LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN SELECTED FOR WHITE HOUSE'S

AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE 

WHO:                  

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

WHAT:                

The Vermont Lake Champlain Basin has recently been identified as a pilot project area for the White House's America's Great Outdoors Initiative. This Thursday a Focus Session is convening to provide input on the importance of America's working landscape and outdoor recreational resources around Lake Champlain. NRCS is devoting $800,000 to improve water quality conservation work in the Vermont Lake Champlain region. Some funding will also available to help NRCS partners engage in the projects.

WHEN:

June 30, 2011; 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Media availability with USDA-NRCS officials before or after meeting.

WHERE:              

USDA State Office

356 Mountain View Drive, Suite 105

Colchester, VT 05446

WHY:

We will be working together to identify partnership opportunities, determine actions for natural resource protection and enhancement that achieve water quality protection, and publicize voluntary stewardship and collaborative planning in the watersheds that drain to Lake Champlain.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

CONTACT: Mary Sturgeon, 802-951-6795

Mary.Sturgeon@vt.usda.gov

VT USDA-NRCS | 356 Mountain View Drive, Suite 105, Colchester, VT 05446 | 802-951-6795 | http://www.vt.nrcs.usda.gov/