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May 19, 2010
A New Market Press Publication
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Check out these helpful tips on how to grow asparagus efficiently.
Sponge-like fossil found in Vermont sparks debate among biologists.
Anglers hope to hook lake salmon.
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Vermonter urges Leahy, Sanders to put forests to work FAIR HAVEN—Alan Robertson, a Vermont tree farmer and Vermont Woodlands Association board member, returned from a two-day visit to Washington, D.C., last week to urge U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy and bernie Sanders, and Rep. Peter Welch, to put Vermont’s forests to better use commercially. “Every 1,000 acres of private forests supports an average of eight jobs—that's more than 3.6 million made-in-America jobs nationwide,” Robertson said. He provided a briefing to the news media following his meeting with Vermont’s legislators. Robertson joined 30 other area forest owners as well as staff from the American Forest Foundation on Capitol Hill. The meeting covered a number of issues that are important to ensure that forests continue to provide multiple benefits such as building and other wood-based products, biomass products, clean water, and plantings for carbon-reduction. The State of Vermont is more forested in 2010 than it was in the late 1800s. Among the issues discussed was the U.S. Green Building Council's policy that Roberston claims discriminates against family owned forests and forest products. “Right now, the council only recognizes FSC-certified
See FORESTS, page 2
STRIKE UP THE BAND!—The Rutland Town Elementary School Marching Band paraded in the All-State Music Parade in downtown Rutland recently. The all-state event, which attracted bands from around Vermont, was held in Rutland for the first time in recent years.
Castleton Crackers: a Rachael Ray fave snack! Reservoir levels reduced for construction Photo by Shawn Pemrick Photography
Whitney Lamy displays a package of Castleton Crackers with customer U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D. Vt.). CASTLETON—Castleton Crackers’ Middlebury Mapleflavored cracker was featured as the “snack of the day” on the popular Rachael Ray Show, May 17, on CBS-TV. It will appear on the show, again, Aug. 31. Middlebury Maple is a slightly sweet that cracker hints at maple and pairs well with any Vermont cheese, according to owner Whitney Lamy. Castleton Crackers are all natural, handmade and handcracked crackers—Vermont’s only artisan cracker. The crackers come in five traditional flavors: Middlebury Maple, Rutland Rye and Windham Wheat and several new flavors: Putney Pumpkin with dried cranberries and thyme, Richmond Rosemary with cornmeal and sea salt.
CHITTENDEN—Major improvements planned for East Pittsford Station, a Central Vermont Public Service hydroelectric facility, will require slightly lower water levels on Chittenden Reservoir throughout the summer and into the fall. “The water levels will be about 4 feet lower than average, but within the low end of our normal operating range,” CVPS spokesman Steve Costello said. “The reservoir will remain open and accessible for boating, fishing and swimming, but boaters are reminded to use caution when putting in boats and on the water given the natural rock formations scattered throughout the reservoir.” Costello noted that the water levels sometimes fluctuate dramatically at the reservoir, as an inch of rain can quickly raise the water level by a foot. About 17 square miles of mountainous terrain drain into Chittenden Reservoir. “The water levels early in the season will be closer to typical late-summer levels,” Costello said. “The changes won’t be dramatic, but we want to en-
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sure people are aware of them and can plan accordingly. Boaters should pay particular attention as they put in and take out their trailers.” Costello said the water level will range from about 1,488 feet above sea level in May to about 1,487 feet above sea level in early August, when construction will begin. The water level must be lowered in anticipation of the work, which will cost more than $2 million, so major storms can still be managed safely. The project includes electrical equipment and switchgear upgrades at the East Pittsford Station, along with new powerhouse substructure foundation work involving replacement of the 96year -old penstock and pipe network that feeds three turbines at the 3,600kilowatt facility. CVPS balances the operational needs of Chittenden Reservoir by giving first priority to ensuring public and dam safety. The project is expected to last until mid-November, when recommissioning of East Pittsford Station will begin. CVPS owns all the land beneath Chittenden Reservoir and to 2 feet above
the high-water mark all around the lake, along with 75 acres of land that includes the dam and parking area. The reservoir and East Creek are part of an historic generation system. The dam, now in its 101st year of operation, impounds the 700-acre reservoir, which
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