Upper Missisquoi and Trout River Wild & Scenic Committee
GRANT PROGRAMS
The Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee is delighted to provide funding for projects, activities and infrastructure in the communities that our Wild and Scenic rivers flow through.
The Wild and Scenic River Community Grants and Town Infrastructure Grants are offered every year as part of the Wild & Scenic Committee annual budget. We are thrilled to support our many community partners in protecting and enhancing the quality and enjoyment of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild and Scenic Rivers and their outstanding resources.
For 2021, UMATR is also offering financial assistance to landowners within our Wild and Scenic region who are interested in combating Japanese knotweed infestations. This invasive species is found throughout our watershed - see this interactive map created in 2020 by Arrowwood Environmental for the Missisquoi River Basin Association (MRBA) to show infestations along our riverbanks. The MRBA continues to research effective ways to combat knotweed, and UMATR is happy to help landowners assist with this effort.
Learn more here and apply for funds today!
Successful applications address one or more of the outstandingly remarkable values and goals of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Management Plan.
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Scenic and Recreational
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swimming and paddling
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wildlife viewing
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fishing and hunting
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hiking, biking and skiing
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Natural Resources
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geology, including gorges and waterfalls
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ecology, including endangered species
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Water Quality
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Historic and Cultural
Projects must occur along or adjacent to the designated Wild and Scenic sections of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers.
Projects for the Wild and Scenic River Community Grant should be located in Lowell, Westfield, Troy, Jay, North Troy, Richford, Berkshire, Enosburgh, Enosburg Falls, and Montgomery.
The municipalities of Westfield, Troy, North Troy, Richford, Berkshire, Enosburgh, Enosburg Falls, and Montgomery are eligible for Town Infrastructure Grants.
Wild and Scenic River Community Grants
The Wild & Scenic River Community grants are intended to advance or support projects that protect and enhance the quality and enjoyment of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild and Scenic Rivers and their outstanding resources.
Grant awards will typically range between $1,000 and $4,000.
Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, planning boards, water/wastewater departments, conservation commissions, libraries, recreation departments, schools (including environmental clubs, art programs, science classes, etc.), and other town-sanctioned committees and boards. Community-based organizations, such as historical societies, garden clubs, art associations, churches, local land trusts, and neighborhood groups, are also eligible. Individuals interested in applying should partner with either a town or nonprofit organization.
Town Infrastructure Grants
Grant awards of up to $5,000 will be made to municipalities for roadway and infrastructure improvements that will benefit our rivers as well as the communities they flow through. Successful projects will address the protection and enhancement of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild and Scenic Rivers and their outstanding resources, with a specific emphasis on water quality.
We understand that towns have many demands on limited resources to maintain infrastructure. It is our hope that UMATR Town Infrastructure Grant funding will enable municipalities to use best management practices guided by sound river science improve water quality or natural resource protections along the Wild and Scenic sections of the rivers or tributaries within their jurisdiction.