NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS
We have been using road salt as a de-icing agent for nearly 70 years, and scientists have been documenting related negative environmental impacts since the 1970's. However, there is currently no water quality standard which addresses road salt in Vermont. Unfortunately, increasing numbers of recent studies indicate that road salt applied at current rates is showing up in our waterways and is adversely affecting our land, water and wildlife.
FMR is pleased to announce the completion of the re-design of our website.
One of the goals of FMR is to reach out to watershed residents and share important information about water quality, which can not only protect people's health, but also protect the health of the Mad River. Outreach about complicated issues is arguably the most challenging aspect of our work, and it is even more difficult to affect meaningful change in the community. The goal of the Strategic Communications project is to gather information and define strategies to reach a wider range and greater number of people and ultimately define strategies to engage them more fully in watershed conservation activities.
The 2008 Mad River Watch program will monitor E.coli at 37 sites, including many popular swimming holes, as in years past. The dates for sampling are: June 16th, June 30th, July 14th, July 28th, August 11th and August 25th. Volunteers are needed!
From monitoring E.coli using state of the art equipment, to planting willow stakes, to leading macroinvertebrate monitoring field trips with middle school students, FMR is involved in interesting and engaging projects. In order to better document and share these projects, we will be producing a series of short videos called "Mad River Minutes".
