Update on Caspian Lake Classification Change

In the summer of 2021, JoAnn Hanowski, co-chair of the Greensboro Association’s Lakes and Environmental Stewardship Committee, authored a Caspian Lake petition to the Department of Environmental Conservation to reclassify the lake and watershed to A1 from its current classification of B1.  Caspian Lake qualifies as an A1 lake based on its current relatively low phosphorus level.  As an A1 lake, if Caspian faced an increase in phosphorus or other environmental issues, it would automatically qualify for dollars to implement projects to improve water quality and protect our lake.  JoAnn and her team collected nearly 500 signatures for the petition, and it was submitted in December 2021.  It was determined to be administratively complete and underwent technical and legal review. 

A public hearing on the petition was scheduled but has since been canceled due to an antiquated 1986 prohibition on new septic systems with a design flow greater than 1000 gallons/day.  When this prohibition was enacted, it was assumed that forbidding new septics of that size would prevent the construction of inns or very large houses.  However, today’s new single wastewater system technologies can replace and out-perform multiple old systems, yielding net positive impacts on water quality, thus making the 1986 prohibition a barrier to cleaner waters.  In addition, anti-degradation rules currently being developed will better address concerns over development than the one-size-fits-all septic size prohibition.  Nevertheless, the House Environment & Energy Committee is uncomfortable removing the 1986 prohibition due to development concerns; the Governor has put all lake re-classification petitions on hold until a replacement bill can be passed.  Katherine Sims has submitted a bill (H84), which addresses this issue, has the full support of the DEC, requires no additional funding, and was passed by the Senate in 2023.

What can we do?  Caspian Lake needs you to write a letter to all members of the House Environment & Energy Committee (listed below) asking them to take up S.146 (this is similar to H.84 per Katherine Sims) since they have passed this in the Senate.  The bill needs to pass in the House this session (end of May) or will have to go through both the Senate and House again next year.

Here is an example letter:

Dear—

I am writing to encourage you to quickly pass S. 146 this legislative session.  

The Greensboro community worked incredibly hard in 2021 to gather signatures for a petition to re-classify Caspian Lake to A1.  We received a public hearing date but have now learned that the petition is on hold due to concerns over a 1986 septic regulation.   

We are confident that new wastewater system technologies, developed since 1986, will give full protection of the water quality in the Caspian Lake watershed when approved under the antidegradation rules.  We are also comfortable with our current zoning by-laws, lakeshore protection rules and anti-degradation laws to make informed decisions that will protect our A1 waters from excessive development.  

Passing S 146 this session will allow the re-classification process for Caspian Lake to be successful, and will further protect our lake.

Sincerely,



HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY

 

2023-2024

 

Chair: Rep. Amy Sheldon, Middlebury

[email protected]

Phone (802) 828-2228

 

Vice-Chair: Rep. Laura Sibilia, Dover

[email protected]

Phone (802) 384-0233

 

Ranking Member: Rep. Seth Bongartz,

Manchester

[email protected]

Phone (802) 828-2228

 

Rep. Paul Clifford, Rutland City

[email protected]

Phone (802) 828-2228

 

Rep. Kate Logan, Burlington

[email protected]

Phone (802) 828-2228

 

Rep. Kristi Morris, Springfield

[email protected]

Phone (802) 885-2949

 

Rep Avram Patt, Worcester

[email protected]

Phone (802) 223-1014

 

Calling all artists! We are looking for artwork for the 2024-25 Greensboro Association Member Directory

The Greensboro Association is soliciting digital images of artwork that contain themes or subjects from Greensboro, the Northeast Kingdom, and/or Vermont.  One image will be chosen to be featured as the cover of the 2024-25 Greensboro Association member directory.

The Greensboro Association publishes a directory of members every two years. This directory is available at Willey’s Store, and is purchased by a wide number of local and seasonal residents.

