VNRC

Published by the Vermont Natural Resources Council, Inc.

LOCAL ACTION RISING: VERMONTERS MAKING BETTER CHOICES FOR OUR ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT Winter 2006-2007 6`U_Y ;UfXbYf D

Location photography includes: interiors & exteriors, people, products, food, and scenics for business, education, publishing, the web, and nonpro!t use. Over twenty years of award- winning photography with thousands of images published nationally and regionally. website: ablakegardner.com e-mail: [email protected] VNRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Carolyn Kehler, Chair C. Stark Biddle, Vice-Chair Published by the Vermont Natural Resources Council, Inc. Robert Fiske, Jr., Treasurer Julie Wolcott, Secretary Winter 2006-2007 Susan Clark Perez Ehrich Wayne Fawbush TABLE OF CONTENTS Charles (Chuck) Fergus Jenna Guarino Pete Land THE INSIDE WORD Cathleen Miller It Takes a Whole Community, by Elizabeth Courtney ...... Page 2 Doug Racine Hubert (Hub) Vogelmann OPINION Steve Wright, NWF Affiliate Help Protect Vermont: Think Local First, by Chris Morrow ...... Page 3

VNRC STAFF VERMONT ENVIRONMENTAL INDEX ...... Page 4 Elizabeth Courtney, Executive Director VERMONT PERSPECTIVE Jake Brown, Communications Director & VNRC Convenes Unprecedented Forest Roundtable; Groundwater Action Continues; Legislative Liason Fighting Forest Fragmentation in Halifax; NPDES Stormwater Decision; Planning Jamey Fidel, Forest Program Director & Legal Counsel Tools for Forestland Conservation; VNRC Appointed to Fish and Wildlife Funding Jimmy Fordham, Office Manager & Task Force; Implementing Vermont’s New Growth Center Law (Act 183); The Administrative Assistant Peterson Dam, Once Again; Watching Out for Wetlands; Keeping Wal-Mart Out of Jon Groveman, Water Program Director & Cornfields; Intervening in Stratton Planning Process; Vermont Fair Tax Coalition Hosts Legal Counsel International Expert on Green Taxes; Insuring Stowe Settlement Honored; Helping Stephen Holmes, Sustainable Communities Communities Take Charge of Energy Consumption; VNRC, NWF & Others Program Director Join Supreme Court Battle; White River Basin Plan Rejected ...... Page 5 Kim Greenwood, Staff Scientist Johanna Miller, Outreach Director FEATURE ARTICLES Stephanie Mueller, Development Director Preparing for the Perfect Storm: The Rising Tide of Local Action, John Odum, Membership & by Katherine Quimby Johnson ...... Page 12 Development Coordinator Supporting Vermont Agriculture Grows the Local Economy, PUBLICATIONS by Jennifer Grahovac ...... Page 19 Stephanie Mueller, Editor Learning Local Self Reliance From Those Who Know It Best, Tim Newcomb, Design by Curtis Koren ...... Page 20

Take Action! ...... Page 22 The Vermont Natural Resources Council, Inc., is a nonprofit environmental organization VNRC NEWS & NOTES founded in 1963 to protect Vermont’s Farewell Pat and Welcome Jake; Climate Action March Success; natural resources and environment through research, education, and advocacy. VNRC Staff Serve on Numerous Boards; VNRC’s Valuable Board; Thank You Paul; Join the Localvore Challenge! ...... Page 23 VNRC is the Vermont affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. At Long Last, Wilderness Secured ...... Back cover VNRC membership includes a subscription to the Bulletin and the Credits: Cover photo and Page 12: Glenn Moody; Pages 4, 6, 9 and back cover: Blake Vermont Environmental Report magazine Gardner; Page 5: Tim Newcomb; Page 7: Gustav W. Verderber; Pages 8 and 23: VNRC (both published twice annually). Join VNRC in protecting Vermont archive; Pages 15 and 17: Robin McDermott; Page 16: Mark Bosma (VT Agency of with your membership of $35. Agriculture); Page 18: Bob Gasperetti Studios; Page 20 and 21: VIC.

Copyright © December 2006, VNRC The opinions expressed in the Vermont Environmental Report are not necessarily those of VNRC. VNRC reserves the right to refuse advertising that is not in keeping with the objectives of the organization. The VER is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 1 THE IT TAKES A WHOLE COMMUNITY INSIDE BY ELIZABETH COURTNEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WORD

n our work here at VNRC, we are forests, wetlands and wildlife habitat) all too often reminded of Dave outside of the growth areas. IBrower’s admonition that our Earlier this fall, I had the privilege victories tend to be temporary while of attending a leadership retreat at the our defeats are usually permanent. We Center for Whole Communities at develop a sneaking suspicion that there the Knoll Farm in Fayston, Vermont. will always be another poorly planned The Center was founded in 2001 by development or polluting enterprise Peter Forbes and his wife and business over the horizon to undue what partner Helen Whybrow when they successes we have just secured. were selected by the Vermont Land We thought we had accomplished Trust to become the stewards for our mission in 1995 when we stopped the 400 acre Knoll Farm, a Land a Wal-Mart from developing in a St. Trust property previously owned by Albans Town cornfield with our victory in the Ann Day, a long-time and dedicated member of Vermont Supreme Court. But low and behold, 11 VNRC. years later in 2006, the project is back. Progress in The mission of the Center is to help create the permitting process with developments across a more just, balanced and healthy world the state requires constant by exploring, honoring and deepening the vigilance to ensure connections between land, people and community. compliance with permit The Center aspires to create a land movement that conditions. A successful integrates conservation, health, justice, spirit and legislative initiative, such relationship. as last year’s growth center In retreat with 20 other leaders of not-for-profit bill, can yield a good law groups from around the country representing but implementation and issues as varied as livable wage, access to food, enforcement of it can be clean and abundant water, social equity, open another matter. space, affordable housing, energy independence, The Greek myth about healthy forests and more, we replicated what Peter Sisyphus comes to mind. and Helen referred to as a whole community. Whole Communities Punished for exposing the Through our weeklong dialogue, we were able to Retreat at the Knoll truth about Zeus’ rapacious behavior, Sisyphus see how our individual areas of focus can cause us Farm earlier this fall was forced, for eternity, to push a boulder up a to be divided because of myopic strategies, tactics mountainside every day, only to have it roll down and language. Yet when we work together, we again each night. have more lasting and satisfying victories. But what if we had another reality? What With this issue of the Vermont Environmental would it take for us to be able to savor more Report we hope to help connect the dots for lasting accomplishments? Vermonters about the relationship between What if we were to shift our focus to define communities, people and the land. Understanding success as a function of the health of the whole how conserving farm and forest land can allow community and of Vermonters’ connection to the us greater access to healthy food, reinvigorate a land? We might have a very different measure for viable farm and forest products economy, and help how we approach our work, and how we define, Vermonters develop greater energy independence describe and evaluate our success. We might have is an essential step in developing a collective a community, for instance, that creates a local conservation ethic that meets a broad cross-section solution to its need for inexpensive goods. We of needs and concerns in Vermont. might find businesses that make natural resource If Sisyphus had only had a whole community conservation integral to their strategic planning. behind him, he would have been a lot further We might find town plans with serious dedication along by now. to protecting the valuable resource lands (farms,

2 Winter Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental OPINION HELP PROTECT VERMONT: THINK LOCAL FIRST

BY CHRIS MORROW

ne of the benefits representatives — have formed of working in a a new organization called Obookstore is that I Local First Vermont (www. “Our mission is to preserve and enhance get to read books long before localfirstvermont.org). Our they actually get published. mission is to preserve and the economic, human and natural I am currently reading Bill enhance the economic, human McKibben’s new book (due and natural vitality of Vermont vitality of Vermont communities out in March) Deep Economy. communities by promoting As usual, Bill has written a the importance of purchasing by promoting the importance of clearly articulated, from locally-owned compelling book independent purchasing from locally-owned — this time about businesses. We the benefits of envision a robust independent businesses.” thinking and and sustainable acting on a local economy — Chris Morrow scale. He points fueling vibrant to climate change communities, built and peak oil as on a cornerstone the compelling value and practice 2. Local character and wages and benefits than forces behind of “buying local prosperity: In an chains do. this proposed first.” increasingly homogenized shift. We need to move We are not advocating for world, communities that In Phase 6 of the Vermont towards localism to both stave the removal of all corporate preserve their one-of-a-kind Job Gap Study (www. off the worst effects of these stores from Vermont. We businesses and distinctive vtlivablewage.org) it was circumstances, but also as a don’t want to shut down character have an economic estimated that Vermont way of coping with them. the internet. We are simply advantage. Being a tourist residents and businesses But even without the advocating for people to look state, this is especially exported cash to the tune of looming changes brought locally FIRST when they are important. $16 billion a year for goods about by our reckless use of ready to purchase a good and services — over $26,000 energy in the last century, or service. It is in every 3. Local decision-making: for every Vermonter. We can I find there are compelling Vermonter’s best interest to do Local ownership ensures divert a significant portion of arguments for a 21st century so. Why? Here are five of the that important decisions are this amount to local businesses. localism, for shifting much many reasons: made locally by people who When we do, it will serve to of our purchasing of goods live in the community and strengthen the roots of the and services to locally-owned, 1. Keeping dollars in the who will feel the impacts of tree of health — economic independent businesses. local economy: Compared those decisions. health, community health, This is not simply a self- to chain stores, locally- environmental health. Feed serving agenda — there are owned businesses recycle a 4. Environmental sustain- the Roots – Think Local First! clear arguments backed by much larger share of their ability: Local stores help substantial data to support this revenue back into the local to sustain vibrant, compact, Chris Morrow, owner of notion. economy, enriching the walkable town centers Northshire Bookstore in As a way of preserving whole community. This which, in turn, are essential Manchester Center, chairs the the character and prosperity “multiplier effect,” which to reducing sprawl, auto- steering committee of Local First of Vermont’s economy, has been proven by at mobile use, habitat loss, and Vermont (of which VNRC was community networks and least three comprehensive air and water pollution. one of the first supporting non- natural landscape, a group studies (see website), has profits). For more information of citizens — including a powerful impact on the 5. Jobs and wages: Locally- about the organization and local business owners, health of local businesses owned businesses create this season’s “Think Local First” professionals, non-profit and the tax base. more jobs locally and, in campaign, go to www.localfirst- leaders and government some sectors, provide better vermont.org.

