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January 12, 2015

 

Mr. Craig Whipple

Director of State Parks

Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation

National Life Bldg.

Montpelier, VT 05602

 

Re:       Waterbury Reservoir’s Floating Ranger

 

Dear Craig,

 

Please accept this letter an indication of the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir’s enthusiastic support for the full-time, seasonal Floating Ranger position on the Waterbury Reservoir, and our enthusiastic endorsement of Terry Wendelken to continue to serve in that position if he wishes to do so.

 

We understand the Floating Ranger’s major job duties to be:

 

  • Staff presence on the Reservoir to provide public information and education

  • Enforce park rules and regulations

  • Monitor use of the Reservoir, remote campsites and accesses

  • Maintain access areas (i.e., litter pickup, weedwacking)

  • Develop and maintain remote campsites – sign, clean sites, improve sites (i.e., fire rings, shoreline stabilization)

  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with game wardens and state police

  • Interact and collaborate on projects with Friends of Waterbury Reservoir (i.e., Rozalia project)

  • Assist with special events on and around the Reservoir

  • Monitor and remove invasive species

  • Back up staff for Little River and Waterbury Center State Parks

  •  

These major job duties are entirely consistent with the Mission, Vision & Core Values of the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir.

 

The recent surge in popularity of the Reservoir and its two parks, and intrinsic increase in usage by a diverse group of recreational users, has further emphasized the need for a collaboration of neighbors, businesses, government and other organizations within the Reservoir community.

 

The Friends of Waterbury Reservoir has worked diligently to support stewardship and conservation of the natural world on and around the Reservoir and to encourage best practices in the use of the water and the surrounding lands. This past summer and fall season at the Reservoir was a highly successful demonstration of community recreation and improved environmental awareness facilitated greatly by the cooperation and assistance of the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.

 

The implementation of the Floating Ranger on the Reservoir was a critical element in improving boater and camper safety, reducing negative environmental impact, and preserving wildlife on the reservoir. This ranger, with a steady, professional presence, engaged and educated the public in a positive, supportive way, and the results are certainly reflective of the goals our organization has for improving the reservoir setting.

 

As concerned Vermonters, we are committed to continued efforts to enhance the Waterbury Reservoir experience…the floating ranger has certainly provided invaluable support in that endeavor.

 

Sincerely,

Laurie Smith, President

C:        Susan Bulmer, VT State Parks Region 4 Manager

            FWRes Board of Directors & FWRes Ambassadors

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