Please read the GA Directory Cover Request for Submission carefully for submission requirements.  The submission deadline is April 5, 2024.    Submissions should be sent to admin@greensboroassociation.org.  All artists are encouraged to participate, although we give preference to local Greensboro and NEK artists and/or members of the Greensboro Association.

The 2024 Tour de Greensboro 

Ninety very eager cross-country skiers took to the ski trails of the Northeast Kingdom on Saturday, Feb 10th to participate in the non-competitive 2024 Tour de Greensboro. Participants included a strong contingent of local skiers along with others from CT, ME, NH, MA, and NY. They all had one thing in common, to challenge themselves by skiing a full 25km loop on some of the most beautiful ski trails in the Northeast while enjoying the comradery of fellow skiers. For those skiers not quite up to the task, they could opt to do a 15km loop.

A spring-like day with temperatures in the 40’s welcomed skiers as they gathered for instructions from event organizer Jim Fredericks.  The course layout, which included 2200’ of climbing included some Highland Lodge trails combined with those of private landowners. Expertly groomed classic track conditions were provided by the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and private landowners.  The midpoint of the Tour included a break for hot cider and donuts, along with a warm fire.

Thunder chased some of the skiers at the end of the tour, but all reached the finish safely thanks to a large volunteer safety patrol.  Karl Stein from the Hardwick Emergency Rescue Squad led a team of volunteer Greensboro Association members with Wilderness First Aid skills.   GA members also helped skiers park their cars, registered them on arrival and return, and made sure everyone had hot cornbread and chili along with Jasper Hill Farm cheese at the ski hut.

The Tour de Greensboro would like to thank all its volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible, including Toko US, Lumi Experiences, Highland Lodge, Willey’s Store, Jasper Hill Farm, and Connie’s Kitchen.

Proceeds from the Tour de Greensboro will be donated to the Greensboro Association, whose mission is to conceive, advance and support village initiatives and organizations that enhance the Greensboro community and protect Caspian Lake and its surrounding environment.

CASPIAN CHALLENGE ROAD RACE 2024

It’s never too early to be thinking about summer! The 13th annual Caspian Challenge and 5k road race will be
held Sunday, July 28th at 8:30 am at the ballfield in Greensboro (corner of Lake Shore Road and Breezy
Avenue). The race consists of the classic, rolling 6.7 mile loop around Caspian Lake as well as a flat, out
and back 5k race. The race is sponsored by the Greensboro Association. Registration opens June 1 at
greensboroassociation.org. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Eric Hanson, race director at
802-881-8082.

Caspian Lake Watershed Action Plan Final Report Presentation Webinar: Tuesday, January 16 at 5 p.m.

Caspian Lake Watershed Action Plan Final Report Presentation Webinar
This webinar will be focused on presenting the final report for the Caspian Lake Watershed Action plan (LWAP). The final report will include a high-level overview/synthesis of all the prior completed desktop and field assessments, recommendations and outcomes.

All the Caspian Lake LWAP information is available for your viewing on the Storymap site.

What is a Lake Watershed Action Plan? A Lake Watershed Action Plan is an assessment and planning tool which identifies the greatest threats to the lake ecosystem, including impacts on water quality and wildlife habitat from stormwater runoff and from altered, cleared, or converted shorelands. The assessment combines a lake’s condition of shoreland, tributaries, drainage ditches, wetlands, hydrologically connected roads, and working landscapes in an individual planning guide that prioritizes restoration and protection actions for that specific region.

**If you are new to Microsoft TEAMS please allow 10 minutes before the start of the meeting to get TEAMS set up and ready for use.
Tuesday, Jan 16, 5:00 PM (EST)

REGISTER HERE

 

THE GREENSBORO ASSOCIATION CONTINUES TO SUPPORT FLOOD RECOVERY THROUGH ITS COMMUNITY RELIEF GRANTS

Months after massive flooding devastated the region in July, and with ongoing weather threats that have carried into 2024, the Greensboro Association continues to support local organizations assisting those most impacted with funds raised through its Community Relief Fund.