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 3 VERMONT ENVIRONMENTAL I•N•D•E•X

• Number of Vermont organic farms in 1996 ...... 150 • Since 1996, estimated acres of regulated wetlands • Number of Vermont organic farms in 2006 ...... 400 lost in Vermont ...... 106

• Vermont Voter turnout in 2002 • Year the Agency of Natural resources was initially (last mid-term election) ...... 56% required to update Vermont’s 17 basin plans . . . . . 2000 • Vermont Voter turnout in 2006 • Revised deadline set by the Legislature for (percent of eligible voters voting) ...... 60.7% the ANR to update Vermont’s basin plans ...... 2006 • Current number of basin plans implemented ...... 0

• Estimated number of steps taken by participants in the September walk for global warming organized by • Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) sold in Bill McKibben, VNRC and others ...... 23,112,572 Manchester during their six-month-long challenge to reduce energy consumption ...... Over 40,000

• Number of cars in the US for every driver in 1973 . . 0.8 • Estimated savings annually in energy costs . . $267,800 • Number of cars in the US for every driver in 2003 . . 1.2 • Estimated savings in energy costs over the 8,000-hour-long lifetime of the CFLs . . . $1,713,920 • Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions • Average car gas mileage in the US in 1985 . . 27.5 mpg over the lifetime of the CFLs ...... 7,772 tons • Average car gas mileage in the US in 2005 . . 27.5 mpg (the equivalent of taking 1,345 cars off the road) • Change in the miles per gallon in the past 20 years . . . . 0

• Acres of wilderness in Vermont • Square feet of Wal-Mart stores in Vermont in 1994 . . . . 0 on November 30, 2006 ...... 59,000 • Square feet of Wal-Mart stores in • Acres of wilderness in Vermont on December 1, 2006, Vermont in 2006 ...... 295,000 signed into law after years of advocacy by • Square feet of Wal-Mart stores in VNRC and others ...... 101,000 Vermont in 2010 (existing & proposed) . . . . 717,000 • Contribution to become a VNRC member • Number of species listed on Vermont’s and help make a difference in the protection Threatened and Endangered Species List ...... 195 of our beautiful state ...... $35 • Number of species for which recovery plans • Number of friends to share the VER and other have been approved ...... 4 VNRC information with . . . As many as you can! • Number of these species removed from the list due to conservation efforts to recover them ...... 3

4 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report VNRC is the only statewide groundwater in Vermont is not environmental group on owned by individuals. At the VERMONT the Task Force. The other November meeting, the Task members of the Task Force Force heard from Vermonters PERSPECTIVE include representatives from who have experienced a business group, a municipal problems as a result of entity, and the agricultural groundwater withdrawals. community, as well as a citizen VNRC strongly believes and four legislators. that groundwater is a vital resource that exists VNRC CONVENES and fragmented in the state. Representative David Deen Materials from the and Senator Diane Snelling are to benefit all Vermonters, UNPRECEDENTED roundtable proceedings can be co-chairs of the Task Force, and that no individual can FOREST read by clicking on the forest which has met three times. own the groundwater. Any ROUNDTABLE roundtable link at the bottom The October meeting focused comprehensive groundwater of VNRC’s homepage – www. on whether groundwater program must be built on this VNRC is currently vnrc.org. should be declared a public premise. The testimony that conducting a roundtable trust resource. The Task the Task Force heard supports discussion with over 60 experts GROUNDWATER Force heard testimony from VNRC’s position, and revealed law professors, the Attorney the misunderstanding believed in the state to identify the CTION causes of forest fragmentation A General’s office, Agency of by many Vermonters that they and parcelization and create CONTINUES Natural Resources and a actually own groundwater. workable solutions for former lawmaker from New All Task Force meetings are landowners, municipalities, VNRC’s campaign to Hampshire who was involved held in the State House and and state government to address large groundwater in the drafting of New are open to the public. This adequately plan for appropriate withdrawals in Vermont took Hampshire’s groundwater law, is the beginning of the hard forestland conservation. significant steps forward this which declares groundwater work it will take to create a The roundtable includes past summer. The Governor to be a public trust resource. comprehensive groundwater many diverse perspectives appointed a Task Force as All the witnesses agreed that program in Vermont. It is vital including consulting foresters, required by H.294, the declaring groundwater to for VNRC members to follow professional planners, groundwater law that VNRC be a public trust resource the progress of the campaign government officials, was instrumental in enacting will not result in a taking of and to let your representatives landowners, sportsmen, and in the 2006 legislative session. property, and that currently and the Governor know how representatives from the important this issue is to you. forest products industry, Please see our website — conservation groups, biomass www.vnrc.org — for their energy and other important contact information. interests. The roundtable is FIGHTING FOREST designed to address issues that relate to parcelization FRAGMENTATION IN and fragmentation including HALIFAX trends in the real estate market, forestland valuation, As part of our Forest property tax policy, land use Conservation Campaign, and conservation planning, VNRC is representing six family and estate planning, landowners in Halifax who landowner incentive programs have filed suit in Windham such as the Current-Use County Superior Court Program, and the viability of to challenge forestland the forest products industry. development in two rural The goal of the roundtable is locations in town. to bring diverse perspectives The landowners filed the together to share views on suit against a Halifax Board of the causes of parcelization Selectman decision to reclassify and forest fragmentation. two recreational trails to Class The roundtable will develop a 4 roads to facilitate subdivision final set of recommendations development in areas that are to address the rate at which rich in forest resources. The forestland is being developed recreational trails are popular for skiing, hiking, horseback Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 5 homes, driveways and utilities. PLANNING TOOLS A ruling is expected sometime FOR FORESTLAND this winter. VERMONT CONSERVATION

