CAC Action Plan Asks State to Lead by Example
LCC Executive Director Lori Fisher, chair of the VT Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC), at the VT State House with other CAC members to present the Annual Action Plan to Governor Scott, ANR Secretary Julie Moore and legislative committees. Photo by Betha
The Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee (VT CAC) presented its annual Action Plan to the Vermont Legislature last week in a day-long series of meetings at the Vermont State House. Formed in 1988, the VT CAC is charged with making recommendations on how to best protect waters in the Lake Champlain Basin. LCC Executive Director is chair of the 14-member body.
Focus areas of the 2017 Action plan are implementation of Act 64, combating invasive species, and improving recreational access. The group called on the state to lead by example ensuring that all state-owned buildings and grounds, and all state-funded projects, demonstrate wastewater and stormwater best management practices, including the use of low impact development and green infrastructure, to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. Other priorities are for the state to:
- establish equitable, continuous, reliable, and dedicated revenue sources of at least $68 million annually for the Clean Water Fund;
- provide adequate personnel and effective communication channels to successfully implement Act 64, including the recently adopted Required Agricultural Practices;
- increase support for state and municipal aquatic invasive species spread prevention and control programs; and
- increase and improve public access, including for non-motorized recreation on Lake Champlain, particularly in southern Vermont, and rivers throughout the Lake Champlain Basin.
The VT CAC meets monthly and meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is Monday, March 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Shelburne Town Hall public meeting room. Officials from the State Treasurer's office will give a presentation on the Clean Water Fund report.
