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"GMP is thrilled to support organizations that provide important services to our customers, and that's why we are so happy to work with the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir to help make a difference in the community," GMP President Mary Powell wrote.
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For immediate release 8/22/16
Contact: Laurie Smith, waterburyres@gmail.com, 802-760-7286
www.friendsofwaterburyreservoir.org
The Friends of Waterbury Reservoir (FWRes) happily accepted a $250 grant from Green Mountain Power (GMP) after beginning its first membership drive.
"We're like to support service organizations across our service territory that provide important services to our customers and hope that we can help you make a difference in our Vermont community," GMP President Mary Powell wrote.
FWRes President Laurie Smith said the contribution will help pay the monthly expenses of the all-volunteer organization.
"We have come a long way in just over 2 1/2 years," Smith said. "Now we ask that people and businesses financially support us as we continue to grow and advocate for the reservoir."
This year FWRes hired a part time Greeter this year to educate boaters about stopping the spread of invasive species. They have become a key advocate for the reservoir between state agencies, user groups, and other organizations.
FWRes, a 501(c) non-profit, began its Membership Drive two weeks ago to support its mission to protect and enhance the Waterbury Reservoir. The GMP grant puts them over one third of the way to the $2500 goal for the year.
"Volunteers are the heart of our organization but it costs money to pay for our website, administrative costs, and social media campaigns, Smith said. "Contributions are needed to help continue the work to protect and enhance the ecological, recreational, and historical value of the Reservoir."
The Waterbury Reservoir is an asset to the people of Waterbury, Stowe and surrounding towns, even if they never visit. It draws thousands of people to the area annually, benefiting businesses and the people who work for them. The two State Parks alone generate more than $8 million in purchases of goods and services in the region. The State of Vermont makes payments in lieu of taxes to the Town of Waterbury, reducing the tax burden with little demand on infrastructure.
"It is in everyone's interest to protect this valuable watershed,"Smith said. "I hope people will come forward to support FWRes with a contribution."
Memberships can be purchased online at friendsofwaterburyreservoir.org: or by mail to FWRes PO Box 341, Waterbury Center, VT 05677
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OUR MISSION
Friends of Waterbury Reservoir is a Vermont-registered 501(C)3 non-profit organization committed to protecting and enhancing the ecological, recreational, historical, and community values of the Waterbury Reservoir.
We accomplish this through:
• Reservoir stewardship
• Research and community involvement
• Collaboration with all stakeholders
• Connecting people and place
OUR VISION
The Waterbury Reservoir is a thoughtfully-maintained, safe, and clean public-access recreation area located at the crossroads of world-class resort towns and yet offers a remote experience for users. The Waterbury Reservoir is recognized as a unique resource and an important conservation and economic asset for the people of the state of Vermont.
OUR CORE VALUES
We believe it is essential to:
• Strengthen relationships with stakeholders including neighbors, businesses, governments and other organizations and extend our role as convener and supporter;
• Build a community of water- and land-based Reservoir users; and
• Support stewardship and conservation of the natural world on and around the Reservoir.
We believe it is important to:
• Provide access, and promote responsible recreation as a means to engage people directly and pass on timeless values;
• Honor the history of the communities that existed on the Reservoir and their contribution to the area;
• Collaborate with other organizations in accomplishing shared goals; and
• Use outdoor recreation as a vehicle to help youth engage with and learn about the natural world.
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