Lately, we’ve been thinking about managing change. As you likely know, world leaders are meeting in Paris right now to negotiate a global climate agreement to stop the worst effects of climate change. Their efforts, bolstered by the pressure of millions of climate activists from around the world, will determine how nearly 200 nations – responsible for more than 95% of the world’s greenhouse gas pollution – will manage the climate crisis in the critical years ahead.

Closer to home, VNRC, through each of our four programs, has tirelessly advocated for local, regional and statewide policies and programs to reduce our use of fossil fuels and mitigate climate change while adapting to the changes that are already underway. Recently, we helped facilitate public forums across the state to ask Vermonters’ feedback on the state’s update to the Comprehensive Energy Plan. We learned that Vermonters wholeheartedly support the state goals of transitioning to 90% renewable energy by 2050, and want it done in a thoughtful way. This weekend, VNRC is co-hosting VECAN’s 8^th annual Community Energy and Climate Action Conference in Fairlee, VT. This action-oriented and inspiring event continues to be the most widely attended venue for community leaders to come together on energy and climate solutions in the state.

While we watch our world leaders manage global change in Paris, we recognize change is already happening in Vermont. We hope you’ll join us in continuing to work at the local, regional and statewide solutions to managing climate and local energy changes now and in the future.

VNRC has an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to play a meaningful role in protecting and enhancing Vermont’s lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers. We are hiring a Water Program Director to oversee VNRC’s work on the implementation and enforcement of Vermont’s water quality laws, including recently enacted legislation to clean up Lake Champlain and the 2008 Groundwater Protection Act; initiate new programs and projects to protect the state’s water resources; advance related legislation in Vermont’s statehouse; participate in targeted litigation; and work closely with our Forests & Wildlife, Energy & Climate Action, and Sustainable Communities Programs on an integrated approach to meeting the challenges facing Vermont’s environment and communities in an era of climate change.

Kim Greenwood, VNRC’s long-time Water Program Director will be taking the helm as the Director of the newly formed Environmental Compliance Division of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

“While I am very sad to see her leave VNRC, our loss is Vermont’s gain. Kim’s being selected for this important new position is a testament to her nearly ten years of accomplishment at VNRC, as well as her passionate commitment to Vermont’s rivers, streams and lakes,” said VNRC’s Brian Shupe.

For more information and to apply click here.

VNRC’s work to clean up our lakes and rivers and limit forest fragmentation is featured in the recently released Vermont Community Foundations (VCF) publication Opportunity: 11 Critical Paths for Philanthropy in Vermont.

For yearsVNRC has done research, education and advocacy to make these priority issues for Vermonters and our elected officials across the state. Our work, along with partner organizations, is bearing fruit in the form of last year’s landmark legislation to clean up Lake Champlain and continuing work on forest fragmentation legislation, garnering major media coverage and popular support from Vermonters, businesses, farmers and legislators.

Clean water and healthy forests have far-reaching implications for Vermont’s economy, communities and way of life. The 11 Critical Paths publication identifies a significant need to support organizations working on these issues. You can find the full report by issue area here.

An abandoned dam on the White River in Randolph is marked for removal next summer. The long-term goal of the dam removal is to open up almost 90 upstream miles to fish populations that haven’t had access to those areas for more than a century.

Vermont has over 12-hundred dams that span our brooks and rivers, and some impound water to create ponds and lakes. We’ve grown used to seeing them–or not noticing them–as a part of our landscape. But just because they’ve always been there, doesn’t mean they need to stay.

VNRC and partner organizations are working to remove dams that no longer serve a useful purpose in order to restore natural watershed and riverine process, reduce flood risk, increase community resiliency, and improve fish habitat and overall ecological integrity

Check out the story here.

Recently, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department released the Vermont Conservation Design mapping tool that shows the land and water areas in the state that are most important for maintaining healthy ecosystems and thriving plant and animal communities. The tool is meant to help inform land management, local planning, and land conservation decisions throughout the state. The tool can help private landowners, municipalities, state agencies, and conservation organizations work together on priority areas

Check out the tool here.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) are offering the second round of the Strong Communities, Better Connections (SCBC) Grant Program, aimed at supporting vibrant community centers and increasing town and regional transportation options. Annually, the program grants approximately $200,000 in planning funds to help cities and towns (outside of Chittenden County) build more livable, walkable and strong communities.  Grant Applications are due January 15, 2016 with all applicants required to participate in a pre-application meeting with SCBC Program Managers prior to December 18, 2015.

For more information, contact Jackie Cassino, at 802-272-2368 or Richard Amore at 802-828-5229 and visit the grant website https://vtransplanning.vermont.gov/programs/scbc.

The USDA Forest Service is seeking applications for the Community Forest program, which provides financial assistance grants to local governments, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribes to establish community forest that provide defined public benefits.

More information can be found at here. Applications are due to State Foresters on January 15, 2016. Please note: entities submitting applications must submit an email to communityforest@fs.fed.us confirming an application has been sent to the State Forester.

VECAN’s 8^th Annual Vermont Community Energy and Climate Action Conference will be held this Saturday, Dec 5 from 9 am – 4:30 pm at the Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee, VT. Don’t miss the chance to hear from leaders across Vermont and beyond – including Congressman Peter Welch and keynote speaker Richard Heinberg of the Post Carbon Institute.

This inspiring conference emphasizes clean energy and climate action strategies that Vermonters can help implement today to create change. The event supports the growing the statewide network of town energy committees and builds the capacity of any Vermonter to help the state meet its clean energy goals. Register today at: www.regonline.com/VTenergy2015 or contact Ben Civiletti at bciviletti@vnrc.org for more information.