PERSPECTIVE NPDES VNRC is working to STORMWATER develop creative new planning DECISION and zoning strategies to promote forestland riding, snowmobiling, hunting, In this particular case, road The Vermont Supreme conservation in Vermont. and mountain biking and are frontage would promote a 500 Court recently ruled on the VNRC is currently reviewing located in core forest areas for percent increase in the amount appeal of the victory that local strategies in the state bear and other wildlife habitat. of subdivision that could occur VNRC and Conservation Law and developing new planning One trail, Josh Trail, climbs along the trails. According Foundation had won in its templates for municipalities through rugged northern to Jamey Fidel, VNRC Forest National Pollutant Discharge to reduce the effects of hardwood forest and is located Program Director and legal Elimination System (NPDES) forest fragmentation and adjacent to a Class 2 wetland counsel in the case, “this case stormwater petition before parcelization. VNRC is and Deer Pond Brook, a will set an important legal the Vermont Water Resources available to assist municipalities tributary of the Green River standard for the manner in Board (WRB). VNRC and in the following ways: that drains a 2,700-acre which recreational trails can be CLF petitioned under the watershed. The other trail, Bell reclassified to roads to facilitate federal Clean Water Act that • Work with local Trail, has traditionally been subdivision development.” discharges to stormwater municipalities and residents managed for timber resources The Judge and three polluted waters in several to identify and map priority and includes important Commissioners are currently Chittenden County streams forestland resources Vermont Association of Snow scrutinizing whether the are required to have federal and create a vision for Travelers snowmobile and trail reclassification will NPDES permits. Federal forestland development recreational trails. be in the “public good, permits have more stringent and conservation in the The case represents the first convenience, and necessity” requirements for impaired community; time a lawsuit has been filed for the inhabitants of the waters and provide more • Review the strengths and over the reclassification of a town. VNRC recently argued opportunity for public review weaknesses of existing trail to a road in Vermont. that the Halifax Town and enforcement of the municipal planning and VNRC is concerned that real Plan, public opposition permits. zoning strategies to estate pressure in Vermont to the reclassification, and Chittenden County conserve forestland and will promote additional cases unacceptable wildlife habitat, business groups and the reduce the impacts of where developers are asking water quality, recreation Vermont ANR appealed the forest fragmentation and select boards to reclassify and forest management WRB decision, attacking on parcelization in rural trails to meet local zoning impacts dictate that the trails numerous grounds. The resource lands; ordinances that require should be left alone and not Vermont Supreme Court • Develop new templates frontage along public roads. developed for additional rejected all of the arguments for municipal zoning raised by the business groups bylaws and town plan and ANR. However, the policies that adequately Court ruled that ANR must identify and conserve determine which stormwater important forestland discharges are contributing parcels and forest resources to the existing water quality such as wildlife habitat, standards violation, based on a watershed functions, scientific analysis. Accordingly, recreation resources, timber the Court reversed the WRB production areas, etc.; decision on the petition • Develop and/or strengthen pending the ANR review. subdivision regulations While VNRC is to adequately review disappointed that the WRB the impacts of proposed decision was overturned, development to forestland we are confident that resources and ensure ANR’s science based review appropriate consideration will properly identify the of impacts that may not be stormwater discharges that covered under state review require NPDES permits, and of development projects; ANR will then address those • Develop incentive based discharges as required by law. policies for landowners 6 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report “This case [in Halifax] will set an important legal VNRC played a significant role in passage of the standard for the manner in which recreational trails legislation, working closely with our colleagues on the can be reclassified to roads to facilitate subdivision Vermont Smart Growth Collaborative. The law sets development.” up several implementation milestones that we are — Jamey Fidel, VNRC Forest Program Director paying close attention to and weighing in with research, education, and advocacy. and developers to cluster for public comment before IMPLEMENTING This summer, VNRC development and maintain being sent to the appropriate ERMONT S EW submitted extensive comments rural settlement patterns legislative committees. VNRC V ’ N GROWTH CENTER on the Interim Procedure in town. Assist towns in is hopeful that the task force for Primary Agricultural Soils designating growth centers will create momentum for new LAW (ACT 183) Mitigation Benefits to the if applicable; funding mechanisms to help newly established Planning and • Inform municipalities of the FWD better manage and VNRC’s efforts were Coordination Group. The law state and federal landowner conserve important wildlife integral during the 2006 mandated this group, overseen assistance and incentive resources. legislative session in passing by the Chair of the Natural based programs designed to VNRC is also participating the Growth Center Law Resources Board’s Land Use keep forestland and wildlife in a new Wildlife Partnership (Act 183). The law is a Panel and the Commissioner habitat intact and viable. that the Northern Forest fitting companion to Act of Housing and Community Alliance has assembled to 200, Act 250, and the Affairs, to provide growth If your municipality is bring diverse wildlife interest Downtown Law. It is center designation application interested in receiving planning groups together to support designed to unite planning, assistance to communities assistance for forestland the recently enacted State regulation, incentives, and and coordinated staff support conservation, please contact Wildlife Action Plan (see state investment policy to to the expanded Downtown Jamey Fidel, VNRC Forest Spring 2006 VER) and new guide future development to Board. The expanded Program Director at 223-2328 funding options for the FWD. designated growth centers Downtown Board will make ext 117 or [email protected]. One funding option available in order to bring vitality to the decisions on designating to Vermonters today is to existing communities and new growth centers. VNRC APPOINTED purchase a new conservation enhance environmental quality The Interim Procedure in the countryside. TO ISH AND license plate. The State was the first work performed F recently unveiled WILDLIFE FUNDING by the Planning the “Catamount” and Coordination TASK FORCE plate, and the Group, and it was design features a very important to Last legislative session, cougar alongside VNRC that the VNRC worked hard with a mountainous process adopted Representative Steve Adams lakeshore. The goal was consistent with (R), Chair of the House Fish is to raise awareness the law, particularly and Wildlife Committee, to and funds for that the definition pass legislation to set up a nongame wildlife of growth center task force to study sustainable and watersheds. was as strong as funding options for the Fish To purchase a contemplated in and Wildlife Department plate, go to www. Act 183. Although (FWD). Over the summer, vtfishandwildlife. there were some who Governor Douglas appointed com/support_plates. advocated for a looser a nine-person committee to cfm. definition of growth develop a report on legislative centers, arguing that recommendations for funding it would make it easier the FWD. VNRC Executive for more communities Director, Elizabeth Courtney, to receive designation, was appointed to the VNRC recommended, committee. and the Planning The task force is expected and Coordination to have a draft set of Group and expanded recommendations by early Downtown Board January, which will go out agreed, that the letter Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 7 Lake Champlain. Because Peterson Dam and restore of the poor placement of the some of the most significant VERMONT Peterson, miles of some of the aquatic habitat in Vermont. most significant aquatic habitat PERSPECTIVE in Vermont were destroyed, WATCHING OUT and species such as sturgeon, FOR WETLANDS once abundant in Lake Champlain, were decimated. VNRC is the only The biologists for the Vermont statewide environmental and spirit of the law was to be Another aspect of the Agency of Natural Resources group appointed to a formal upheld. law began to take shape in have concluded that the only investigation into wetland Essentially the Interim late October, as the Growth way to restore this habitat regulation in Vermont that Procedure will allow a Center Study Group (on and bring the LHRP into the Water Resources Panel has community which has not which VNRC has a seat) was compliance with minimum initiated. The investigation received a final growth convened by the Secretary state water quality standards is was prompted by changes to center designation to have of Agriculture. By January to remove the dam. the Vermont law that were a temporary grant of the 1, 2007, the Secretary of In 2001,VNRC, ANR, made in the so-called permit Act 250 agricultural soils Agriculture is to present Trout Unlimited, Central reform legislation of 2004, as mitigation benefit for to the Legislature a work Vermont Public Service (the well as court decisions that development projects within plan and budget for options owner of the dam) and the have called into question the community going through and recommendations for Town of Milton (where the the legality of the Vermont the Act 250 process. The agricultural and other land dam is located), entered into Wetland Rules that have been developer of a project would conservation policies for the a comprehensive settlement effect since 1990. be eligible for a reduced ratio future to be developed by this agreement (CSA) to end The most significant of conserved land to developed six-member working group. decades of litigation that issue of the investigation land from 3/1 or 2/1 to 1/1. required the Peterson to be is how to determine which That is, the developer would THE PETERSON removed in 20 years. The wetlands Vermont protects be responsible for conserving CSA is contingent on CVPS DAM, ONCE AGAIN through its regulatory one acre of farmland for each obtaining approval from program. Currently, wetlands acre impacted by development. the state Public Service For decades, VNRC has on maps created by aerial The Planning and Board (PSB) to pass future fought to address the impacts photography in 1987 are Coordination Group is costs of dam removal on of the Peterson Dam. The protected in Vermont. The currently working with to ratepayers. After over a Peterson Dam is part of the maps are very flawed and as consultants on preparation year, a PSB Hearing Officer Lamoille River Hydroelectric a result anywhere between of a municipal growth issued a preliminary ruling Project (LHRP), which 30-40 percent of important centers planning manual and that states while there are consists of four dams. The wetlands in Vermont that implementation checklist unquestionable environmental Peterson is the LHRP dam should be protected based that will guide communities benefits to removing the closest to the confluence on their scientific values are as they seek growth center Peterson Dam, the benefits of the Lamoille River and not protected by ANR under designation. do not justify the PSB altering Vermont law. its longstanding policy VNRC has formed a against granting future rate coalition of other members of recovery. VNRC and ANR the investigation (e.g. private objected to the preliminary consultants, conservation ruling and the PSB itself held commissions, regional planning oral argument in October to commissions, regional hear the objections. A final environmental groups and decision is expected soon. If private wetland consultants) the PSB does not grant the and as a result of significant rate recovery, the CSA will advocacy efforts has convinced terminate. the Water Resources Panel VNRC has several legal to base wetland regulation options if the rate recovery on the scientific value of orders are not granted. wetlands, rather than outdated, However, we are still hopeful incorrect maps. ANR and the that the PSB will reverse the traditional business community preliminary ruling, grant the strenuously disagree with rate recovery and keep in VNRC’s position, and the The Peterson Dam place the plan to remove the Panel’s decision, because