In its 90 year history, the Greensboro Association has distributed grants to local organizations whose efforts serve those directly within the greater Greensboro community.  But the summer 2023 flooding saw the greatest need in recent memory, and many in our local communities continue to struggle with food insecurity and basic living and housing needs. Together with members and community donations, the GA raised over $80,000 in the weeks following the July floods to aid in recovery efforts and continues to accept donations. Because of the Greensboro Association’s deeply connected relationships with local organizations, businesses, and community members providing vital services throughout our community, it has been able to direct the monies raised to those most affected in our local community and those for whom other resources, including state and federal emergency funds are not available or sufficient. Recent flooding and climate swings continue to create instability this winter, increasing the unmet needs of many in our community. 

“These most recent GA grants reflect the longer-term needs of our community supporting the next phase of recovery and resiliency, strengthening our community to mitigate future disasters.  The Grants team is also coordinating with others in the Northeast Kingdom in order to view all area needs, and encourage coordination between organizations,” said Cathy Irwin, President of the Greensboro Association.

Recipients of the latest rounds of grants include Greensboro United Church of Christ, Smith’s Grocery, Center for an Agricultural Economy, Hardwick Area Food Pantry, Neighbors in Action, The Civic Standard, Greensboro Land Trust for Porter Brook Trail repair, Northeast Kingdom Organizing, and the Kingdom United Resiliency & Recovery Effort, which is a new entity formed to manage the long term recovery work in the NEK in coordination with FEMA and other regional, state, and federal partners. Funds will be used for things like construction materials to support ongoing infrastructure and housing repairs in the area, food and meals for those in need, and individual needs of those directly impacted by the disaster.  

“Food security, housing, transportation, mental and physical health, safety, child care, social isolation and connection are all things our communities have been grappling with. The recent floods and ongoing climate swings have continued to exposed the vital needs in our community and we [the GA Grants Committee] feel fortunate to be able to partner with such a dedicated array of organizations and community volunteers who are working to address both immediate needs while also strengthening our local systems and networks,” said Naomi Ranz-Schleifer, co-chair of the GA Grants Committee.

 

Tour de Greensboro: February 10, 2024

Embrace the winter and sign up for the second annual Tour de Greensboro. This event, to be held on Saturday, February 10th, will consist of a 25km, classic ski tour on some of the most scenic trails in the northeast. Start and end at Highland Lodge where we will have some chili and fixings and a post-ski bonfire. Go fast or take your time to savor a mid-tour hot cider and donuts. All proceeds will benefit the Greensboro Association. We are limiting this to 120 skiers, so don’t wait, sign up today.  All entries will be non-refundable but may be transferred to another person via skireg.com.

2023 Community Garden Season Update

The Greensboro Community Garden has made good progress this Summer with the help of the $500 GA grant. In May we held our first community outreach event in collaboration with the Greensboro Free Library. Doug and Kayleigh, co-owners of Breadseed Farm in East Craftsbury gave a presentation on “Maximizing the Harvest” – sharing tips and techniques on how to follow no-till, organic practices to grow bountiful, great tasting, produce. It was a hybrid event but most of the 26 attendees turned up in person to enjoy the social gathering following the presentation with cheese kindly donated by Jasper Hill and kombucha by Becky Arnold. 

Planting Day in early June was a huge success, with a demo of how to use a broadfork for “no-till” aeration of the soil, and a plentiful supply of compost from Black Dirt Farm. We were able to buy two hi-rise water sprinklers as well as no-kink, lightweight hoses using the GA grant funds, which was super helpful for ease of getting the seeds and seedlings established. All the bugs in June and the rains in July did not deter the Garden from growing, nurtured by an active group of 12 core volunteers with additional supporters. Harvests have been plentiful, with over 100lbs of produce donated to the Hardwick Area Food Pantry to date. 

