individuals, groups and communities conserve their land and water by providing education, information, demonstrations and technical assistance.

For more information about the district, it's activities, resources, and conservation resources use links on the left of the page.

For programs and conservaiton partners use the links on the right sidebar.

The Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District, founded in 1944, helps individuals, groups and communities in eighteen towns in Windsor County, and one in Rutland County, by providing education, information and technical assistance relating to conservation issues.

The District has always been innovative in its conservation efforts. Early programs focused on agricultural needs, however, over the years, as patterns in farming have changed, District programs have changed to meet environmental needs. Today the District also gives considerable assistance to various non-agricultural agencies and groups.
History

One of the earliest non-agricultural projects that the District was involved with was the Jewell Brook Watershed Project in Ludlow, VT. Completed in 1973, this was the first in Vermont under P.L. 566. It began in 1961 with efforts to educate various groups through meetings and newspaper articles. The final project included four dams, a diversion channel to release runoff, and ponds for recreational and wildlife use. The treatments reduced flooding on the Jewell Brook by 99.5%.

An 'On-Site Sewage Disposal Program' was also among the District's efforts to help solve important ecological problems. The Riverwatch Network Program grew out of the District's involvement in cleaning up the Ottauquechee River.

Yet another role the District played was assisting with the establishment of the George D. Aiken RC & D Area leading to the implementation of many area projects.

In 1994 the District played a vital role in the stabilization of two thousand feet along the Connecticut River in Springfield. A significant archeological site was protected as a result of the stabilization and the District won an award for its efforts and positive results.

Today, as in the past, the Ottauquechee Natural Resource Conservation District continues its work for farmers and communities. Current projects include Nutrient Management programs, and an on-going Farmer Discussion Group. We are a true community resource.
The District has a long history of assistance to people on the land. Below pictures of District projects in 1946 (Photos: Hallowell)

Ralph Maxham Quechee, District bulldozer improving pasture.
* Supervisor Ransom Perry Farm South Pomfret, pasture trials.