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The Deerfield River Watershed Association is a non-profit organization with the mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the Deerfield River watershed in south-eastern Vermont and north-western Massachusetts How to join DRWA					Facts & Ecology of the Deerfield River watershed What's happening today in the watershed Recreation in the watershed Do your part to protect the watershed *no current DRWA info, links out

DRWA is committed to pursue the following program goals for the benefit of the watershed

• Protect and monitor water quality: our program includes Spring testing at 12 sites for pH, alkalinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen, and Summer testing at 10 sites for bacteria to assess the safety of recreational waters. Annual river clean-ups with other organizations such as FLOW, Trout Unlimited, Zoar Outdoor, Crabapple, and the Connecticut River Source to Sea Consortium. We also established a Local Emergency Planning Committee to respond to hazardous spills in the river.
• Protect and monitor wildlife habitat and wetlands: We are surveying more than 20 marshes in the watershed for frogs and toads and waterbirds (grebes, rails, herons, and more). This work documents the diversity of little known wildlife communities in the watershed. See latest newsletter! (Need Acrobat Reader. Don't have it? Download Acrobat Reader free here).
• Protect open space to safeguard habitat, natural features, water quality and scenic beauty. We plan to sponsor a regional Open Space Forum in 2002 and are working to cooperate on programs with the Franklin Region Council of Governments and the Trustees of Reservation.
• Be an active local partner in the implementation of the Deerfield River Settlement Agreement: we correspond and meet with the other Agreement signers and participate in negotiations around new threats to the river, and cultivate a good working relationship with the power company.
• Support the implementation of the State's Deerfield River Watershed Team Management Plan: we are active members of the Team and assist in educational programs as well as provide information as needed.
• Improve watershed stewardship by the public through education and recreational opportunities; for example at the annual Riverfest in Shelburne Falls and at the forums and conferences we sponsor and organize; and maintenance of an eight-mile portion of the Mahican-Mohawk trail (Deerfield to Shelburne).

• The first Deerfield River Watershed Friend of the Year was presented to Polly French at our annual meeting November 15, 2001 in Shelburne Falls. Polly has supported DRWA and its efforts to protect the watershed in countless ways since the formation of the association. The self-described "quiet member" is now a major fundraiser for DRWA through her art and watershed garden. President Gisela Walker presented Polly French with a frameable award and gift certificate to the Deerfield Inn.
• A good crowd attended the annual meeting which closed with a delightful slide show by local naturalist Bill Danielson. Three new directors were elected to the board: Robert May-professor at Amherst College, Bob Ramirez-angora goat farmer in Colrain, and Cynthia Caporaso of Shelburne Falls who is swapping her paid position of administrative assistant for the volunteer position of treasurer. Welcome and cheers to these three dedicated folks.

Find out more: Facts & Ecology of the Deerfield River watershed What's happening today in the watershed Recreation in the watershed How to be a watershed-wise resident or visitor

To see a larger image of the watershed, click on image

Print this form and send it to the address below:

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Enclosed is my check for ___$10 (Student) ___$15 (individual) ___25 (Family) ___$50 (Contributing) ___$100 (Sustaining) ___$25-199 (Business) ___$200-499 (Corporation) ___$500 (Patron) ___ (Other)

I am most interested in issues related to: ____ Water quality improvement ____ Wildlife habitat and wetlands protection ____ Land use within the Deerfield River Watershed ____ Promoting public awareness through educational programs ____ Recreation and public access ____Other

If you would like to contribute your time and/or skills and expertise to our efforts, please indicate: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

Thank-you, and we hope to meet you, in person, soon!

drwa@deerfieldriver.org
Deerfield River Watershed Association,
Box 13, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

Updated 1/16/02 Home