Additionally, we formed a new collaboration with Smith’s Grocery in Greensboro Bend during August, which has been very well received. Over 50lbs of produce was donated during the month, stocking the chiller cabinet in the store on a Friday with fresh vegetables harvested from the Community Garden. In addition, volunteers from the Community Garden collaborated with Rural Arts and the Bend Revitalization Initiative to supply salad and veggies with dip at the Basketball Skills Event at the Bend Community Park in early August.

Other community events have included: participation in the Funky 4th pie auction, with two savory donations from Community Garden lead volunteer, Jenny Bales; and supporting the Greensboro Farmers Market, especially on Kids Day, with a “Veggies Rock Hunt” activity. 

We will continue to harvest our produce as long as it lasts for donation to the Food Pantry. In addition, we plan to wrap up the season with a community workshop on mushroom growing, discuss a collaboration with the “Grow Your Own” program sponsored by the Center for an Agricultural Economy, and planting garlic in the Garden.

Many thanks to our lead volunteers: Jenny Bayles, Heidi DeBrino, Carol Calcagni, Joan Feffer, Alison Gardner, Cathy Hansen, Beth Meacham, Sara Slater, Liz Steel, Emily Stone, Ed Sunday-Winters and Fan Watkinson.

 

Hazard Mitigation Survey from the Town of Greensboro

The town of Greensboro is working on updating their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and would appreciate your input through the short survey below.  Thank you!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb8bilWIIAskDRKKP1W4w4nVixGD0l8aaoTebj8v3Gkli2zA/viewform?usp=sf_link

In addition, there will be a public meeting on August 10 at 6 p.m. at Fellowship Hall at the Greensboro United Church to review the Hazard Mitigation plan. Alison Low from NVDA will lead the discussion and plan going forward. All are welcome.

 

2023 Annual Meeting: August 3 at 4 p.m.

The 2023 Annual Meeting of the Greensboro Association will be held on August 3 at 4:00 pm at Fellowship Hall.   We sincerely hope many of our members will be able to attend to hear about the great work of the GA this past year.  If you are unable to attend in person, a zoom link can be found below.

After the business meeting, our first speaker Lauren Jenness, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) Environmental Analyst, Lake Champlain Basin Program, will share information about the GA’s participation in the Stream Wise Program, which the GA will soon be starting.  If you live on land on the feeder brooks into Caspian Lake or Greensboro Brook, or on the Lamoille River or its tributaries in Greensboro Bend, getting a Stream Wise assessment can help you take the best possible care of your stream side property.

Following Lauren’s presentation, Kent Hansen, chair of Greensboro’s Planning Commission, will share what the Planning Commission has been working on over the last year and what proposed Zoning Bylaw changes are coming up.

The agenda for the Annual meeting can be found here.

Last year’s minutes can be found here.

 

Topic: 2023 Greensboro Association Annual Meeting
Time: Aug 3, 2023 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 834 2311 8833
Passcode: 104409

July 16 Community Relief Fund Update

The Greensboro Association’s Community Relief Fund has awarded its first recipients of emergency funding.
$5000 will go to the Center for Agricultural Economy who will distribute food vouchers that can be used at the Hardwick Area Food Pantry, Willey’s store (Greensboro), C&C Market (Barton), Buffalo Mountain Market (Hardwick), Smiths (Greensboro Bend) and both Genny’s in Craftsbury and Albany.
Another $5000 will be going to the Hardwick Area Food Pantry because of the increased food demand in the area after the flood. They have seen a 25% uptick in usage since even before the flood, and with the damage done to many farms in the area that have helped supply the pantry with food, they anticipate a high demand for fresh produce and expect it to be more expensive to get their hands on.
And $1000 will go to Smith Store in Greensboro Bend for their emergency food and fuel fund. Smiths has been delivering food and supplies to people in the area and have been feeding many of the road crews working frantically to get our roads back in order.
There are other recipients in the works, and we will announce them as we are able. But the fund could still use support — every dollar donated will go back to the Greater Greensboro Community.
If you’d like to give to the Community Relief Fund, you can do so at this link: https://greensboroassociation.org/…/community-relief…/

