Welcome to the
Vermont
Agency of Natural Resources web site
The more than six hundred scientists and professionals
at the agency are dedicated to protecting and improving the health
of Vermont’s people and ecosystems and promoting the sustainable
use of Vermont’s natural resources. Through our three departments – the
Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Fish
and Wildlife and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation – the
agency serves as a focal point for environmental protection.
Please explore the web site to learn more about what we’re
doing on behalf of Vermont’s environment.
AGENCY
DEPARTMENT WEB SITES
Each of the Agency's three departments has
its own home page, as does the Secretary's Office. We've also
included links to other state and federal agencies with a presence
in Vermont.
Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) administers
most of the Agency's regulatory programs plus several voluntary
pollution and waste reduction programs. Program areas include:
air quality, environmental assistance, public facilities
engineering, geology, environmental permits, environmental
enforcement, solid waste, hazardous waste, surface water
quality, watershed planning, stormwater management, drinking
water supply.
Department of Fish and Wildlife (FWD)
manages Vermont's fisheries and wildlife resources, enforces the state's
hunting and fishing laws, and studies and inventories nongame wildlife species
and natural communities.
Department of Forests,
Parks and Recreation (FPR) operates the Vermont State Parks system,
manages state forests and natural areas, and provides assistance in the
areas of forestry, recreation, and conservation education.
The ANR
Central Office which
includes the Agency Secretary's Office, supports the departments
by providing several
administrative, planning, information technology, and human resource
functions.
Please click here to see a
listing of programs within the ANR departments. The listing
includes brief descriptions, addresses and phone numbers.
Recent
Links of Interest
January 2009 - Climate
Change Grant Program - The VT ANR is
currently soliciting proposals from municipalities and non-profit
organizations for projects that increase energy efficiency,
achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,
and increase use of clean renewable resources. The maximum
per grant award is $12,000. A total of $360,000 is available
this grant cycle. There will be two evaluation/award rounds. The
proposal deadline for round 1 is February 2; for round 2 April
1.
Please see our web site for more
information >>
January 2009 - Hydroelectric
Power in Vermont - There are
approximately 85 hydroelectric generation facilities operating
in Vermont and on waters bordering other states. Under state
law, the Agency of Natural Resources is charged with ensuring
that these projects are operated so that the state's rivers
and lakes - which are public trust resources - continue to
meet Vermont's water quality standards. Hydroelectric
power projects fall into two broad categories based on whether
or not they are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC). more information >>
Nov.
25, 2008 - Deerfield
Wind Project - The Agency
of Natural Resources submitted comments on the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Deerfield Wind
Project. The
Deerfield Wind Energy facility is the first wind project
to be proposed for US National Forest lands. The Environmental
Impact Statement, prepared by the USDA Forest Service can be
viewed on the USDA FS web site. The
Agency's response can be viewed here: Vermont
Deerfield Wind DEIS Comments (12
pgs, 951KB PDF)
October
2008 to April 2009 - Vermont School
Carbon Challenge - Your school can win $5000 toward
a future energy-efficiency project by taking the Carbon Challenge!
The Agency of Natural Resources, along with Carbonrally.com,
invites Vermont schools to take the Carbon Challenge. The
elementary, middle and high schools that reduce their carbon
footprints the most will each win the prize, plus there will
be another prize for the school with the Top Performing Team
in Vermont. Visit
the Vermont School Carbon Challenge web site for more
information.
Green
Mountain Care is a family of low-cost and free health
coverage programs for Vermonters and is offered by the state
of Vermont and its partners. Green Mountain Care provides
uninsured Vermonters with access to quality, comprehensive
health care coverage at a reasonable cost. New to Catamount
Health, which is part of Green Mountain Care: Apply before
November 1, 2008 and all preexisting conditions
are covered. To find out more, please call 1-800-250-8427 or visit
the Green Mountain Care web site .
June 2008 - In the summer of 2007 ,
the invasive
alga "Didymo" also
known as "rock snot" was found in several streams in the Northeast.
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and its regional
partners are taking steps to inform the public how they can help minimize the
spread of this invasive alga. Didymosphenia geminata, as the alga is
known scientifically, moves from river to river on the clothing and equipment
of people who come in contact with even microscopic quantities. Please visit
the ANR's new informational website which provides additional background
information and specific information on how you, as a river user, can reduce
the spread of Didymo and other aquatic nuisance species. Visit
the new "Didymo" website for more information >>
October
2007 -
Governor's Commission on Climate Change Approves Final Report
You can read the Commission's Final Report and
the Plenary Group's Final Report on ANR
DEC's Air Pollution Control Division Climate Change page.
September 2006 marked the kickoff of the comprehensive
statewide climate change planning effort established by Executive Order 07-05. This effort was led by the Governor's
Commission on Climate Change (GCCC) and a Plenary Group of individuals. ANR's
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for coordinating
the GCCC and the Plenary Group. For more information
visit the Commission's web site or
DEC's
Climate Change page.
The
Vermont Clean and Clear Action Plan web
site - This ANR web site will
help people understand what's being done to attack blue/green
algae, why phosphorus is such
a problem and what you can do to help. You’ll also find
information about state and federal programs for phosphorus reduction,
as well as
links to our partners who are working hard to make Lake
Champlain and all of our waterways Clean and Clear.
ANR
Reports to the Vermont General Assembly
|