Home » News & Stories » Clean Water » Three Things: $1 VNRC Membership, A Community Conversation in Plainfield, and Connolly Pond Dam Removal is Complete

Three Things: $1 VNRC Membership, A Community Conversation in Plainfield, and Connolly Pond Dam Removal is Complete

Three things: Announcing VNRC Membership for $1, inviting you to a Community Conversation in Plainfield, and sharing an update on Connolly Pond Dam Removal in Shrewsbury. 

Stay informed, connected, and engaged—three things.


Become a VNRC Member Today for Just $1.00

Support from our members is critical for VNRC’s ongoing work to protect and enhance Vermont’s natural environments, vibrant communities, productive working landscapes, rural character, and unique sense of place. We’re excited to announce that we’re now offering the option to become a member of VNRC for just $1. By joining us as a member, you help us build on the past 60 years of working to protect Vermont’s environment and ensure that our work will continue for decades to come. We are currently suing the state to do right by our clean water, working with forest landowners to stem the parcelization of our forests, and working with many partners to equitably and effectively implement the recommendations of Vermont’s Climate Action Plan. Members are the backbone of VNRC, providing the support we rely on to advocate for a healthy and prosperous Vermont. Thank you for considering supporting VNRC!


Join us for a Community Conversation on Clean Water & Climate Resilience in Plainfield

We invite you to join us for a Community Conversation on Clean Water and Climate Resilience in Plainfield on Tuesday, September 12th. As we work towards repairing the damage caused by the recent flooding, it’s important that we explore ways to increase Vermont’s resiliency to major flooding events. We know that there are preventative solutions available to protect people’s lives and prevent future disasters, and now is the time to collaborate with the legislature to transform these possibilities into reality. This event will provide a space for meaningful discussions among community members, legislators, and local experts in the field, aiming to identify the necessary policy shifts that will protect our communities from future disasters and ensure clean water resources for everyone’s enjoyment. Your participation is crucial in shaping our collective efforts towards a more resilient future. Let’s come together, share our insights, and work towards building a stronger and more prepared community in the face of future challenges. Register here.


Connolly Pond Dam Removal is Complete in Shrewsbury

In Shrewsbury, Vermont, the successful removal of the Connolly Pond Dam marks a significant achievement in addressing public safety and flood risk concerns. Engineers, scientists, and landowners gathered on August 22nd to celebrate the completion of the project. The dam, dating back to around 1965, was deemed hazardous due to poor condition, posed flooding risks and was removed to restore the natural flow of the channel. The removal effort not only mitigated risks but also yielded ecological benefits. Sediment transport, erosion reduction, aquatic organism passage, flood resilience, wetland revival, and enhanced biodiversity are among the positive outcomes. “Restoring natural river processes including water, sediment, nutrient and wildlife transport through derelict dam removal is tremendously rewarding work because you can observe the restored river functions come back almost instantaneously,” says Karina Dailey, Restoration Ecologist with VNRC, who has managed the project in partnership with the landowners. Read more here.