8 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report they like the certainty that VNRC has formed a coalition . . . and as a result of regulating wetlands that appear on maps provide. It significant advocacy efforts has convinced the Water was a significant victory for VNRC to convince the Panel to move away from the use Resources Panel to base wetland regulation on the of jurisdictional maps, as this will result in the regulation of scientific value of wetlands, rather than outdated, an additional 30-40 percent of significant wetlands in incorrect maps. Vermont. The investigation has now turned to implementing the be impartial, yet one Board Act 250 Commission ruled Committee–a long time local Panel’s decision. Legislation member wore a hat that read that Wal-Mart’s economic citizens group–was reached.) will ultimately be proposed to “St. Albans Needs Wal-Mart” impact evidence was deficient. VNRC has also obtained party alter Vermont law to ensure to a hearing, and another Wal-Mart supplemented its status in the Stratton Master that wetland regulation is not Board member signed a evidence, and a hearing took Plan proceedings in order to tied to maps. VNRC will be pro-Wal-Mart petition and place on November 15th. protect VNRC’s interest in actively engaged in this issue in submitted it to the Board. In VNRC’s expert – UVM assuring that water quality and the Legislature. September, an Environmental professor Jane Kolodinsky – wildlife habitat is not degraded Court Judge agreed with reviewed Wal-Mart’s filing and as a result of the continued VNRC that this conduct testified that their evidence still expansion at the resort. EEPING K violated the due process is flawed and does not meet WAL-MART OUT OF rights of the Northwest the Act 250 criteria. VERMONT FAIR TAX ORNFIELDS C Citizens for Responsible VNRC addressed a wide OALITION OSTS Growth (NWCRG), the local range of issues at the June C H VNRC is making steady citizen group that VNRC is Act 250 hearings including INTERNATIONAL progress in its attempt to force representing. The Judge’s stormwater, traffic, economic EXPERT ON a proposed Wal-Mart out of a decision forced the Town to impacts, impacts on the GREEN TAXES St. Albans cornfield and into void the permits. VNRC and City of St. Albans, impacts the downtown. After years the NWCRG are pleased that on adjoining farms, impacts VNRC, working in of litigation, VNRC forced the permits will be voided. on rare, threatened and cooperation with the Vermont Wal-Mart and the Town to However, VNRC is frustrated endangered species and Fair Tax Coalition (VFTC) void local zoning permits that we may have to expend compliance with Town and and the Gund Institute for that the Town issued to Wal- the resources to fight the Regional Plans. We are Ecological Economics, was Mart in 2004. VNRC argued battle yet again, and that we hopeful that the Commission able to bring an internationally that conflicts of interest on may still not get a fair hearing will deny the permit. renowned expert on green the Town zoning board in St. Albans. revenue systems to Vermont invalidated the permits. Board In Act 250, after a full INTERVENING IN on October 27th. Dr. Anselm members are supposed to week of hearings this June, the STRATTON Gorres, President of Green Budget Germany (GBD) was PLANNING PROCESS one of the featured speakers at the annual Global Conference VNRC remains engaged on Environmental Taxation in the implementation of the held in nearby Ottawa, Stratton Master Plan. We Canada October 22-24. Dr. recently intervened in a project Gorres graciously accepted that would have increased our invitation to speak twice discharges to one of the in Vermont to the state’s polluted waters at Stratton. As leading policy makers. In a result of our intervention, the morning, Dr. Gorres Stratton agreed to take steps spoke at Vermont College to minimize and offset any on “The Implementation, additional loading of sediment Impact and Future to the polluted waters Development of Germany’s (VNRC actually appealed the Ecotax Reform,” and in the stormwater permits for the afternoon he addressed an project before a settlement audience at the University between VNRC, Stratton and of Vermont on “A Green the Stratton Area Citizens Budget for Vermont?” Green Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 9 Fund; is underway across Vermont • Expand and increase the on energy issues, VECAN is VERMONT bottle bill; helping to fill a vital niche. By • Enhance the current use serving as a resource ‘hub,’ PERSPECTIVE program. where the spokes of Vermont’s energy ‘wheels’ are increasingly INSURING STOWE connecting, VECAN is linking concerned Vermonters ETTLEMENT S to the tools, models, and HONORED Budget Germany is a non- downtown development; organizations that will help governmental organization • A significant financial their communities implement VNRC continues to track cost-saving, energy-reducing, established in 1994 to commitment to the “Clean the implementation of the support the development of and Clear Water” initiative green power-generating Stowe Mountain Resort measures. an Ecological Tax Reform for the clean-up of Lake Master Plan to ensure that (ETR) in Germany. Since the Champlain and other Eighteen communities from the settlement agreement Burlington to Brattleboro are implementation of ETR in waters; that VNRC entered into with 1999, GBD has focused on • A change in the corporate already hard at work on local SMR is honored. We recently energy committees. These improving the ecotax reform income tax — “unitary commented on the impact and lobbying for further combined reporting” groups serve as important of SMR development on models for other towns. By environmental fiscal reform, — which represents a tax water quality at the resort, as both in Germany and abroad. shift that benefits in-state strengthening connections several streams have now been with these committees and Since 1998, the VFTC has businesses and residents identified by ANR as impaired. sought ways to modernize and sustainable land use helping establish new groups, our state revenue structure to and puts a heavier burden VECAN serves as a network ELPING promote economic efficiency, on out-of-state “big box” H for concerned citizens to share encourage sustainable retailers like Wal-Mart. COMMUNITIES lessons learned, highlight development practices, and TAKE CHARGE successes, work through address crucial environmental In 2007 the VFTC will challenges, and identify key OF ENERGY needs and opportunities. issues such as climate change be working to advance the CONSUMPTION by using financial incentives following: To establish an energy and climate action committee that tax reform can provide. • Establish a motor vehicle The Vermont Energy and The Coalition’s unique fee-bate system for energy in your town, download Climate Action Network’s VECAN’s ‘Town Energy and partnership, which has served efficient vehicles or gas work to establish energy and as a national model for other guzzler tax; Climate Action Guide’ on climate action committees VNRC’s web site at www.vnrc. states working on fair tax • Create financial/tax in Vermont communities is issues, has helped Vermont incentives for hybrids and org. This manual provides rapidly gathering momentum. step-by-step instruction for make gains in this area, bio-diesel vehicles; As energy prices soar and including the following : • Further promote and committees to form, and the days grow hotter, more information about resources • A new energy efficiency expand “Efficiency citizens are embracing the law with a key provision Vermont” — Vermont’s that will help them thrive. VECAN model of developing Please feel free to contact requiring Vermont to award-winning energy and implementing energy meet a renewable portfolio efficiency utility; VNRC’s Johanna Miller at saving, greenhouse gas 802-223-2328 or jmiller@ standard, or RPS; • Strengthen the RPS law; reducing strategies at the town • Creation of a clean energy • Implement the new vnrc.org with any additional level. questions. fund used to develop growth center law through Along with partner groups in-state renewable energy sufficient appropriations and Alliance for Climate Action, financed by a tax on storage other financial incentives; New England Grassroots VNRC, NWF & of nuclear waste in the • Increase tax credits for the Environment Fund, OTHERS JOIN state; downtown program; Sustainable Energy Resource SUPREME COURT • Passage of a mining waste • Implement policies Group, and Vermont Energy BATTLE tax; that direct new state Investment Corporation • Repeal of the sales tax infrastructure in locations and other efficiency and On November 29, exemption for non- that do not induce sprawl; renewable energy leaders, the U.S. Supreme Court agricultural pesticides; • Enable independent VNRC is helping to facilitate heard the first-ever case • Sales tax exemption for community impact and advance forward-thinking involving global warming. solar hot-water heaters and studies of large scale retail strategies to address the most The case, Commonwealth off-grid systems; developments; pressing challenge of our time of Massachusetts, et al v. • A comprehensive financial • Strengthen the Housing — climate change. United States Environmental incentive program for and Conservation Trust While much great work Protection Agency, centers 10 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report on a 2003 EPA decision not 50 years. warming. The good news is, environmental groups) after to regulate carbon dioxide “Wildlife species are often the technology to make low- months of advocacy convinced and other greenhouse gas the early indicators of what’s emission vehicles exists now, the Water Resources Panel to emissions from vehicles as happening to the planet,” so auto manufacturers should reject the White River Basin pollution. The National John Kostyack, lead National be able to make them widely Plan filed by ANR and require Wildlife Federation (NWF) Wildlife Federation counsel available.” ANR to base water plans and filed an amicus brief on behalf said. “We believe the court classifications on scientific of itself, VNRC and 72 other will benefit from the mounting WHITE RIVER data. VNRC continues to sporting and conservation body of research on the BASIN PLAN track ANR’s implementation organizations, state fish effects of global warming of the Panel’s decision. We and game departments, on wildlife. It’s clear that REJECTED are hopeful that the decision professional fish and wildlife global warming pollution is will result in the protection of societies, zoos and aquariums harming the environment, VNRC and a coalition Vermont’s high quality waters and religious organizations. and in turn will harm the of interests (e.g. regional as required by state and federal The ruling could have far- economy. The EPA has a planning commissions, law. reaching implications for how responsibility to regulate the other environmental groups, the United States addresses pollution that is causing global Trout Unlimited, and local its contribution to global warming. The crux of the case involves whether or not greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks should be regulated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act due to their contribution to global warming. “Vermont’s healthy ecosystems and wildlife habitats are the foundation of our economy,” said Elizabeth Courtney, VNRC Executive Director. “Greenhouse gases threaten the health of our communities, the maple industry, ski industry, hunting, fishing and agriculture. If we do not act now to address this problem, we will lose a generation of work to protect Vermont’s natural resources.” The NWF brief outlines some of the most relevant scientific research to date on how global warming already is affecting wildlife, and is expected to affect wildlife in the 21st century. Some species, like the golden toad, already have gone extinct from changes in climate; others, like the polar bear, could be victims if current climate trends are not changed. In 2004, research published in the science journal Nature estimated that as many as one- third of species in some places are likely to go extinct due to global warming within about

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 11 12 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report Preparing for the Perfect Storm The Rising Tide of Local Action

BY KATHERINE QUIMBY JOHNSON

hen winter storm warnings go out, people stock up on drinking water, non- perishable food, candles, and batteries and prepare to hunker down until the weather Wclears in a day or so. The warnings have already been posted for a different kind of storm that’s headed our way, a “perfect storm.”