Caspian Lake Sailing Race Series Schedule

The Caspian Lake Sailing Series will run Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning Wednesday, August 2nd and concluding Saturday, August 19. Races will start at 2pm. Starting line will be north of sunken island off Aspenhurst Point. All types of boats, all ages, and all skill levels welcomed and encouraged. The race on Saturday the 12th will be in memory of John C. Stone II who passed away last summer shortly after a final sail, ending his 91 years of Caspian sailing. John followed Luther H. Gulick’s lead in helping to build the Flying Dutchman fleet on Caspian starting in the mid 1960s.

Spring Update from the GA President, Cathy Irwin

The 2023 Dues Notice will be sent to all members on Sunday, March 26. Please read the Spring update from Cathy Irwin, GA President here.

 

Urgent: Public Meeting 2/15 – Proposed DEC Wakeboat Rules

On Wednesday, February 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will give the public an opportunity to react to their proposed rule on the use of wake boats in Vermont.  

A meeting will be held in Greensboro at the Highland Center for the Arts and via Microsoft Teams.  JoAnn Hanowski, co-chair of the Greensboro Association’s Lakes and Environmental Stewardship Committee, will be representing the GA at this meeting.  There are concerns that the DEC proposal of a 500′ distance from shore requirement for wake boating is not enough to prevent harm to both the environment and other boaters and lakeshore owners. There will be opportunity for public comment at this meeting; to sign up for a 2-minute time slot to speak, go to https://forms.office.com/g/ayJuuH9923.  

 

A group called RWVL (Responsible Wakes for VT Lakes) is pushing back on the DEC to consider getting closer to their proposed 1000’ distance from shore requirement.  RWVL is a group of concerned Vermonters, many of whom are year-round and seasonal lake and pond residents.  To learn more about the RWVL position, go to http://responsiblewakes.org/ .  Vermont Business Magazine has additional information on this issue and it can be found here:  https://vermontbiz.com/news/2023/january/31/vermont-dec-releases-draft-rule-wake-boat-regulation

Currently Caspian Lake boaters must travel at no-wake speed and not over 5 mph within 200’ of the shoreline, a person in the water, a canoe, rowboat or other vessel, a designated swim area, or any anchorage or dock.  In addition, use of jet skis, personal watercraft or any other Class A vessel which uses an inboard engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power is prohibited.  The wake from a boat must not endanger anyone else. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are especially vulnerable to high-wake turbulence, and boaters are responsible for any act which endangers or jeopardizes the safety, life or property of another person.  Finally, loons, ducks and other birds are especially sensitive to boat traffic. It is a punishable offense to kill or harass any water bird through the operation of a boat on any Vermont lake.

As JoAnn has pointed out, “The state of Vermont has total jurisdiction over the use of public waters.  Any change to public use on Caspian Lake, including a ban on wakeboat operation would require a petition to the DEC.  In any scenario (the current DEC revised petition, the original petition, or no ruling) Greensboro will be faced with managing wakeboat access and use on Caspian via our greeter program and through public education.”  

Please consider making your voice heard on this important topic! 

For any questions please contact membership@greensboroassociation. org.

Tour de Greensboro

DATE CHANGE: This event will be held on Sunday, February 5.

