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What happens when you take diversified resources and techniques aimed at improving water quality and unite them through improved coordination and collaboration? You pave the way for cleaner and clearer waters in Vermont! In May 2007 George Crombie, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Secretary, ordered a massive reorganization of the agency. This reorganization calls for 12 individual centers – among them is the Center for Clean and Clear (“the Center”). The Center will address unregulated non-point source pollution. Resources that were normally spread through many state programs will now fall under a single director, Julie Moore. Moore, a professional engineer, took the helm in June 2007.
At the end of August the Center produced their first crack at their Work Plan. This Plan sets a course for tackling the challenges of non-point source pollution by reigning in phosphorus loading in the northern portions of Lake Champlain and beyond. The Center has three main goals: 1) To integrate the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) and the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM) allowing for a united and dynamic entity; 2) To steer the pollution remediation process away from applicant driven approaches and instead actively seek and identify opportunities; and 3) To initially target implementation and results in the northern Lake Champlain watersheds. As Moore so aptly puts it, “It’s time to get past the finger pointing” and start taking action.
The Center is building on and enhancing work performed under the framework of Governor Douglas' Clean and Clear Action Plan. Such an effort occurred this summer when the Agency of Natural Resources, the Town of Fairfield, Vermont, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service partnered in order to restore the stability of Wanzer Brook and simultaneously protect adjacent farmland. This was accomplished by restoring the floodplain, which increases the stream’s aquatic habitat and reduces erosion. During the restoration, 5,500 cubic yards of earth were excavated out of the stream channel; rock riprap buffers were judiciously placed on the stream bank; fencing was constructed to keep cows out of the brook, except at the designated cow crossing; and the landowners agreed to sell their channel management rights to form a 100 foot corridor between the hayfield and Wanzer Brook. In years to come the 100 foot corridor will allow Wanzer Brook to meander and stabilize itself. This project alone captures several of the Center’s long term goals. |
The future will hold many trials and triumphs for the Center. Moore envisions several long-term goals for the Work Plan. Among them are improved state and local partnerships aimed at addressing unregulated stormwater, and engaging the broader audience – constituents from the lakeshore to the headwaters. She also believes that buffering and keeping the cows out of all streams, including small farm operations will bring positive results. Lastly, it is estimated that a mere 25% of Vermont waterways are in equilibrium (are stable), The Center hopes to put the State on a course to achieve equilibrium conditions in 65% of Vermont's river system. We can’t go it alone, but together we can do great things.
The full text of the Center for Clean and Clear Draft Work Plan is available at
CCC/General%20Documents/CCCworkplan-public-review-draft-with-
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