Vermont Watershed Grant Program Accepting Applications

08:09AM / Saturday, January 07, 2023Print Story | Email Story

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The 2023 Vermont Watershed Grants Program is now accepting applications for projects that protect, restore and enhance the state's lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds, including Vermonters' ability to understand and enjoy these treasures.

Applications are due no later than Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023.

Program grants are available to municipalities, local and regional government agencies, sporting clubs, non-profit organizations, and water-related citizen groups. Projects that seek to directly protect or restore fish and aquatic wildlife habitat are strongly encouraged.

Examples of past funded projects include streamside vegetation restoration the removal of old dams and replacement of culverts to improve fish passage.

For 2023, $70,000 is available to fund three categories of projects. The three categories and the maximum amount for each project type are: education and outreach ($5,000), planning, assessment, inventory, monitoring ($3,500) and on-the-ground implementation ($10,000).

The Vermont Watershed Grants Program is a joint project of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the Department of Environmental Conservation. It was established by legislature and funded by sales of the Vermont Conservation License Plate.

"When Vermonters purchase a Conservation License Plate, they're helping protect healthy streams and lakes as well as conserving wildlife and important habitats for future generations," said Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick. "Proceeds from the sale of Conservation License Plates fund the Watershed Grants program and help support the Fish and Wildlife Department's Nongame Wildlife Fund."

The Watershed Grants application guide and application forms are available on the web at:https://vtfishandwildlife.com/get-involved/apply-for-a-grant/watershed-grant Please note that the application location has changed from past years.

Information to obtain the Vermont Conservation License Plate is available on the Department of Motor Vehicles website: https://dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/license-plates/specialty-plates#conservation

Tags: department of fish and game,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

VTF&W: Hunters Urged to Wear Orange

11:45AM / Sunday, October 18, 2026

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont Fish and Wildlife is reminding hunters to wear fluorescent hunter orange.

"Hunting is one of the safest outdoor activities, thanks to advances in education as well as science," said Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder. "Our volunteer hunter education instructors stress that wearing orange during hunting season is important, and studies prove that wearing fluorescent hunter orange keeps hunters visible to other people in the woods."

"We should strive to be the safest we can by wearing at least a hunter orange hat and vest," added Vermont Hunter Education Program Coordinator Nicole Meier. "Deer are most active during dawn and dusk hours when visibility is low. You can improve your chances of being seen by other hunters by wearing hunter orange, which can be seen even in low-light situations."

"While it isn't recommended to wear orange during waterfowl and turkey seasons, we certainly still recommend hunter orange when you are going to and from your blind, treestand or calling spot," added Meier.

While some hunters might be concerned that deer are scared by hunter orange, in fact deer have been shown to be unaffected by the color. A deer's vision is based on movement, patterns and color variations. Unlike humans, deer do not have multiple color receptors in their eyes. They can see color, but their spectrum is limited. This means deer must rely heavily on their ability to detect movement over the ability to interpret color variations and patterns.

Hunting in Vermont continues to be a safe recreational pursuit and hunters can help keep it that way by choosing to wear hunter orange. This video shows how much more visible hunters are when wearing orange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kjSI79ss9I

View Full Story