As people who love Vermont, we all appreciate that the quality of life in Vermont depends on public access to our rivers and lakes. Vermont’s precious waterfalls and gorges, swimming holes, lake riparian areas, paddling and fishing access sites all deserve special protection.

The threats to these places - particularly from development - are increasing rapidly. (See Threats to Land and Water)

We hope you will spend some time learning about us! Take a tour of our Current Work and get in touch with us!

Learn more about how you can help support the VRC...

Fourteen years ago the VRC was a dream started in Montpelier by officers of the corporation who saw more and more choice swimming holes, canoe put-ins, waterfalls being put off limit to the communities that had traditionally used them. For over half a decade the VRC offices were in Burlington They then moved to Middlebury where Executive Director Jeff Meyers made his home with his wife and son. Now a new Executive Director, Steve Libby, is at the helm of an energetic board and volunteers, carrying out the mission for the organization with purpose and creativity.

For a number of strategic reasons including proximity of directors, availability of volunteers, and proximity to other conservation organizations with which VRC collaborates, Montpelier became the location of choice.

We are now at 29 Main Street, Montpelier in the Rite Aid Building next to City Hall. Whenever you are in Montpelier, be sure to stop in and see us!

The Vermont River Conservancy (VRC) is a statewide, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization supported by people who believe the protection of exceptional water-related lands is essential to the quality of life in Vermont. Since 1996, the VRC has been working to ensure that Vermont's precious waterfalls and gorges, swimming holes, paddling and fishing areas, and waterside community areas - all the outstanding properties along our waters - are protected in perpetuity for those who follow in our footsteps to enjoy.

Get Involved!

The mission of the Vermont River Conservancy is to preserve and aid in the preservation of undeveloped land along rivers, lakes, and wetlands of Vermont to protect public access, wildlife habitat, scenic natural beauty, and ecological integrity.

page updated 5/14/08 by Zephyr Sites

The VRC purchases and conserves these properties to ensure that they remain accessible and free from development. Since 1996, the VRC has been protecting exceptional water-related places, protecting them forever for those who follow in our footsteps to enjoy. Some of our successes include the Dog River Park, the Wells River Conservation Area, the Irish Hill/Berlin Pond Watershed Conservation Project, the Lyman Falls Conservation Project, and the Buttermilk Falls Conservation Project (See "Land Protection Success Stories").

The VRC accomplishes real-estate conservation projects, working in partnership with landowners, municipalities, state and federal agencies, other conservation organizations, and private businesses.

The VRC works on a tight, efficient budget - and we get things done.
Financial support for the VRC comes from contributing membership dues, annual contributions, fees for consulting services, special events, and grants.
Read our current Annual Report...

VRC has established two endowment funds in 2008. One permanent fund’s interest will support the completion of more projects each year. It will also insure the continuity of a Vermont organization focused on conserving special lands along our waters. The second endowment is a stewardship fund to assure that all the easements held by VRC will be monitored annually.

We would be happy to answer any other questions you may have about the VRC financials- please contact Steve Libby, Executive Director at 802-229-0820 or vrc@vermontriverconservancy.org.

Board of Trustees