FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 6, 2013

CONTACT:                                                                        

Andrew Fisk, Executive Director, afisk@ctriver.org, 413-772-2020 ext.208
Jacqueline Talbot, Cleanup Coordinator, jtalbot@ctriver.org, 860-704-0057

Putney, VT – The Vermont House of Representatives and Senate recently passed a “concurrent resolution commending watershed organizations for their role in river and lake cleanup activities in Vermont.” Specifically mentioned are the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRC) and the Rozalia Project which both organized thousands of volunteers and removed many tons of trash from local waterways.

Each fall, thousands of volunteers of all ages and abilities head out all along the four-state watershed to clean the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Individuals and groups head out on foot or by boat in an annual one-day coordinated cleanup of the rivers, streams and banks that make up the 410+ mile Connecticut River system. Planning is underway for CRC’s 17th annual Source to Sea Cleanup, which will take place on October 4-5, 2013.

“Thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of cleanup volunteers, we are making a big difference for the rivers and streams in our communities. In many areas we are seeing reduced trash volumes thanks to the stewardship of committed volunteers,” says Jacqueline Talbot, CRC’s Cleanup coordinator.

Vermont businesses are playing their part in cleaning up the river. “We thank our Lead Sponsor, TransCanada, and our other Vermont sponsors for their generous financial support. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Dartmouth Printing, the Vermont Community Foundation, Green Mountain Power, Orvis Rod & Tackle, Sovernet and local small businesses are valued partners who contributed cash, marketing assistance, employee leadership, gloves, trash bags and trash removal to support the 2012 cleanup.”  Talbot concluded.

Also mentioned in the House of Representatives’ resolution are a number of cooperating Connecticut River organizations including 350.org, Black River Action Team, Braintree Conservation Commission, Farm & Wilderness, Grafton Nature Museum, Greater Upper Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited, Putney Rowing Club, Randolph Rotary Club, Randolph Technical Career Center, Rockingham Vermont Conservation Commission, Roundy’s Rascals, Sharon Academy, Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance, TransCanada, Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont Law School, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Volunteers for Peace, Weathersfield Greenup, and White River Partnership.

Photos from the 2012 cleanup and information about the 2013 cleanup are available online at ctriver.org.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the 2013 Source to Sea Cleanup, are encouraged to contact Dana Gillette at dgillette@ctriver.org or 413-772-2020 ext. 202.

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