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AVCC Awards 2024 Tiny Grants

The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2024 Tiny Grants. This annual AVCC initiative provides seed money or matching funds to conservation commissions for specific land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning activities. Conservation commissions are non-regulatory bodies designed to advise planning commissions and select boards on natural resources issues.

The AVCC received applications from commissions across the state for a wide variety of conservation-related projects, including work to improve signage and repair trails on municipal lands, document wildlife activity with trail cameras, eradicate invasive plants and insects, and complete natural resource mapping, inventories and assessments. In May, the AVCC announced its decision to fund projects from the Greensboro Conservation Commission, Middletown Springs Conservation Commission, South Hero Conservation Commission and Thetford Conservation Commission.

Here are some more details about these projects:

Greensboro – Following the identification and documentation of 63 unique invasive infestations, the Greensboro Conservation Commission requested AVCC funding to support their ongoing invasive species education and management efforts. Tiny Grant funds will spur the creation of a Town Tool Library, including silage tarps, a sharpshooter shovel, and a weed wrench, which will be made available to the commission, community volunteers and other interested parties.

Middletown Springs – Funds will allow the commission to construct a bridge to make the Sullivan Educational Woods Loop Trail safer and more user-friendly for hikers, birders and mushroom foragers, while also protecting the stream zone and wetland areas from further disturbance. The Sullivan Educational Woods was donated to the Town of Middletown Springs for the purpose of supporting public education about forest resources (including wildlife habitat, timber and recreation) and inspiring and promoting a stewardship and conservation ethic.

South Hero – Tiny Grant funding will help the commission host a community event featuring live American Kestrels and educators from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), and to purchase building materials to construct nesting boxes in the fall. Habitat loss, pesticides, West Nile virus, and a lack of suitable nesting areas have all contributed to declining populations of these birds, the smallest falcon species in North America. The educational outreach event will take place at 1:30 pm on August 4, 2024 at the Worthen Library in South Hero.

Thetford – Funds will be used to purchase tools (weed wrench, loppers, work gloves, paint brushes & paint, and safety vests) to enable volunteer land management crews to paint boundary lines, manage invasive species, monitor wildlife and more in the Town Forest, Hughes Forest, Post Mills Natural Area, and Taylor Floodplain Preserve. The commission hopes to use these funds to execute its new Town Lands Management Plan, which was unanimously approved by the Selectboard on May 20, 2024, and replaces the previous plan from 2008.

AVCC also proudly supports the work of conservation commissions by hosting an annual summit for community volunteers engaged in planning and caring for Vermont’s natural resources. Details regarding the 2024 AVCC Annual Meeting and Conservation Summit will be announced in the coming weeks.

To stay in the loop about conservation initiatives happening near you, or to share your events with other conservation commissions, subscribe to our listserv by emailing vtconservation+subscribe@googlegroups.com. You may reach out directly to the AVCC Board by emailing vtconservation@gmail.com.

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Act 59: Public Meeting to Review Vermont’s Draft Conservation Inventory on Thursday, June 27th

As part of the Act 59 implementation process, the Vermont Conservation Strategy Initiative (VCSI) team is hosting a virtual public meeting at 4:00 pm on June 27, 2024 to review the draft inventory of conserved lands in Vermont. Register today!

The “Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act” (CRBPA, or Act 59), was passed by the legislature last July, and commits Vermont to the goal of conserving 30 percent of its land by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050. The bill requires the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), in consultation with the Agency of Natural Resources, to develop an inventory of conserved lands that takes stock of existing conservation data and practices, public and professional perspectives, and opportunities and avenues for future conservation.

As part of this process, VCSI has collected stakeholder input through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and roundtables, including two sessions with conservation commissions – an in-person meeting at Waitsfield Town Hall on March 20th and a virtual focus group hosted by the AVCC on March 27th. The upcoming June 27th meeting represents yet another opportunity for commission members to share their thoughts and perspectives on this historic legislation.

The inventory, which represents a culmination of all the VCSI work to date, is required to be submitted for review to the House Committees on Environment and Energy and on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry and the Senate Committee
on Natural Resources and Energy by July 1st, 2024. A statewide conservation plan that details the strategies for biodiversity protection and land management that will enable the state to reach its 30 x 30 and 50 x 50 conservation goals is due to the legislature by December 31st, 2025.

You can find out more about the Act 59 implementation process by visiting the VCSI website at https://vhcb.org/our-programs/vcsi.

AVCC is Looking for New Board Members

On the eve of our 35th anniversary, the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) is looking to add two conservation-minded individuals to our all-volunteer Board of Directors to help govern and guide the organization.  

