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Skidder Bridge Initiative |
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Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) funds from Cabot Creamery have been made available to the Winooski NRCD and Friends of the Winooski River to focus on restoration efforts in the Winooski Headwaters area. In an effort to improve in-stream habitat, a new partnership has developed into a Portable Skidder Bridge Project for forestry activities. This non-point source pollution prevention initiative was launched by VT Agency of Natural Resources Watershed Forester Gary Sabourin through the VT Clean & Clear program to reduce phosphorus from entering waterways as a result of logging practices. This program will build awareness of the benefits to decreasing stream bed and stream bank disturbance through the use of properly sized portable skidder bridges. We will construct two bridges and have them available to foresters and loggers for a reasonable rental price- $100 per month- at convenient pick up locations in the Upper Winooski Watershed. The program is designed to be self-sustaining where the rental fee is used for: construction of additional bridges, maintenance of existing bridges, and support of Winooski NRCD coordinating staff. 
In early spring, the project partners will host a demonstration workshop for loggers and consulting foresters on the economic and water quality benefits of using portable skidder bridges for temporary stream crossings. A hands-on component of the workshop will be to construct a second bridge, resulting in two available for use in the Watershed. |
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Winooski NRCD Mission Statement
Connecting people to a sustainable landscape
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To ensure the wise use, protection and enhancement of Vermont's natural resources through the use of local initiatives, education, and partnerships.
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To foster public awareness and appreciation for the value and need for natural resource conservation.
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To advance the understanding that we are all stewards of the living earth.
Serving landowners in Washington and Chittenden Counties since 1940 |
WNRCD STAFFDistrict Manager: Abbey WillardAssistant Manager: Ashley Lidman Bookkeeper: Cherie Staples VACD TECHNICAL STAFFConservation Planner: Jason Fleury Basin Planner & Agriculture Resource Specialists: WNRCD SUPERVISORS Mike Dominque, Chair MEMBERS:
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