In This Issue
- Please Join us .... Reservoir Community Conversation with VT State Parks
- Reservoir water levels to remain stable at summertime pond level ... eventually
- Message from DEC Commissioner David Mears
- We Want You! Open Board & Ambassador Positions
- Postcards from the Res'
- New - Video Postcards from the Res'
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Friends of Waterbury Reservoir is a Vermont non-profit organization committed to protecting, improving and enhancing the ecological, recreational, and community values of the Waterbury Reservoir. We accomplish this through stewardship, research, community involvement, collaboration with all stakeholders, and connecting people and place. To learn more about our Mission, Vision & Core Values and to Join Us, visit www.friendsofwaterburyreservoir.org
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Please Join Us ...
Reservoir Community Conversation
with VT State Parks on January 21
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A remote campsite located on the northwestern shore sports an inconspicuous wooden post marker with a un-numbered 6" square plastic tent sign.
This particular site will feature a composting toilet in summer 2015, thanks to the VT Youth Conservation Corps.
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Terry Wendelken served as the Reservoir's very first VT State Parks full-time seasonal Floating Ranger from May - October 2014.
The FWRes has submitted a Letter of Support to VT State Parks to indicate our support for the position, and our enthusiastic endorsement of Terry to continue to serve in that role.
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A group of paddlers sets out for a leisurely evening trip in July 2014 via the narrow, shallow channel which leads from the Moscow ("Cotton Brook") canoe access where the Little River empties into the northern tip of the reservoir.
Photo by Sheila Goss
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VT Agency of Natural Resources issues
Water Quality Certification to Green Mt Power ....
Reservoir Levels to Remain Stable (eventually)
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The VT Agency of Natural Resources has issued its Water Quality (401) Certification related to Green Mountain Power's operation of the Hydroelectric Facility at the Waterbury Dam.
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Run of River Standard for Waterbury Dam (Vt Public Radio, 12/18/14)
Photo by Travis Quetel, VT State Parks
What's the Latest?
Appeals of the Water Quality Certification were due by Monday, January 12, 2015. To the best of our knowledge, no entity or individual has choosen to file an appeal.
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What's Next?
FWRes thanks the VT Dept of Environmental Conservation for a thorough public involvement process over the fall and winter.
While we are concerned about the final Certification's loosely-defined timelines and about available funding for the essential replacement of the tainter gates, we do anticipate continued transparency, healthy dialogue, and mutual accountability among and between the Department, Green Mountain Power, and the Reservoir Community.
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Message from DEC Commissioner David Mears
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I want to thank Friends of Waterbury Reservoir for their leadership and engagement in the constructive public dialogue that occurred over the past several months up to the Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision to issue a water quality certification on December 11.
This water quality certification addresses the water quality impacts of the future operations of Green Mountain Power’s Waterbury Hydroelectric Project. Under this decision, the Waterbury Reservoir will be maintained at the current summertime level year-round, and flows will be managed to more closely mirror the natural flow of the Little River.
[READ MORE...] Photo Courtesy VT DEC
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We Want You!
Available Board & Ambassador Positions
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Board of Directors (Staggered 2-Year Terms):
- 1 At-Large Member representing motorboat operators
Officers:
Special Teams (Leaders and Members):
Ambassadors:
- Any individual Reservoir Community member who is fully invested in our Mission, Vision, and Core Values and is willing and able to actively and collaboratively participate in decision-making and stewardship activities.
* Nominations for any Board, Officer, and Ambassador position may be made by any member and are considered by the current President, Board members, and Ambassadors. The organization's Bylaws are available on request.
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Open Meeting Schedule Update
Reservoir Community Invited & Encouraged to Participate
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DATE:
Wed. 1/21/2015
Wed. 4/15/2015
TBA Summer 2015 *
TBA October 2015
TIME:
6:00-8:00 pm
WHERE:
Green Mountain Club Hiker Center, Waterbury Center
Board & Ambassadors executive sessions will be scheduled separately.
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The agenda will be posted online a week or so before each meeting.
Recurring topics include strategic planning, long-term project planning, collaboration with VT State Parks and other stakeholders, and event planning.
Special topics may be introduced at any time, and suggestions from the Reservoir community are welcome and encouraged. Some meetings will include guest speakers. Pre-registration may be requested if we anticipate a full house.
* Summer 2015 meeting may be held on the Reservoir
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FWRes Ambassador Sheila Bergin Goss of Stowe accepted our December FaceBook Challenge to post a "festive" photo on the Reservoir. Well done!
Photo provided by Sheila Goss
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Winter can be a great time to hike around the Reservoir, especially with our four-legged companions.
Remember that the Mt. Mansfield State Forest is a working forest, and logging operations may be underway at any time. Also, snowmobile tour companies are licensed to operate on designated trails.
Little River History Hike
Hiistorical map of the Little River, including hiking trails.
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NEW! Video Postcards from the Res'
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Reservoir Minute 1/11/15
Click on Image
to Play Video
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Summer Flashback!
A Reservoir Otter engages Gabe (our unofficial canine mascot) in a game of Marco Polo
Click on Image
to Play Video
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Unless otherwise noted, all photos and videos posted in this Newsletter are by FWRes President Laurie Smith. Reuse by permission to waterburyres@gmail.com.
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