Specifically, we’re looking for individuals committed to our mission to support Vermont’s existing conservation commissions and encourage the establishment of new ones.  Current or former conservation commission members are especially welcome, but the position is open to anyone with knowledge, experience, interest and/or availability who is looking to make a difference across Vermont.  A more detailed description of the functions of the Board and responsibilities of its members can be found below the break.  

If you or anyone you know might be interested in serving in this capacity, please send an email to the AVCC Board at vtconservation@gmail.com with the subject line “AVCC Board Membership”.  We look forward to improving the reach and impact of our work in 2024, and we hope you’ll join us in these efforts!

AVCC Board of Directors

The Functions of the Board

The Board governs the operation and programs of AVCC including:

  • Long range planning and setting matters of policy not determined by membership;
  • Maintaining and upgrading the organization’s mission, values, and vision;
  • Fiscal management and maintaining accountability to members and donors;
  • Developing, reviewing and approving the annual budget, major program plans, and organizational policies;
  • Ensuring that adequate resources are available to AVCC;
  • Meeting the general standards for Directors under 11B V.S.A. § 8.30;
  • Evaluating the organization’s effectiveness; and
  • Representing the organization to the public.

The Board assumes fiscal and legal accountability for the organization.

Qualifications

A Board member should:

  • Be committed to the vision, mission, goals and programs of AVCC;
  • Have available time to work to advance these goals and programs; and
  • Have experience, knowledge, or interest in one or more of the following: building capacity of conservation commissions, conservation programs, public and community relations

Responsibilities

  • Exemplifies and upholds AVCC’s values;
  • Maintains a working knowledge of AVCC’s finances, operations, and programs;
  • If appointed an officer, fulfills the standards of conduct under 11B V.S.A. § 8.42;
  • Faithfully attends and prepares for Board and committee meetings;
  • Fully and openly participates in Board and committee deliberations
    • Questions with an open and curious mind;
    • Respects, listens and learns from others;
    • Maintains independence and objectivity;
    • Advocates according to conviction; and
    • Strives toward consensus and respects majority decisions
  • Actively collaborates in the creation of program strategies

Board Terms

Directors appointed by Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) serve five-year terms.  Directors elected by AVCC membership serve three-year terms. There are no term limits.

Board Meetings

Full Board meetings will be held at dates and locations to be determined by the Board. The Board currently meets virtually for 90 minutes on the first Tuesday of every month.

Confidentiality

Board members should keep information learned during the course of AVCC activities in confidence when the information concerns the administration and activities of the organization and is not generally available to the public. No Board member shall obligate AVCC financially or publicly to an issue or program without prior authorization by the full Board.

Conflict of Interest

Board members are governed by the statutory conflict of interest policy described in 11B V.S.A. § 8.31. Board members must endeavor to conduct all activities in such a way that no conflict or appearances of conflict will arise between other interests and the policies, operations, and interests of AVCC. Activities that conflict or appear to conflict and cannot be avoided shall be brought to the attention of the Board at the earliest opportunity.

2023 Conservation Summit: Elevating Local Successes

Thanks to everyone for another fantastic Conservation Summit! Our 2023 virtual summit and annual meeting was held on Thursday, October 19th. During the meeting, we recognized and appreciated Nancy Jones’ over 20 years of dedicated service to the Board, and announced that she will not be seeking another term. After a brief financial snapshot of AVCC, we heard an overview of the recently passed 30 x 30 law (H.126, or Act 59) in Vermont and the work that lies ahead in its implementation. It was wonderful to hear from members of Conservation Commissions in 7 communities across Vermont who have received AVCC Tiny Grants to support their work in the past. Thank you to the Conservation Commission members from Bolton, Hartford, Jericho, Johnson, Monkton, Richford, and Shrewsbury, who shared their important work with us. 

Presentations from the 2023 Conservation Summit: Elevating Local Successes, 10/19/23

AVCC Announces 2023 Tiny Grant Recipients

The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) is pleased to announce that this year’s Tiny Grant funding will support projects directed by the conservation commissions in Bolton, Jericho, Putney and Richford.

The Tiny Grants program provides seed money or matching funds to conservation commissions for land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning activities. Conservation commissions are non-regulatory bodies designed to advise planning commissions and select boards on natural resources issues.

Here are more details about the winning projects:

Bolton – Funding will allow the commission to construct a 70′ raised boardwalk on the primary access trail to the 403-acre Preston Pond Conservation Area that will reduce trail degradation and maintain beaver habitat. The boardwalk, which will be built by town volunteers, will make the trail accessible year-round.

