Vermont Clean Water Day 2006 It was a dark and stormy afternoon...but a band of intrepid folks came out to Cavendish to celebrate the First Annual Vermont Clean Water Day on June 10th. Members of the Black River Action Team enjoyed comments from Frank Heald, town manager of Ludlow; Sharon Francis, director of the Connecticut River Joint Commissions; Marie Caduto, VT Agency of Natural Resources Basin 10 watershed coordinator; Mike Wickersham, VT Operations Manager of Luzenac America, Becky Basch from the S. Windsor Regional Planning Commissions, and guest speaker Governor Jim Douglas. In recognition of lower phosphorus levels from the Ludlow wastewater treatment facility, the Black River Action Team organized a paddling event that stretched from the Okemo golf course down to the soccer field near Fletcher Farm, and five adventurous folks braved the elements to kayak this segment of the Black River, with plans for future paddle trips around the watershed.
Vermont Governor Jim Douglas
Everyone enjoyed delicious refreshments generously donated by Black River Produce, MadHouse Munchies, Crow's Corner Bakery and Opera House Cafe, and Shaw's of Ludlow; kayaks and life vests were on hand free of charge, thanks to North Star Canoe Rentals of Cornish, NH; posters and programs were created by Alternative Printing of North Springfield; sturdy picnic tables were supplied by Okemo Mountain Resort; portable restroom facilities were available thanks to HB Septic; additional donations and support came from Wicked Good Pizza, Joe's Discount Beverage, CVPS, the Connecticut River Watershed Council and Luzenac America. The group was sheltered from the elements thanks to a canopy from Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Projects such as the Clean Water Day paddle, last year's Visual Assessment, and the annual cleanup event, RiverSweep, would not be possible without the support of businesses and individuals throughout the watershed. Often that support comes in the form of volunteer effort; the BRAT would like to heartily thank the volunteers who stepped forward to donate their time in planning and executing a flawless and fun afternoon: Allan & Kay Berggren, Sue & Al Poirier, Jesse Cox, Heather Payne, and Mischelle Paton. These terrific folks made the day run smoothly and helped ensure a spirit of good humor abounded throughout the morning and afternoon.
A special thanks to Governor Jim Douglas for his work on reducing the levels of phosphorus in our rivers and lakes around the state, and for visiting the BRAT celebration with his wife in the wind-driven rain and chilly temperatures.
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