In the years ahead, peak oil, climate change, and The work of the Vermont Natural Resources the suburbanization of the countryside will have an Council (VNRC) over the past 43 years has helped impact on each and every one of us. The high price give Vermont the jump-start on storm preparations. of oil and gas will drive up the cost of commodities Thanks in part to VNRC’s efforts, Vermont still has coming from a distance, the effects of climate healthy working landscapes and its forest lands are change will threaten forest health, agricultural less fragmented and its communities more intact crops and water resources, and suburbanization than those in other regions of the country. But will continue to destroy valuable farm and forest there’s still plenty left to do. VNRC will continue lands. A different storm, one that won’t pass in a to strengthen the network — the connections that matter of days, or even weeks or months, demands exist between people in a community and between different preparations. If we are to weather the communities and the land that sustains them — so changes to come, we need to work to protect and that Vermont is prepared to weather what lies restore the natural resources that feed and shelter ahead. Opposite: Red Hen us, and support the local businesses that use those “While Vermont’s rural landscapes are beautiful Bakery co-owners Liza resources sustainably. to behold, we’re not interested in saving farms and Cain and Randy George

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 13 negotiations with Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Rutland Partnership, and VNRC, the project “By preserving and building our spent a mere eight months in the permitting local businesses, we promote character, process. Wal-Mart’s presence in downtown Rutland specialness. Who wants to live in or has been crucial for more than a decade. “Wal- Mart ensures that downtown Rutland serves the travel to a place that looks the same as entire community,” Bruhn says. “A mix of locally owned businesses, franchises, and national chains is everywhere else?” important to a healthy downtown.” Such a mix of — Chris Morrow, owner of the Northshire Bookstore business types serves all local income groups as well as tourists. Locally owned businesses are a key component forests just so we can look at them,” Elizabeth in the downtown mix. For any number of reasons, Courtney, Executive Director of VNRC, explains. including the fact that money spent in these “We are talking about using Vermont’s natural establishments recirculates in the local economy resources to sustain the local community and more times than money spent in other types of nurture the local economy.” businesses, “local first” campaigns have sprung up around the country over the past six or seven SHOP LOCAL: COUNTER SPRAWL years. This year, with the founding of Local First AND SUBURBANIZATION Vermont (LFVT), the Green Mountain State joined Vital working downtowns and growth centers the movement. VNRC has supported LFVT from can help maintain the working agricultural and the beginning, helping to elevate and advance the forest landscape. When downtown areas thrive, mission of the business coalition that shares its goal there is less incentive for commercial developers of sustainable, economically vibrant communities. to locate new businesses on agricultural land. “We’re promoting the value of local “Downtowns and village centers are a key part independent businesses to consumers, to of the character of Vermont,” says Paul Bruhn, government, and to business,” says Chris Executive Director of Preservation Trust of Morrow of Manchester’s Northshire Bookstore, Vermont. However, he says, “we have had out-of- a founder of LFVT. “We’re looking at improving town development, so maintaining downtowns is a communities through promoting a strong local challenge.” and independent business sector,” Morrow says. Maintaining and supporting an existing “By preserving and building our local businesses, downtown is one reason why VNRC has joined we promote character, specialness. Who wants to forces with Preservation Trust of Vermont in live in or travel to a place that looks the same as opposing the construction of a Wal-Mart outside everywhere else? An element of LFVT is about of St. Albans. “This project would go two miles protecting the natural and business landscape that out of town in a well-tilled, well-used cornfield,” tourists find attractive.” says Stephen J. Holmes, Sustainable Communities Program Director at VNRC. He explains that EAT LOCAL: VNRC has offered to support the construction of KEEP WORKING FARMS WORKING a Wal-Mart in downtown St. Albans. “We sent a However, that landscape, beloved by tourist letter offering alternatives, one of them being to and native alike, is vanishing. Vermont is losing build a 75,000 square foot store downtown. Wal- its best farmland. In years past, farmers from the Mart basically slammed the door in our face and hardscrabble Northeast Kingdom could look with said ‘we’re not interested.’” appreciation and a touch of envy on acre after That’s contrary to a partnership that worked to acre of level hay and cornfields in Williston and the benefit of downtown Rutland. Back in 1990, South Burlington. Chittenden County had some a group of downtown merchants formed the of the richest, most productive agricultural land Downtown Rutland Partnership. They coordinated in the state. Now those fields are covered with their hours of operation and focused on activities tracts of houses, parking lots, and shopping plazas. and practices that would be of mutual benefit. But if our remaining working farms are to remain According to Courtney, who helped develop in production, farmers need to be able to earn Rutland’s 1991 City Plan, when K-Mart left the a living. One way to help keep agricultural land Rutland Plaza, the Rutland Partnership looked for working is to buy food that has been grown and a new anchor. Wal-Mart was identified and, after produced locally. 14 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report That’s the whole point of a localvore challenge, when participants pledge to eat only locally grown and produced foods for a specific period, most often a week. The outcome of Central Vermont’s 2006 localvore challenge offers a prime example of the benefits supporting local agriculture brings to the working landscape. In August or September, when most Vermont localvore challenges are held, farmstands provide plenty of fresh produce, and local dairy and meat products are readily available. Artisanal bread bakeries have become reasonably common in Vermont, but locally grown wheat is harder to come by. “Red Hen Baking baked what they called a Localvore Loaf,” Robin McDermott, a Mad River Valley localvore, recalls. Those loaves were supplied to localvores in the Champlain Valley and Montpelier as well as to McDermott’s group in the Mad River Valley. But, McDermott says, “each loaf came with a full page letter explaining why it was denser than the usual Red Hen loaf and why it couldn’t be made year round.” There is simply not enough local wheat available to make year-round production feasible. Red Hen Baking is dedicated to organic ingredients and high quality grains. Much of its flour is grown and milled in the midwest, according with a price that’s the same as what is grown in the George Schenk, owner to Randy George, co-owner of Red Hen Baking. midwest, and then there’s the marketing.” of American Flatbread, However, the bakery does purchase approximately “It’s a total win-win-win situation,” grinding wheat berries. 5,000 pounds of flour annually from Ben Gleason McDermott exults. The various localvore groups of Bridport, one of about five wheat growers in the have not only contributed to keeping farmland state. Gleason grows about 30 acres of the hard open and working, they have also encouraged a wheat that is best suited for breadbaking and mills farmer to expand production and inspired a move the wheat himself, which lets him set a competitive to bring a working flour mill back to Vermont. price. His simple mill also leaves the bran in the Courtney commented, “after a generation of flour, which is what resulted in that density of the letting the local industry that feeds a community Localvore Loaf. vanish, Vermonters are awakening to the need to In search of the amount of flour he would need reestablish that vital system of support.” to bake the “Localvore Loaf” year round, George The lack of milling facilities highlights one of says, “I called the only person growing wheat in the conclusions drawn by Ela Chapin of Plainfield, Vermont that I had never spoken with.” Tom in a thesis written to complete her master’s degree Kenyon grows 200-300 acres of soft wheat suitable in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning for pastry flour on 1,000 acre Aurora Farms in at Tufts University. Her study of the role planning Charlotte and currently sells it on the commodity might play in a sustainable food system in Central market, where he must compete with midwestern Vermont identified a dearth of in-state food farmers. Kenyon is interested in making the switch processing and distribution resources as the main to hard winter wheat, has talked about producing bottleneck in the Vermont food supply. How acute 25,000 pounds of wheat for Red Hen next year, the issue is can be demonstrated by the impact of and has the potential to grow more. the fire at Fresh Farms Beef in Rutland on Boyden However, because of the scale of his operation, Farm’s Vermont Grown Meat. The Cambridge he’s not interested in milling his product himself. farm, which sells both retail and wholesale, not So now George is putting together a group to only lost inventory, but also spent weeks searching fund a mill, one that could remove some of the for a slaughterhouse and processing facility that was bran. “As a baker, it would be pretty neat to be USDA commercial certified and could handle the able to grind your own flour,” he says. He also sees amount of product raised on what was once the economic benefits, “It could at least yield wheat family dairy farm. Although the Boyden Farm is

