Awards and Accomplishments

The White River watershed is a US EPA Clean Water Act National Restoration Showcase Watershed. It is also a designated Special Focus Area of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge; and as the longest free flowing tributary to the Connecticut River, the White River is very important to the Connecticut River Atlantic salmon restoration effort.

In 2000, the WRP was one of 12 groups nationally selected to receive a US Forest Service Community Based Watershed Restoration Partnership Grant in recognition of our community-based approach to resolving watershed problems.

In 2003, we received the Excellence in Riparian Management Award from the US Forest Service and the Vermont Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence & Pollution Prevention.

In 2007, we were selected as the Volunteer Group Recipient of the Vermont Tree Steward Award from the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council.

In 2008, we received the US Forest Service Eastern Region Honor Award for Protecting Ecosystems Across Boundaries.

Through our Water Quality Monitoring Program, we have collected 9 years of data on water temperature, clarity, and pathogens to better understand potential threats to water quality and public health.

Through our Trees for Streams & River Restoration Programs, we have collaborated with 85 landowners to restore almost 25 miles of stream channel, river bank, and streamside vegetation.

Through our Stewardship Program, we engage over 500 volunteers each year, including students from 15 local schools.