LEARN ABOUT THE VT AGRICULTURAL WATER QUALITY PARTNERSHIP

 NRCS provides incentives to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners wanting to put wetlands, agricultural land, grasslands and forests under long-term easements. Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners can receive financial assistance from NRCS to make improvements to their land. 

 The Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1983 formed to conduct educational, scientific, charitable work concerning conservation, maintenance, improvement and development and use of land, soil, water, trees, vegetation, fish and wildlife and other natural resources in Vermont. 

 The USFWS enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitats, and assists foreign governments with conservation. 

 Clean water is essential for the health of our economy and communities. Vermonters - including farmers and landowners - are embracing their responsibility to do their part in protecting Vermont's waterways, and UVM Extension staff and faculty are available to help. 

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s mission is to preserve, enhance, restore and conserve Vermont’s natural resources and protect human health for the benefit of this and future generations.

 FSA administers a wide variety of programs for agricultural producers that have the potential to improve water quality. 

With nine county offices in Vermont, FSA serves agriculture by providing federal program benefits such as annual operating loans and land purchases, commodity price supports, disaster relief, and conservation.

 More than 1.2 million acres of Vermont land is devoted to farming, and agriculture is one of our most important industries. As a whole, agriculture preserves open land, provides us healthy local foods, and is an essential part of Vermont's identity. At the same time, Vermont's waters are critical to our economy and to our quality of life. We do not have to trade one for the other. 

 The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) works in partnership with government agencies from New York, Vermont, and Quebec, private organizations, local communities, and individuals to coordinate and fund efforts which benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources.  

 The dual goals of creating affordable housing for Vermonters, and conserving and protecting Vermont's agricultural land, forestland, historic properties, important natural areas, and recreational lands are of primary importance to the economic vitality and quality of life of the State.