BALANCING HEALTHY WATERWAYS & FARM OPERATIONS
Clean Water Service Provider Program
Through the DEC Water Quality Restoration Formula Grant, VHCB funds a variety of restoration projects in the Memphremagog watershed that reduce phosphorus in water bodies. These project proposals are first reviewed and approved by an advisory body called the Basin Water Quality Council and are usually managed by a partner organization, such as a conservation district or watershed association. Examples of work funded through this program include riparian and lakeshore buffer plantings, culvert upgrades, forest road decommissioning, strategic wood additions, and ditch and gully plugging.Farmland Retirement Program
VHCB receives funding from the State’s Clean Water Fund to support its Farmland Retirement Program. The goal of this program is to fund buyouts of farms whose continued operation is detrimental to water quality. Typically this means targeting farms in situations where it is physically and/or financially infeasible to remedy the water quality problems. Generally these projects also involve a restoration component, which in the past has included restoring floodplain forest habitat, wetlands, and other resources in partnerships with organizations like Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and The Nature Conservancy. To qualify for funding, projects must result in all or a portion of the subject property being removed from agricultural production. VHCB funds can cover the cost of acquiring title to the property (fee acquisition) or a conservation easement as well as up to $20,000 in associated costs, which may include appraisals, boundary surveys, legal fees, staff time, and stewardship. Due to our funding source, we are unable to cover direct costs associated with remediation and restoration including the removal of structures, tree plantings, etc.
In January 2024, fourth generation dairy farmer Dave Defreest worked with VLT and VHCB to conserve his 70 acres along the Mad River in Waitsfield for farming, flood resilience, and recreation. His decision reflects what is becoming the new normal with farmland conservation projects in Vermont: the inclusion of special protections to make farmlands more biodiversity friendly, restore the health of soils and watersheds, and make communities more flood resilient. To make these changes viable for farms, that are often already operating so close to the margin, farmers can draw from a variety of funding sources set up to fairly compensate landowners for these kinds of conservation investments. In addition to the conservation easement, funded by the Natural Resource Conservation Service and VHCB, on the entire property, Dave set up a 39- acre river corridor easement held by VLT, with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation holding a third party interest, to ensure that the Mad River, which flows for over 10,000 feet along the western boundary of the farm, will be able to flow more freely and expand into its natural floodplain when waters rise.
Dave also worked with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to retire more than eight acres of agricultural land close to the river. This former cropland is being planted with native trees and shrubs to improve water quality, flood resilience, and wildlife habitat. Next, Dave wants to remove invasive species and keep restoring his land, in partnership with VLT and like-minded partners, to enhance the land’s ecological functions in balance with its sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition to the significant natural resources that are protected here, this project ensures continued recreational access for the public along a trail, which runs for over a mile along the river. It is a favorite spot for local dog walkers and anglers. This path is maintained by the Mad River Path, a local nonprofit organization that stewards trails in the Mad River Valley.
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VHCB 30TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE
When funding is available, the Viability Program awards grants on a competitive basis through our grant programs:
Water Quality Grants are available to help Vermont farmers make water quality-related capital improvements in order to comply with Vermont's Required Agricultural Practices.
Business Plan Implementation Grants are available to help past Viability Program participants implement their business plans. Eligibility requirements are determined each cycle, so please reach out to program staff to find out if you may be eligible.
The Viability Program offers business planning and technical assistance to enterprises that keep Vermont's working landscape in production. These include: farm businesses of all sizes and sectors; food businesses that process, store, market, or distribute local agricultural products; and forest products businesses such as maple producers, consulting forestry firms, loggers, sawmills, craftspeople and wood manufacturers.
The Viability Program also offers ownership succession planning for all the business types listed above. Additionally, the program provides forestland ownership succession planning assistance to families who own forestland in Vermont.
Review the VHCB website in particular the Farmland Conservation and Viability sections. Contact Stacy Cibula at s.cibula@vhcb.org if you have any questions or would like to learn more!