Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2015
Contact: Laurie Smith
waterburyres@gmail.com - 802-760-7286
Friends of Waterbury Reservoir Green-Up & Grant for Trash Study
10am, Saturday, May 2
Cottonbrook Access, Stowe and Blush Hill Access, Waterbury
The Friends of Waterbury Reservoir (FWRes) announced today that they received a grant from the American Canoe Association (ACA) to support Phase II of their Trash Data Study. It was one of only two grants awarded to organizations in New England. The grant funds will be used to cover the costs of supplies including buckets, nets, stewardship signing, promotional media and print materials to continue documenting the trash on the Waterbury Reservoir.
The purpose of the CFS Grant Program is to encourage paddling clubs to take an active role in protecting and improving our nation's waterways. Since 2002, the ACA L.L. Bean Club-Fostered Stewardship Grants have helped paddling clubs and organizations improve their waterways and make the world a better place to paddle.
“We are very proud to win this award,” FWRes President Laurie Smith said. “It will really give a boost to the Trash Data Study that we began last year.”
Phase II of the Trash Study will begin on Green-Up Day on May 2. Volunteers will meet in two locations: The Cottonbrook Canoe Access off Nebraska Valley Rd. in Stowe and at the Blush Hill Access in Waterbury. Smith said that they will do more than just pick up trash. “We will also record what we collect and where we find it,” Smith said. “Our goal is to gather enough data so we can concentrate future efforts to keep the reservoir clean and to provide the Agency of Natural Resources with meaningful data which will be critical for future management planning of this unique resource. This is fundamental to our Mission to protect and enhance the ecological, recreational, and historic values of the Waterbury Reservoir.”
Volunteers will have the option of working on land or on the water. Those who wish to join the effort on Green-Up Day on the water should bring their own boat and be prepared for cold water paddling – including a wet or dry suit and a PFD. Wet suits and PFD’s are available from Umiak Outfitters in Stowe.
“The air may be warm, but the water is still quite cold,” Smith said. “Hypothermia is a very real danger should someone unexpectedly swim.”
Questions may be directed to waterburyres@gmail.com and www.friendsofwaterburyreservoir.org
FWRes is a Vermont non-profit organization committed to protecting, improving and enhancing the ecological, recreational, and community values of the Waterbury Reservoir.
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