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 15 food.” Sue Prent, another member of NWCRG, “After a generation of letting the local supports local farms for the most essential of reasons. “If we lose local farms,” she says, “we’re industry that feeds a community vanish, endangering food sources.” The replacement of diverse varieties with monocultures not only results Vermonters are awakening to the need to in crops that are increasingly susceptible to disease and insect infestation, but in depleted nutritional reestablish that vital system of support.” value. Prent concludes, “Local food sources and the ability to grow diverse food crops is one of the — Elizabeth Courtney, VNRC Executive Director most important issues for the 21st century.” There are also practical implications to once again supplying retail outlets and restaurants, dependency on food trucked clear across the Lori Boyden, who operates the farm with her country. Rising fuel prices and “peak oil” are husband Mark, says that it will be six months to on the mind of Frey’s husband Richard Hudak a year before individual customers can once again when he says, “It would make more sense to have place bulk orders. regional supplies of food and regional food storage One of the challenges for any farmer is matching and growers.” Hudak has also considered the growing conditions and crops. That’s one reason issues of processing and distribution. “We need Marie Frey is part of Northwest Citizens for less technical, less tenuous ways to store food,” he Responsible Growth (NWCRG), a grassroots says. “We have such faith in high technology, which organization that, like VNRC, is opposed to the relies on electricity—it’s like riding into a box construction of a Wal-Mart in a cornfield outside canyon in a John Wayne movie.” of St. Albans. Frey, who owns and operates the Hudak Farmstand and Greenhouses with her POWER LOCAL: husband, is acutely aware of the agricultural value CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY of their particular piece of property. “We’re blessed Hudak’s energy concerns are right in line to be in this location. We’ve got this phenomenal with national polls conducted by Democratic soil and it’s like there’s this microgeology. We strategist James Carville, which indicate that seem to be spared the worst winds and storms.” “energy independence” is the top national concern. Twenty-five acres of vegetables rotate around the Those survey results are not news to members 150 acre property; they are grown for a strictly of the grassroots organization Addison County retail operation. “That causes us to be sure we Relocalization Network (ACoRN), which is helping have some of everything,” Frey explains. “There’s to create a network of local food and energy Barre Farmer’s Market a responsibility local growers have to provide local resources. ACoRN was founded in 2005 to develop sustainable essential resources, both food and energy, so that Addison County will be prepared for “an energy-constrained future.” According to Will Bates, one of the group’s project coordinators, “Our main direction is starting to create a renewable energy co-operative.” To that end, ACoRN is working with a local farm on a biodiesel project that would involve both growing the corn and having a biodiesel processing plant that would produce fuel for heating and for farm use. ACoRN is also discussing the implementation of a micro- hydro project at the falls in downtown Middlebury and the establishment of a retail outlet offering renewable energy products such as solar panels and biomass burners, and energy efficient appliances. ACoRN emphasizes cooperative ventures because when consumer demand is pooled, purchases can be made in bulk, which makes energy conservation more affordable for the average homeowner and small business. 16 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report “This unique, solutions-oriented approach local.” But maple from, say Michigan, looks much embodies the independent, self-reliant and like maple from Vermont once it has been made resourceful character that has long defined into cabinetry, chairs, or turned bowls. Vermonters and that will be essential to protecting Of equal importance is where the wood is and growing the Green Mountain State’s rural shaped into a final product. If wood harvested in economy,” says Johanna Miller, VNRC’s Outreach Vermont travels perhaps as far as China to be made Director. “That’s why VNRC is proud to support into furniture, before being brought back to the and help elevate ACoRN as an existing local Green Mountain state for sale, is the finished piece model.” a local product? “By cultivating new opportunities for farmers, The “Vermont Quality Wood Products” brand energy producers, and entrepreneurs in Addison was created in response to those questions. The County, ACoRN has seized on another great way brand stands for the producer’s commitment to strengthen and safeguard their local landscapes,” to quality design, environmental sensitivity, and Miller noted. “ACoRN’s grassroots solutions will customer satisfaction and is one result of efforts no doubt prove immensely beneficial as energy by the Vermont Forest Products Council to stem prices rise, markets remain unstable, and oil the loss of jobs in the forestry industry statewide. supplies continue to dwindle. Keeping the county’s According to Paul Costello, Executive Director fields fertile and the energy supplies generated of the Vermont Council on Rural Development, locally will add stability and security to the region. who was involved in the council, “We had strong Relying on friends and neighbors for food and support from both Senators Patrick power rather than unknown, far-off sources makes Leahy and James Jeffords for a lot of sense and helps strengthen communities in obtaining the highest end value for so many ways.” wood products.” ACoRN is exactly the sort of initiative VNRC The two senators worked in had in mind when it joined with several leading complementary areas. Leahy energy organizations to form the Vermont Energy focused on the identification of and Climate Action Network (VECAN). With Vermont woods and their uses. VECAN’s support, many communities have For consumers, the most useful organized local energy committees that are working product of the collaboration with other municipal groups, from select boards to between the senator’s office businesses, on the development of plans that will and a number of forest industry save both energy and money. Many of those plans organizations was the Vermont will take advantage of the resources at hand, from Wood Resources Manual, which local hydropower and methane from cows and provides information about wood landfills to wood and biomass—low quality wood products grown and manufactured waste. in Vermont. Jeffords obtained a $1 million BUILD LOCAL, FURNISH LOCAL: earmark for the marketing of KEEP THE FOREST INDUSTRY the “Vermont Quality Wood Products Brand.” Those funds HOME GROWN Wood is one material Vermont has in have supported a presence at the abundance. More of the state is covered in trees industry’s major trade show, the now than was the case even 30 years ago. However, Las Vegas Market, as well as the while the connection between buying local annual Vermont Fine Furniture agricultural products and preserving Vermont’s and Woodworking Festival, an farmland is easy to see, especially when the point annual design contest, and a buyer’s of purchase is a farmstand or on-site market, unless guide. According to Costello, there the wood in question is firewood, the connection is also an effort to get branded between buying wood products and preserving the products into inns and other tourist local forest isn’t as readily apparent. accommodations, as well as shop All the same, “Where do you get your material?” visits for tourists, similar to the is a question Mike Rainville, chair of the Vermont Open Studio weekend held for Wood Manufacturer’s Association and head of Vermont artists. Maple Landmark in Middlebury hears frequently. One beneficiary of the branding The “local” chicken at “It’s an innocent question,” Rainville says, “but it effort is Woodnet, the six-year-old non-profit the Waitsfield 4th of July tells me that people are looking to know that it’s whose 140 members, mostly one- and two- parade. Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 17 the local ecology and wildlife habitat. “Keeping Vermont’s forestland intact has For Rainville and the other approximately 100 members of the Vermont Wood Manufacturers multiple benefits; local timber, local jobs, Association, having a supply of locally produced lumber is at least in part a matter of economic common sense. “One of our key concerns is that and a source of wood for renewable energy. resources maintain their availability,” Rainville says. “We also have long-standing partnerships with our As VNRC continues to work on maintaining suppliers. I’ve had one key supplier for 27 years. That means that my supply needs are met.” the integrity of Vermont’s forests, we need The members of Woodnet and the Vermont Wood Manufacturer’s Association (some to focus on ways to reduce rural sprawl for businesses are members of both) turn out quality products. However, for many people, quality and the benefit of both our environment and the the assurance that a product has been made in Vermont from wood grown in Vermont is not their local forest economy.” first concern. Jonathan Wood, Commissioner of the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, — Jamey Fidel, VNRC Forest Program Director puts it succinctly. “The public wants cheap wood. We’re never going to build stuff as cheap as in China or Vietnam.” Wood has seen a dining set person shops, try to buy local wood whenever with some solid mahogany pieces that came from possible. “We work together to buy materials and one of the big box stores, all for a price of several to market,” says chair Bob Bouvier, who makes hundred dollars. custom furniture. Vermont MapleWood Gallery David Brynn, Director of the Green Forestry in Stowe is Woodnet’s retail outlet, offering Education Initiative, says that issues of price and what Bouvier calls “high visibility and a high-end value go beyond Vermont’s borders, “Nationally market.” we have a cheap timber and cheap food policy. The Woodnet also has the distinction of holding best way to get the price right is to connect local the third group Forest Stewardship Council customers with local forces,” Brynn maintains. (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certificate in the world. “We talk about maximizing production and According to Bouvier, some 30 members offer consumption when we should be talking about products made from FSC-certified wood, including optimizing production and consumption. The Bob Gasperetti everything from timbers and millwork to cabinetry, only way to make that change is to develop works in his furniture furniture, and accessories. In order to be FSC certi- discriminating local customers.” studio in Mt. Tabor. fied, wood must come from a woodlot that is man- In addition to contributing to global issues aged for sustainability, including the sustainability of such as the destruction of the rainforest and the exploitation of child labor, when customers buy imported cheap wood products from “big box” stores there’s a local ripple effect that includes the environment. Bell-Gates Lumber in Jeffersonville, where Wood worked as Log Buyer before his appointment as commissioner, closed in 2002. They couldn’t operate at a profit and compete with cheap imported lumber. At about the same time, Green Crow Lumber in nearby Underhill shut down and Killington Wood Products in Rutland closed in 2003. In addition to the employees who lose their jobs—30 in the case of Killington Wood Products—truckers lose customers and loggers and landowners lose markets. “What happens then is that woodlots get sold for housing and when that happens, we’re losing our natural resource capacity,” says Costello. “I’m pleased that the VNRC has picked up the issues around

