Vermont Agricultural Water Quality Partnership
Regional Coordination Support
The Vermont Agricultural Water Quality Partnership (VAWQP) is composed of nine agencies and organizations that provide education, technical and financial assistance to the Vermont farming community to address water quality and other natural resource concerns on farms, and signed an MOU committing to collaboration since 2012. The purpose of the Partnership is to coordinate efforts to improve water quality and wildlife habitat on farmland; deliver educational, technical and financial assistance in the most efficient way possible; provide the best possible service experience for landowners; and help the Vermont public understand the water quality achievements of the agricultural community and supporting partners. Coordination efforts include regular meetings and trainings, collective learning and problem solving, and communication through a website, newsletter, and other technologies.
Natural Resources Conservation District Staff are supporting VAWQP Regional Coordination Services work in the Northwest, Northeast, Central Winooski, Southeast and Southwest areas.
The purpose of Regional Coordination services is to support the mission and strategic plan of the Partnership at the local level. This coordination will encourage information sharing, collaboration and coordination among technical and financial assistance providers in order to help farmers achieve measurable water quality results and protect habitat in the most high-quality, cost-effective and positive way possible.
Regional Coordination Contacts
Northwest – Lauren Weston, Franklin County NRCD
Northeast – Emily Finnegan, Caledonia County NRCD
Central/Winooski – Dan Koenemann, Winooski NRCD
Southwest – Michael Fernandez & Beatrice Smith, Bennington County NRCD
Southeast – Jennifer Byrne & Jaiel Pulskamp, White River NRCD
