Basin plan input sought

MONTPELIER – The 2021 Draft Batten Kill, Hoosic, and Walloomsac Tactical Basin Plan is available for comment through July 22.
The basin plan encompasses portions of 16 towns in southwestern Vermont, including Arlington, Bennington, Dorset, Glastenbury, Manchester, Peru, Pownal, Readsboro, Rupert, Sandgate, Shaftsbury, Stamford, Stratton, Sunderland, Winhall, and Woodford. The plan offers a health assessment of the rivers, lakes, and wetlands within the Batten Kill, Hoosic River, and Walloomsac River watersheds. It outlines 39 strategies to improve water quality, including methods to decrease runoff from farms and roads, protect and restore water bodies, and limit overflows from wastewater treatment facilities. The plan also provides tips for landowners, watershed organizations, and towns interested in receiving funding and technical assistance.
Copies of the plan are at https://dec.vermont.gov/ website by clicking on Water Investment, then Watershed Planning Program, then Basin 1. To request a hard copy contact Angie Allen at Angie.Allen@vermont.gov or by phone: (802) 490-9081.