18 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report SUPPORTING VERMONT AGRICULTURE GROWS THE LOCAL ECONOMY

by Jennifer Grahovac In the summertime, this becomes even easier. Shopping at one of the many Farmers’ Markets or Farm Stands located n the summer of 2003, throughout Vermont would give you access to 100 percent the Vermont Agency of locally grown foods! IAgriculture launched its “Buy Local” program. The LOCALLY GROWN IS MORE THAN JUST FOOD message of the advertising was to Vermont has a vibrant agricultural community that introduce the economic impact produces a wide variety of products. Consider buying locally buying locally grown foods has on grown and processed wool, or look for the “Locally Grown” Vermont’s agricultural economy. By label on your horticultural purchases at local nurseries and shifting just 10 percent of weekly food greenhouses. During the holidays, buy real Vermont Christmas purchases to “locally grown” food purchases, Vermonters can trees and wreaths. It’s really quite easy to Buy Local! add over $100 million to the Vermont agricultural economy. Not only is it important that consumers are purchasing WHAT CAN YOU DO? locally grown products, but Vermont businesses are also The best way for you to participate is to look for and buy supporting local Vermont agriculture by buying and using locally grown agricultural products at grocery stores, country these products. stores, farmers’ markets, farm stands and restaurants. If your You’ve heard it before, “buy local and support our local neighborhood store doesn’t carry Vermont products, ask them farmers.” The fact is most people really do want to support to do so. their farm neighbors and keep their money local. But just how can one person make any sort of difference? Well, if IT’S JUST THAT SIMPLE there are many of us who make small changes, then our To identify locally grown products look for the “Buy individual small changes can turn into something big! Local” signs or the Vermont Seal of Quality logo on products or in stores. Buying food products at farm stands and farmers’ THE 10 PERCENT DIFFERENCE markets is an almost certain way to know that you are getting That’s where “the 10 percent difference” comes into play. locally grown food. And, as a benefit, you get to meet the If Vermonters shifted an additional 10 percent of their food farmers themselves! purchases to locally grown food products, they would add To find listings of many places to purchase locally grown more than $100 million to Vermont’s agricultural economy foods visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s web site at each year. www.vermontagriculture.com. There you’ll find listings of Just think how easy it would be to shift 10 percent of your Vermont Farmers’ Markets, Farm Stands, Pick Your Own weekly food purchases to buying more Vermont grown foods. Operations, Vermont Country Stores, Supermarkets, Delis, For example, if your weekly food budget is $70, that means and Restaurants. making $7 of your total food purchased Vermont grown products. This would be easy to accomplish shopping at Jennifer Grahovac works for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. almost any supermarket in Vermont. Please call her with questions at 802-828-3828. parcelization. Land values and parcelization—the sprawl for the benefit of both our environment and consumption of land—is the biggest challenge to the local forest economy.” the forest industry.” According to Jamey Fidel, VNRC Forest THE FUTURE STILL HOLDS PROMISE Program Director, “when we buy local wood Climate change, peak oil, sprawl, and products we help to support a local economy that suburbanization are combining to create a “perfect relies on keeping Vermont’s forests as forests. storm,” one that threatens to overwhelm us with Keeping Vermont’s forestland intact has multiple its global magnitude. But taking action locally is a benefits; local timber, local jobs, and a source of solution within our grasp. We have a tremendous wood for renewable energy. As VNRC continues opportunity to help Vermont maintain and enhance to work on maintaining the integrity of Vermont’s its historic settlement patterns and working farm forests, we need to focus on ways to reduce rural and forest lands, while strengthening its economy.

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 19 LEARNING LOCAL SELF RELIANCE FROM THOSE WHO KNOW IT BEST

We asked Curtis Koren to share her experience help- maintain traditional ways of doing things that ing younger Vermonters to see what other cultures work; and the capacity to manage development and can teach us about local self-reliance. She takes us to change to benefit local peoples and their futures. India where the people of Ladakh have for centuries VIS courses for the accredited high school practiced a sustainable way of life that integrates the spring semesters in Ladakh offer students a economy and the natural landscape. challenging, integrated, immersive cross-cultural learning experience. The VIS Academic Program hat can Vermont teenagers learn from is place-based, designed to take advantage of being Ladakh, a former Buddhist Kingdom in Ladakh. Vermonters live with Ladakhi teenagers Win the Himalaya that is now part of and teachers at the SECMOL (Students Cultural India? Vermont Intercultural Semesters (VIS), and Educational Movement of Ladakh) boarding an affordable semester program accredited as school on the Indus River. There, they maintain the a program of The Sharon Academy in Sharon, solar-powered school, and delve into such topics as Vermont, has found that their experience of environmental ethics, globalization, sustainability living with their Ladakhi peers at a very special and ways in which landscape can shape character boarding school for some three months is a truly as well as politics. With buildings heated by the transformative one, and that the learning goes both sun, photovoltaics providing electricity, composting ways. toilets, and organic farming practices, the Ladakh (like Vermont) is somewhat ‘off the SECMOL campus is an ideal setting to study these beaten track,’ situated on the boundary between topics. As part of the VIS Environmental Science Elisabeth Holmes, the peaks of the western Himalaya and the course, students build solar-powered greenhouses, VNRC’s Steve Holmes’ vast Tibetan plateau. The relatively small scale a nomadic tent, a rickshaw, and on other hands- daughter, with a populations in both Ladakh and Vermont often on solar projects. Independent study projects also Ladakhi friend. means: strong community connections; a will to lead to learning about Ladakh and Vermont. In past semesters, several Vermonters have focused on renewable energies, such as building a methane digester for SECMOL; examining micro-hydro power as a viable energy solution for Ladakh; exploring the effectiveness of solar power for Ladakh and Vermont; and designing a solar home that would be appropriate for a Vermont climate. In Ladakh, students consider the natural and human history of their host sites as a path to heightened understanding of other ways of life, and a renewed perspective on their own. The following are some excerpts from their observations about learning from Ladakh: “Living in a culture so completely different from my own, and with kids my own age from that culture, I was able to see a way of living that I can deeply respect, and also ways of changing my own life.” “Living a life that isn’t characterized by excessive possessions and is instead based on necessity taught me how much I really need and want. It was purifying to be away from all my stuff.”

20 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report VIS students with Ladakhi peers.

“I learned about the mountains and the earth. I spent a lot of time outdoors, and experienced many things in the natural world I wouldn’t have experienced in Vermont: the rocks of a high mountain desert, the crisp thin air, the dryness, the mountains, the cold elements of the earth I didn’t know existed taught me about elements of myself I didn’t know existed.” “I don’t know if I’ll be able to come back and defile a gallon of clean water, which is so essential to people and in some places so scarce, every time I use a toilet. Composting toilets make so much more sense!” And this, from an email message sent by a VIS parent who visited her son in Ladakh, spring ‘06: “Where most Americans would visit and find the culture backward and third world, our kids love and respect this culture. The Ladakhis produce everything they need; there is no pollution, waste, Solar panels provide energy to Ladakhi people. or obesity. There are no jails or mental institutions; the village takes care of its own. These are gently, beautiful people. I am very thankful I was able to visit. A week there has changed me; I can only imagine how it has changed our kids.” For more information, please see www. vermontis.org.

Curtis Koren is the director of the Vermont Intercultural Semesters and lives in Brookfield.

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 21 TAKE ACTION!

We each have tremendous efficiencyvermont.com or call 4. Patronizing 7. Shopping downtown. power to make this a better 1-888-921-5990. restaurants that Support your local world; a brighter, more buy local. downtown merchants rather prosperous, more beautiful 2. Turning it down or Many Vermont restaurants than driving out to the big place for all. We can do that turning it off. offer local food on their box stores. This helps keep by pushing for sweeping • Keep your thermostat at menu. Make a point to your neighbors in business and policy reforms, institutional 68 degrees or lower. While support the ones that do. helps curb emissions. restructuring, or political asleep or away, turn it to Check these websites for leadership. These are 55. (For each degree you lists of restaurants that buy 8. Driving less. significant endeavors that turn down the thermostat, from Vermont farmers: www. Look for daily alternatives will, if successful, help realize you can save up to 5 VermontLocalvore.org, www. to driving, such as walking, a healthy, more sustainable, percent on your bill.) eatlocalvt.org, and www. biking or taking the bus. • Turn off lights, future. Or, we can do that vitalcommunities. Vermont Rideshare can appliances and by being intentional in our org/Agriculture/ help match commuters with computers when purchases and our practices agsearch.cfm. people needing rides. Call not in use. There are — keeping the things we truly • Close shades many ways — and 1-800-685-RIDE or visit value in life at the forefront of 5. Using and blinds reasons — to get their interactive website our minds as we move through local, at night to involved. To ensure www.vermontrideshare.org/ each day — and aligning those sustainably reduce heat that our forests, carpooladds.htm. values with our actions. harvested loss. wildlife and habitat How do we do that? wood. • Aim for are healthy and 9. Getting active. Take small steps. Be Vermont energy prosperous, please Let the world know that deliberate. It will add up. The SmartWood consumption join VNRC you take these issues seriously power of individual action, certifies our to occur and enough to take action. How? exemplified by people who local landowners, during off- TAKE ACTION! Participate in local government believe that a better world peak hours. resource managers and civic groups. A healthy, is possible, will make a big Using large and providers working democracy relies on difference. Outlined below appliances from for adherence to public engagement. Also, get are 10 suggestions we offer 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. social and environmental outside! Make time to go as important steps we each and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. standards. Check the list of skiing, hiking, biking, take a can take to realize that better (peak demand hours) strains local woodworkers, cabinet- walk on a forest trail, or stroll world. If you already take the power grid. makers and lumber suppliers your neighborhood. Remind them, pass these suggestions at www.smartwood.org or yourself why you care so much on to your family, friends and 3. Supporting local call 802-892-7786. and are willing to work hard to neighbors. Encourage them agriculture. protect this great state. to do the same. Start a chain Farm stands and farmer’s 6. Drinking the water reaction. Begin by: markets are two ways to buy from your tap. 10. Support local local food, but a farm may The commodification nonprofit organizations. 1. Calling Efficiency offer a “CSA” (Community of drinking water by big There are many talented, Vermont today. Supported Agriculture), corporations is a growing committed people hard at Efficiency Vermont has allowing you to “buy in” to concern. New state legislation work on these issues in the helped Vermonters reduce a weekly share of vegetables is beginning the process of nonprofit community. Support their annual energy costs by during the season. securing this resource. Be a the efforts of VNRC and over $24 million. Let them Try to add just one new part of this effort by drinking others who are working to help you cut your energy use local food to your home from your faucet instead of safeguard the Vermont we with a home energy audit or menu a week by finding a using bottled water. Public love. rebates on energy efficient nearby farm or seeking out water is vigorously monitored products and appliances. locally grown foods at your for safety, while commercial Contact them at: info@ community grocery. water is not.