Jericho – Looking to build on a project started in 2022, the commission will use Tiny Grant funds to expand the pollinator garden in front of Town Hall and install fencing to prevent soil compaction. The JCC will also conduct an educational campaign to inform residents and visitors about the ecological importance of trees in the life cycle of insects, birds, and other native species.

Putney – Funds will be used to purchase special girdling knives and uprooter tools to remove buckthorn from trails in the 50-acre East Putney Forest Block. Once the trails are restored, the commission plans to highlight the conservation value of this parcel, which serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting forested land on either side of Route 5.

Richford – The commission will use its Tiny Grant to purchase flowering shrubs, trees, wildflower seeds, and mulch as it partners with students at Richford Elementary School to create a pollinator garden and raise broader awareness in the community of the benefits of wildlife-friendly native plants.

AVCC also proudly supports the work of conservation commissions by hosting an annual summit for community volunteers engaged in planning and caring for Vermont’s natural resources. As with the past few years, AVCC will be hosting a virtual summit in 2023. More details – including the date and agenda for that event – to follow.

To stay in the loop about conservation initiatives happening near you, or to share your events with other conservation commissions, subscribe to our listserv by emailing vtconservation+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

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2022 Conservation Summit: Resilient Communities and Landscapes

Thanks to everyone for another fantastic Conservation Summit!

Presentations from the 2022 Conservation Summit: Resilient Communities and Landscapes, 10/15/22

2021 Conservation Summit: Caring for the Land

Thanks to everyone who organized, presented and attended our 2021 summit! Though the COVID pandemic again forced us to go entirely virtual, we were nonetheless able to meet and immerse ourselves in several interesting and related topics. In her opening session, Judy Dow set the scene of “going through the Narrows” as a metaphor for the path ahead in a world of changing climate and helped us focus ourselves on this journey and the path ahead. Then, Dr. Bill Keaton addressed the caring for the land theme with “Carbon Friendly Forests and Forestry” breaking out the key points landowners and conservationists need to know about the basics of carbon forestry and carbon markets. From there, Lynn McNamara and Zapata Courage delved into “Balancing Recreation and Ecological Goals” in our land management with wonderful insights into wetland management and examples from The Nature Conservancy’s stewardship of Raven Ridge. Alicia Daniels took us “On the Trail of Wildlife with a Vermont Master Naturalist” and we were able to do a virtual hike to Raven Ridge understanding the same place with a different lens as she addressed how appreciation of the landscape helps bring people to manage it with love and respect. Lastly, Judy Dow offered the keynote address, bringing together all these themes and engaging participants in a lively discussion. Many thanks to our presenters, sponsors, and participants and especially to Judy Dow for her leadership in this effort!

AVCC’s 2021 Tiny Grants Fund Conservation Projects Across Vermont

June 14, 2021 — The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) is pleased to award 2021 Tiny Grants to conservation commissions in the following towns: Bradford, Dummerston, Hartford, Hinesburg, Huntington, Johnson, and Shrewsbury. 

Tiny Grants is an AVCC initiative that provides seed money or matching funds to conservation commissions for land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning activities. Conservation commissions are non-regulatory bodies designed to advise planning commissions and select boards on natural resources issues.

Grantees will receive between $300 and $600 to improve trails on conserved lands, document wildlife activity with trail cameras, eradicate invasive plants, encourage plant and wildlife biodiversity, and educate communities.

“Our grants may be ‘tiny’, but their impact is not,” said Mark Nelson, AVCC Board Chair. “These funds help conservation commissions accomplish on-the-ground projects to protect natural resources, while engaging their communities in this vital work.”

2021 Tiny Grants details:

Bradford – The Bradford Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to purchase materials for trailside benches in the Bradford Town Forest.

Dummerston – The Dummerston Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to attract Monarch Butterflies by planting swamp milkweed & educating the public about how to care for this species.

Hartford – The Hartford Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant on training and data analysis around an amphibian road crossing project.

Hinesburg – The Hinesburg Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to purchase seeds and plants, and rent equipment, to create a pollinator garden.

Huntington – The Huntington Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to mitigate Japanese knotweed at strategic sites.

Johnson – The Johnson Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to update educational videos about the Emerald Ash Borer.

Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to purchase game cameras to survey roadside wildlife crossings.

