Recent News & Upcoming Events - March 2010
Baker Bush Snowshoe/Hike & Maple Syrup TastingMarch 13, 10am - 11:30am
Sawnee Bean Road, Strafford, VT 05072
Please join us for a fairly steep hike to a beautiful view on the recently conserved Baker Bush property. Susan Baker conserved the parcel in December 2009 in honor and memory of her late husband, Chas Baker, who purchased the land and invested his time and energy in developing and maintaining a sugarbush and sugarhouse on the property. The short, but steep hike will be followed by a maple syrup tasting, led by Tig and Elise Tillinghast. Visit www.freshmaplesyrup.com/ to learn more about their sugaring operation. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Contact Nora for more information, noradoyle-burr@uvlt.org or (603) 643-6626 ext.102.
Directions from Hanover:
- Interstate 91N to exit 14 (Thetford);
- Turn left onto Rte 113 W toward Thetford Center;
- Follow approximately 3.5 miles and take left onto Sawnee Bean Rd;
- Follow approximately 2.7 miles, staying right, to the property which will be located on the left.
- Follow signs for parking.
Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition (VHCC) Legislative Day UpdateThough the driving on February 24th was a bit treacherous, the Upper Valley sent several representatives to VHCC's Legislative Day in Montpelier. In the morning, we heard from leaders in both the Senate and the House of their support for affordable housing and land conservation in Vermont, but this funding has not yet been secured. The Governor's budget includes $6.1 million of state funds for VHCB. VHCB advocates have asked for a total state investment level of $11, which would still be a 4% reduction from the level warranted by the existing state statute formula. Recognizing that state general fund dollars are in short supply, there is a lot of discussion about a multi-million dollar investment into VHCB through the Capital Bill to supplement the $6.1M property transfer tax figure.
Please contact your legislators today, to voice your support of this plan. Find your VT legislators.
View a letter to the editor from the Chair of Bradford's Conservation Commission to learn more about the impact of VHCB on Vermont communities.
Mascoma River Nominating CommitteeUnder a light snowfall, we enjoyed an educational and pleasant walk led by Nicole Cormen along the Mascoma River last Saturday. Nicole used an archeological assessment funded by Lebanon's Conservation Commission to point out remnants of old mills. In addition, we passed by popular fishing spots and experienced a portion of the Rail Trail. This walk was part of the Mascoma River Nominating Committee's outreach efforts.
The Mascoma River Nomination Committee will be hosting several public information sessions in Canaan, Enfield, and Lebanon during the month of April. The purpose is to inform the public of an effort to nominate the Mascoma River into the State Rivers Management and Protection Program, joining 17 other designated rivers in over 100 communities in New Hampshire. Designation would create a collaborative forum among riverfront towns to address river-related issues and help raise awareness of the river and its resources. For more information about this endeavor please visit http://www.uvlsrpc.org/MascomaRiver.html or contact Rachel Ruppel at (603) 448-1680 or rruppel@uvlsrpc.org .
Legislative Changes to Impact NH Conservation Commissions?
Senator Houde is co-sponsoring SB315, which will amend RSA 36-A to allow New Hampshire towns and cities the option of electing rather than appointing conservation commissioners. We encourage you to reflect on the way this might impact the Conservation Commission in your town and share your thoughts with your senator. Find your NH legislators.
Federal Legislation Could Pose a Threat to Our Local Farmers!Senate Bill 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act, is intended to strengthen federal food safety oversight and enforcement. Unfortunately, the bill's approach endangers the small and medium-sized family farms that support our local food system.
To learn more, please visit the Co-op Food Stores website.
Find out more about UVLT's work & upcoming events at www.UVLT.org.