 

Embrace the winter and sign up for the first annual Tour de Greensboro. This event, to be held on Saturday, February 4th, will consist of a 25km, classic ski tour on some of the most scenic trails in the northeast. Start and end at Highland Lodge where we will have some chili and fixings and a post-ski bonfire. Go fast or take your time to savor a mid-tour hot cider and donuts. All proceeds will benefit the Greensboro Association. We are limiting this to 100 skiers, so don’t wait, sign up today. (see details below)

Caspian Challenge Results and Updates

NEXT CASPIAN CHALLENGE

 JULY 30, 2023

8:30am start

COMING NEXT YEAR–The 12th Annual Caspian Challenge, sponsored by the Greensboro Association, will be open for registration Spring 2023!

2022 RESULTS–A spectacular day greeted the 11th Annual Caspian Challenge on Sunday July 31, 2022.  Seventy-five runners and eight walkers participated in the scenic race, which hosts a hilly round-Caspian-Lake 6.8 mile loop and a 5K out-and-back from Tolman Corner ball field.

Maxfield English of Wolcott, won the Men’s Loop division in a time of 40:48, and Kathleen Ruffle topped the Women’s Loop field and came in 6th overall with a time of 47:08.  Mark Gilbertson of Hyde Park won the 5K Men’s Division with a time of 21:23 and Tara Nelson of Glover came in second overall and won the 5K Women’s Division with a time of 23:48.

The proceeds from the Caspian Challenge went to the Greensboro Association’s Lake Protection Fund this year.  This Fund provides on-going monitoring of Caspian Lake’s water quality, including run-off from streams feeding the lake, and prevention of aquatic nuisances such as Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels.

See full 2022 results HERE

Greensboro Association Notice of Annual Meeting

The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Greensboro Association will be held on Thursday, August 4 at 4:00 pm in Fellowship Hall at the United Church of Christ in Greensboro, VT.  All members of the Association are invited and encouraged to attend.
The Agenda and new slate of trustees will be distributed prior to the meeting. The minutes of the 2021 Annual Meeting are available here.

Swim Lessons at Caspian Lake!

We are excited to announce that in collaboration with the Greensboro’s & Hardwick’s Recreation Committees, Teach Americans to Swim Program will be offering swim lessons to Greensboro & Hardwick Residents and children in surrounding towns. FOR AGES 2 Years – 13 Years during the week of July 18-22, 2022 Starting at 10AM. For more information and to register click here.

 

Funky Fourth Update

Due to the rise in costs and worries about being able to get supplies needed from overseas in time for the celebration, the Greensboro Selectboard has decided to cancel this year’s 4th of July fireworks.  Click here for the announcement on the town website.
 
Other 4th of July activities will continue forward, with the addition of a few new events.  The Funky Fourth parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 2nd, ending at the town green where there will be kids games, music, food, concessions and a crafts-farmers market afterwards.  An auction to raise funds for the Ukrainian Save the Children Fund will be held on the green as well, featuring Vanna White (Smith) and Tim “Uncle Sam” Nisbet as hosts.  There are ongoing discussions about the possibility of evening entertainment, but details have not yet been firmed up.  
 
The Greensboro Association, which has typically helped to fund the fireworks show with the Selectboard, will be exploring other ways to support this year’s town festivities.  Those who previously donated towards the fireworks will be contacted soon to discuss donation options.  

Caspian Challenge is set for July 31, 2022

THE CASPIAN CHALLENGE! 

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2022

8:30 a.m.

REGISTRATION ONLINE & 7:15-8:15 a.m. on 7/31 at Ball Field

Click here to register

The 11th Annual Caspian Challenge lake run/5K, sponsored by the Greensboro Association, is now open for registration!  We are back to normal this year, with official timing and bibs, and prizes for winners in various categories.  Join us for a morning of fun, exercise, and community support.  Proceeds from this year’s Caspian Challenge will go toward the Greensboro Association’s Lake Protection Fund, which helps support prevention efforts against milfoil and other invasive species, as well as lake water quality monitoring. 

Registration fee is $15 through race day; no charge for those under 13, and minimum age to participate in the 5K is 7.  T-shirts will be available for an additional $15, with limited supply sold on race day for $20.