AVCC also proudly supports the work of conservation commissions by hosting an annual summit for community volunteers engaged in planning and caring for Vermont’s natural resources. AVCC will be offering its 2021 summit online. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

To stay in the loop about conservation initiatives happening near you, or to share your events with other conservation commissions, subscribe to our listserv by emailing vtconservation+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

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AVCC Awards 2020 Tiny Grants to Nine Conservation Commissions

The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) is pleased to announce nine recipients of its 2020 Tiny Grants. This annual AVCC initiative provides seed money or matching funds to conservation commissions for specific land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning activities. Conservation commissions are non-regulatory bodies designed to advise planning commissions and select boards on natural resources issues.

AVCC awarded 2020 tiny grants to conservation commissions in the following towns: Brattleboro, Cornwall, Enosburg, Fayston, Georgia, Greensboro, Hartford, Putney, and Salisbury. These groups will receive between $250 and $600 to improve signage and repair trails on conserved lands, document wildlife activity with trail cameras, eradicate invasive plants, and pursue mapping and assessment projects.

“Our grants may be ‘tiny’, but their impact is not – these grants help support important projects in local communities,” said Nancy Everhart, AVCC Board Chair. “With the COVID-19 pandemic giving us an even greater appreciation for outdoor spaces, it feels more important than ever to support conservation commissions in their work to protect and steward our natural resources.”

Grant details:

Brattleboro – The Brattleboro Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to design and install 20 interpretive signs along a trail loop at Riverstone Preserve.

Cornwall – The Cornwall Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to document wildlife movement and corridors with trail cameras, and to hire a consultant to analyze results.

Enosburg – The Enosburg Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to continue documenting wildlife activity with trail cameras in its conserved lands.

Fayston –The Fayston Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant for an ecological assessment of a newly conserved town forest.

Georgia – The Georgia Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to purchase and install trail marker signs, tree identity signs, and other signage on conserved land.

Greensboro – The Greensboro Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to repair bridges along Porter Brook and add signage, and connect the Porter Brook Trail from Caspian Lake to the Barr Hill Nature Preserve trail system.  

Hartford – The Hartford Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to eradicate invasive species and promote the growth of rare plant species on town-owned conserved lands.

Putney – The Putney Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to map the occurrence of Emerald Ash Borer along town roads.

Salisbury – The Salisbury Conservation Commission will use its Tiny Grant to build a kiosk and split rail fence at the trailhead for the conserved Salisbury Town Forest.

AVCC also proudly supports the work of conservation commissions by hosting an annual summit for community volunteers engaged in planning and caring for Vermont’s natural resources. Due to COVID-19, AVCC will be offering an online summit instead of an in-person event, the details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Learn more about AVCC at http://vtconserv.powershift.info/. To stay in the loop about conservation initiatives happening near you, or to share your events with other conservation commissions, subscribe to our listserv by emailing vtconservation+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

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AVCC Gathers ‘Conservation Success Stories’

MONTPELIER, Vt. – In an era of forest fragmentation, declining species, and rising global temperatures, it can be difficult to remain hopeful about the future of the environment.  But the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) is looking to show that Vermont’s grassroots conservation efforts are great examples of conservation successes.

The association is compiling Conservation Success Stories on their website, vtconservation.com, in an effort to demonstrate what works in conservation.  The stories include everything from streambank restoration projects to education programs that connect kids with nature.

Jens Hilke, a conservation planning biologist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department serves on AVCC’s board.  According to Hilke, the board is hoping these success stories will serve as promising examples for others to follow.

“Amazing conservation work is happening at the local level in Vermont,” said Hilke.  “We’re asking local conservation groups to share your stories to build on this work and serve as a resource for other groups working on similar issues.  We want to know who you partnered with, what your challenges were, and what was critical to your success.”

One of the nearly 100 success stories currently on the website is the conservation of Zack Woods Pond and the surrounding 400 acres in Hyde Park, Vt.  Local residents had grown increasingly concerned about rampant trash dumping, out of control fires, and overused campsites on the land.  They formed Friends of Zack Woods and partnered with several statewide conservation organizations to work towards solving these issues.  In 2013, the state of Vermont accepted the property into the Green River Reservoir State Park, ensuring that these lands will remain forever conserved.

Karen Freeman is the conservation director for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, and also serves on the board of the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions.  According to Freeman, “Vermont’s local conservation commissions are defined by their willingness to work together and learn from each other.  These partnerships continue to strengthen the state’s conservation legacy, ensuring that Vermont’s wild places, outdoor recreational resources and working landscape will remain healthy and available for future generations.”

Vermont conservation groups looking to get information about past successes, or to share their stories with others, can access the Library of Conservation Success Stories HERE.