As a seasoned fisherman will confirm, “no clean water, no fish habitat, no trout.” Trout thrive in high quality cold water streams and require suitable habitat such as woody debris. Sedimentation from erosion, nutrient loading from nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, and other water quality and habitat degradations have an enormous impact on the survival of our fish and aquatic organisms. Please join us on January 11 to explore and discuss the essential components of a healthy trout population and the importance of clean water to supporting healthy aquatic organism populations. Representatives from across the State will join us to discuss fish populations, fish habitats and what the new Vermont Clean Water Act will mean for Vermont’s waterways, towns, and farmers.
•When: January 11, 2016 at 6:30-8:00pm
•Where: Marlboro College Graduate School, 28 Vernon Street, Brattleboro, VT
•Who should attend: Anyone interested in the health of our fish populations and waterways. Trout Unlimited members, Town Conservation Commission members, and Conservation Organizations are especially encouraged to attend.

Speakers:

Keynote: Louis Porter, Commissioner, and Rich Kirn, Fisheries Program Manager, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Chris Campany, Executive Director, Windham Regional Commission

David Deen, State Representative and River Steward, Connecticut River Watershed Council

Jim Ryan, Environmental Analyst, Vermont Department of Conservation

Ryan Patch, Senior Agriculture Development Coordinator, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

This event is sponsored by the Connecticut River Chapter (#450) of Trout Unlimited; Windham Regional Commission; Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department; Vermont Department of Conservation; Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets; Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District; Connecticut River Watershed Council; and Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.

Light refreshments will be served. While an RSVP is not required, it is appreciated. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Kim Smith: ksmith@windhamregional.org or (802) 257-4547 ext. 108.