Vermont Watershed Grants

The Vermont Watershed Grant Program, established in 1998, aims to protect and restore Vermont's water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and streams. It funds projects that enhance surface water quality and support habitat improvement. Eligible projects include conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and recreational enhancements, focusing on monitoring water quality and protecting fish and wildlife habitats. Grants are available for towns, nonprofits, and community groups engaged in specific watershed-related projects.

Since its creation in 1998, the Vermont Watershed Grant Program has supported the protection, restoration, enhancement, and public appreciation of Vermont’s lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
The grant program also supports efforts to improve surface water quality in keeping with stated habitat improvement objectives. The program provides grants to towns, nonprofit organizations and community groups with specific watershed projects.
Eligible Projects
Projects must be watershed related and can include monitoring, education, conservation, recreation, or historic enhancement. Some specific examples include:

• Protecting or restoring fish and wildlife habitats;
• Protecting or restoring water quality, and shorelines;
• Reducing phosphorus loading and/or sedimentation as part of DEC’s Clean Water Initiative objectives;
• Enhancing recreational use and enjoyment;
• Identifying and protecting historic and cultural resources;
• Educating people about watershed resources; or
• Monitoring fish and wildlife populations and/or water quality.