Join us for a tour of the VT Clean Water Initiative Program projects across the West, Williams, and Saxtons Rivers (Tactical Basin 11), in the towns of Bellows Falls, Westminster, Rockingham, and Saxtons River. Project sites include stormwater infrastructure, conservation easements, pollution concerns, riparian buffer plantings, and a dam removal. 

CRC VT River Steward, Kathy Urffer, CRC VT Program Associate, Charles Soucy, and VT DEC Watershed Planner, Marie Levesque Caduto, will all be present to lead the tour and answer questions. The tour will pause for lunch in Saxtons River Village – please bring your own lunch or purchase it in the village. 

You may come for the whole tour or join in at any stop along the way!

RAIN OR SHINE. Thunderstorms cancel. We will be in touch in the event of storms by 5pm on 6/27.

Schedule of the Day (note this is an approximation and may change slightly!)

10:00-10:30am Welcome at Chroma in Bellows Falls to explore Imtec Gully Restoration.

10:30-11:15am Drive (approx 15 min) to Stickney Parcel in Saxtons River to explore a river corridor easement.

11:15-11:45am Short drive to Main Street of Saxtons River Village to explore proposed curb bump outs and tree boxes 

11:45-12:15 pm Lunch

12:20-12:50pm Walk (~5 minutes) to the Wastewater Treatment Plant to explore outfall pollution concerns.

12:55-1:25pm Drive (~5 minutes) to the Walsh/Fischetti Property in Rockingham to explore a riparian buffer planting after a buyout.

1:35-2:05pm Drive (~10 minutes) to Blake Higgins Dam Removal site in Westminster to explore restoration efforts.

2:15-2:30pm Return (~10 minutes) to Chroma for wrap up.

Notes on driving, parking, and accessibility:

• The tour will involve navigating difficult terrain and is not likely to be navigable by a wheelchair. 

• Wear appropriate footwear for walking over uneven terrain. Wear layers.

• Bring water, lunch, and snacks.

• Bathrooms are available at the MOOver facility at the I-91 Exit 6 Park & Ride. 

• Please carpool with a friend!

• Parking varies by site:

  • Onsite parking is available at Chroma, the wastewater treatment plant, and off Paper Mill Rd for Blake Higgins Dam; 

  • Street parking is available at Main St Saxtons River Village; and

  • Parking alongside of the road is available at the Stickney Parcel and at the Walsh/Fischetti Property. 

• Public transit access is available for Chroma at the I-91 Exit 6 Park & Ride. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Charles, csoucy@ctriver.org, 802-490-9701