The quantity and quality of water in our region has direct impacts on all of us. Flooding causes a huge financial burden on municipalities, businesses, and individuals while threatening public safety. Droughts lead to crop failures, inadequate domestic water supplies, and stressed ecosystems. Water quality degradation diminishes ecosystem health, domestic water supplies, and recreational opportunities. New Vermont Clean Water Act legislation reinforces the need for all of us to treat water as a valuable resource.
Green Infrastructure (GI) is a suite of design tools and structural techniques that address all of these water issues by employing strategies that help to maintain natural hydrologic processes. GI presents significant opportunities for Vermont municipalities, businesses and individuals to reduce the impacts of stormwater on budgets and assets while protecting vital natural resources. As we adapt to the impacts of climate change, it is essential that we seek strategies to protect life, property, and our region’s natural resources.
The Windham Regional Commission has scheduled two Green Infrastructure workshops. Please join us during one of these two events:
Wednesday, October 14th from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Brattleboro Food Co-op Community Room, 2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT (The Community Room is accessed from Canal Street.)
Thursday, October 22nd from 9:30am–noon at the Jamaica Town Hall, 3537 Route 30, Jamaica, VT
Program agenda:
■ The Hydrologic Cycle: The impact of human activity on water quality and quantity
■ Green Infrastructure (GI): What it is and how it can be used to conserve water resources and reduce costs
■ Low-impact development and Green Stormwater Infrastructure: Tools and techniques for implementing GI
■ GI at the Municipal Level: Resources for supporting GI through municipal plans and regulations
The workshops are free open to the public. Refreshments will be served. An RSVP is greatly appreciated. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Kim Smith at ksmith@windhamregional.org or (802) 257-4547 ext. 108.