22 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report future. A global warming energy sources, and carbon pledge was presented which reduction and sequestration. NEWS & would include supporting an 85 percent reduction in carbon VNRC’S VALUABLE emissions by 2050, the rapid NOTES OARD phase-in of 40-mile-per-gallon B cars, and the national plan VNRC is lucky to have to receive 20 percent of our a committed group of power from renewables by volunteer board members 2020. Both Bernie Sanders to help navigate our road and Peter Welch signed the FAREWELL PAT AND Daily Environment Report. ahead. Leading the helm for pledge, along with many other “I’m eager to reach out the past four years was Dale WELCOME JAKE candidates. to Vermonters of all political Guldbrandsen from Arlington, Pat Berry, a valuable staff orientations, in all corners of who stepped down this past member of VNRC for the the state to find common sense VNRC SERVES ON fall once his six-year board past six years, has recently solutions to the challenges NUMEROUS BOARDS term limit was reached. Dale resigned to take a position facing a rapidly-changing brought a great deal of passion in the development office of Vermont,” Jake said. In the past few years, and thoughtfulness to VNRC. Middlebury College. Many Brown is a 1987 graduate VNRC staff member’s Seward Weber also stepped of you had the opportunity of Middlebury College and expertise has been recognized down from the board this to work with Pat at the in 1991 earned a Masters of by the Governor by appointing fall. Seward, who served as State House as he worked to Environmental Law and Policy us to serve on a number VNRC’s executive director advance VNRC’s legislative from Vermont Law School of committees. VNRC is for 13 years in the 1970s and priorities. We wish Pat well in in South Royalton. Welcome the only voice representing his new adventure. Jake! the environment on the Jake Brown will be Groundwater Task Force, taking up the reins in early CLIMATE ACTION which is working to ensure December. Jake joins VNRC MARCH SUCCESS the long-term protection of with a solid background in our drinking water. VNRC journalism and media relations. This past Labor Day staff have been appointed He began covering news in weekend, VNRC helped bring to serve on the Fish and Vermont, including following together hundreds of farmers, Wildlife Funding Task Force, developments in the state scholars, business owners and which hopefully will create Legislature, in 1992. Jake other concerned citizens to momentum for new funding was most recently editor of participate with author Bill mechanisms to help the the Vermont Environmental McKibben in a five-day walk FWD better manage and Seward Weber Monitor newsletter, and has from Ripton to Burlington to conserve important wildlife written extensively for the raise awareness about global resources. We are also serving 80s, brought vital insight Montpelier Bridge, the Vermont warming. The goal of the walk on the Climate Change to our organization. His Property Owners Report, and was to catalyze specific action Commission to help advance early commitment laid the the Washington, DC-based from state and federal leaders statewide strategies for energy foundation and building blocks to move toward a clean energy conservation, alternative for VNRC to accomplish many significant objectives in Vermont. Both Dale and Seward have been very valuable additions to our team. New board members joining us include Chuck Fergus from East Burke, Pete Land from Burlington, and Wayne Fawbush from Montpelier. We are looking forward to gaining insight from their perspectives and expertise.

THANK YOU PAUL Elizabeth Courtney and Bill McKibben speak at the final rally Jake Brown global warming walk in Burlington.

Vermont Environmental Report • Winter 2006-2007 23 H. Paul Berlejung is a December 1974 graduate of the University of Louisville School of Law. His first eight years were with the City of Louisville; the next 25 as a civilian with the US Army; with the last seven at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he was the business, contract, fiscal and ethics attorney for 26,000+ civilian and military personnel. He retired from the federal government on June 1, 2006. He and his wife are building a house “off-grid” on an abandoned farm that she bought 40 years ago. Paul is assisting VNRC with work relating to the Stratton Master Plan, the proposed St. Albans Wal-Mart, and the forestland development proposals in Halifax.

JOIN THE LOCALVORE CHALLENGE!

The Localvore Challenge is an event where people pledge to eat foods grown and produced within a hundred miles of their homes. You can try for a few days, a week, a month or more. The next Vermont Eat Local Challenge begins in January, and the organizers hope it will provide Vermonters with a fun challenge to consume local dairy, meats, eggs, vegetables, and more. It’s a great way to find out more about where your food comes from, and how it arrived at your table. The Localvore Challenge has a very helpful website (www. vermontlocalvore.org) to help guide people through the process.

24 Winter 2006-2007 • Vermont Environmental Report Save the Date! • Meet your representatives • Have fun • Have Meetfun your representatives • • February 15, 2007

Please join the Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont Public Interest Research Group, Rural Vermont, Vermont Alliance of Conservation Voters and Vermonters for a Clean Environment for the annual Citizen Action Day at the State House in Montpelier.

Join your friends and fellow Vermonters to call upon legislators to enact laws that will ensure that Vermont remains a healthy, prosperous, beautiful place!

For exact details of the day, please go to www.vnrc.org for more information or

• Obtain lobby training around the issues issues the • around training • lobby Obtain contact Johanna Miller at 802-223-2328.

• Support a pro-environment agenda • Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Burlington, VT Permit No. 478 Common Sense Solutions for a Changing Vermont

9 BAILEY AVENUE MONTPELIER VT 05602 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.vnrc.org

The Vermont Environmental Report is printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink. Please recycle this issue by sharing it with your family and friends!

AT LONG LAST, WILDERNESS SECURED

fter a long and wild ride, the Mountain and the Romance/Monastery New England Wilderness Act was Mountain area, which will now be called Asigned into law by President Bush the Joseph Battell Wilderness. Battell on December 1. The new legislation historically owned much of the land on designates approximately 42,000 new the northern half of the national forest acres as wilderness to be managed along the spine of the Green Mountains in a natural state and establishes the and intended it to be managed as wild Moosalamoo National Recreation Area forest. on the Green Mountain National Forest The passage of the New England (GMNF). VNRC has campaigned for a Wilderness Act is a testament to the long time to support these designations overwhelming public support for more as part of a balanced approach to managing Vermont’s wilderness in Vermont. In the multi-year public planning 400,000-acre national forest. process for the GMNF, nearly 90 percent of comments called Vermont’s Congressional Delegation worked hard to for more wilderness. Opposing viewpoints tried to create a pass the New England Wilderness Act, which also designates false debate by pitting wilderness against supporting rural, additional wilderness in New Hampshire. The Senate working lands. However, much of the land now designated originally passed legislation to establish 48,000 acres of new as wilderness is in high elevation roadless areas that are not wilderness in Vermont. Unfortunately, the unanimously slated for timber management according to the Forest Service supported Senate version of the bill got stuck in the House final management plan. VNRC believes a healthy mix of of Representatives after Governor Douglas wrote a letter to uses in the forest, including sustainable timber harvesting, Republican leadership opposing the bill. diverse habitat management and quiet backcountry recreation The Governor’s letter prompted so much public and wilderness are essential and can be accomplished on the and editorial page criticism that the Governor quickly GMNF. accepted a deal that had previously been offered to him. Wilderness provides an enduring legacy for all Vermonters, The compromise removes 6,100 acres from the bill in the and VNRC is thankful to Senators Jeffords and Leahy and northern section of the rugged Glastenbury region of the Congressman Sanders for working hard to secure it. GMNF. The exclusion of this magnificent part of the forest Passage of the New England Wilderness Act leaves the is disappointing. appropriate legacy for our esteemed Senator Jeffords, who On the positive side, the legislation establishes two new has been a relentless voice for conservation in Vermont wilderness designations in important areas like Glastenbury and the nation.