Conservation district secures $300,000 for invasive plant control in Orleans County

NEWPORT — The Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District (OCNRCD) has secured $300,000 in federal cost-share funding to combat invasive plant species in riparian areas throughout Orleans County.

The funding, part of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Local Fund Pool, comes in response to concerns identified through locally-led conservation planning efforts. Invasive plant species in riparian areas have been a top concern in recent years, aligning with priorities outlined in the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Memphremagog Tactical Basin Plan.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for landowners in Orleans County to access funding to help manage non-native invasive species on the land,” said Jared Nunery, Orleans County Forester. “Through thoughtful management practices, landowners can reduce the spread of these invasive plants, while enhancing the diversity and resilience of the land.”

A previous award under this program provided $30,000 to a group of landowners to mitigate 18 acres of phragmites on their Lake Memphremagog shoreline.

Interested Orleans County landowners can apply for the Local Fund Pool by August 23, 2024. Applicants must register with the Farm Service Agency, and funding will be available for the 2025 federal fiscal year through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

The OCNRCD encourages community members interested in participating in future conservation planning discussions to contact them about upcoming Local Work Group meetings.

For more information or to apply, landowners can contact the Newport USDA office or reach out to Sarah Damsell, OCNRCD District Manager.