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Data Collection
LCA continued to assist Mt. Abe and CVU school
classes to monitor the condition of Lewis Creek and neighboring
rivers. Within the six towns, data collection and assessments
occurred by consulting hydrogeologists, ecologists, wildlife
biologists to create new planning maps and databases for stream
geomorphology and aquatic habitat, biological diversity, and
wildlife habitat. Citizen completed the LCA annual winter wildlife
count and water quality sampling plan.
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Organizational Development/Administration
LCA bylaws, programs, and strategic plan were placed
on the LCA website. An Executive Committee was established and
annual fundraising and program implementation occurred through the
direction of and executive committee.
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Watershed Planning
A watershed planning and regulatory review matrix was
developed in partnership with Addison County Regional Planning
Commission, and the “Lewis Creek Watershed Resource Manual”
was reviewed for its utility with each town. LCA worked with
students UVM School of Natural Resources who completed a review of
each watershed town’s and physical, economic and social values
regarding sustainable community planning on watershed scale.
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Education Outreach
Partnerships with local conservation commissions and
sister conservation organizations (LaPlatte Watershed Partnership
and Addison County Riverwatch Collaborative) were strengthened.
Local presentations with table top displays occurred at Town Fairs
in Charlotte and Vergennes to promote conservation stewardship.
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Newsletter
LCA’s “Kingfisher” newsletter was mailed to
watershed residents that described annual program events, new
science for restoration and conservation planning and project
implementation, and a report of “Natural Communities and
Biodiversity” in the Lewis Creek watershed.
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Website
Upgraded the LCA website.
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Schools
Continued to work with schools on how LCA can assist
in curriculum enhancement related to conservation stewardship.
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Restoration
Coordinated students and families who planted
approximately one thousand seeds, trees and shrubs to revegetate the
river corridor in Starksboro, Ferrisburgh and Charlotte. LCA worked
in partnership with US Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
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Conservation
LCA worked with land trusts and towns to complete
land conservation projects and management plans in
Ferrisburgh,
Monkton, Starksboro, and
Charlotte.
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Fundraising
Annual fundraising included a private
appeal to watershed citizens and towns as well as foundations and
granting organizations.
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