Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

09/11/2026

But really, though - when is the best time to see fall foliage in Vermont? Peak week's hard to pin down, but here's what to know: https://vermontvacation.com/vermont-seasons/fall/foliage-forecaster-map/

09/09/2026

Heads up if you're near the Waterbury Dam this fall: You may notice increased activity around the spillway as crews conduct exploration work in September and October. ⚠️

The work includes drilling and testing concrete and bedrock to collect information needed for the final engineering and design of the Waterbury Dam Spillway Project.

What to know:
• Normal water levels and flows will be maintained.
• Flood-control operations will not be affected.
• On-reservoir recreation and nearby campsites are expected to remain open and accessible.
• Expect additional vehicles and equipment around the dam and some increased noise.

For everyone's safety, please stay out of the work area around the spillway.

The work is being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the Vermont Dam Safety Program.

https://dec.vermont.gov/water-investment/dam-safety/dec-owned-dams/waterbury-dam-spillway-project

09/02/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿?

It helps us understand how they're changing.

Regular monitoring helps us track changes in water quality, identify long-term trends and better understand the health of Vermont's lakes and ponds.

That information helps guide decisions about how we protect and restore these important resources.



📷: DEC Deputy Commissioner Neil Kamman measuring the depth of water clarity at Lake Carmi State Park in Franklin, VT.

08/31/2026

There's only a week left to visit Burton Island State Park this season! Check out the details if you are interested in visiting before closing day: https://www.vtstateparks.com/parks/burton-island

After more than a year out of commission, the Island Runner ferry is back in business, taking trips between Kill Kare and Burton Island State Parks.

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 & 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲?

Because good conservation starts with good information.

Biologists monitor species including black bears, moose, bats, peregrine falcons, loons, brook trout, and more to understand population trends, habitat needs, health, and how wildlife is responding to changes in Vermont's landscape.

That information helps Fish & Wildlife make informed decisions about how to conserve Vermont's wildlife for the future.



📷: ANR Sec. Julie Moore holding bear cub this spring during FWD's study of black bear reproduction in Vermont.

08/24/2026

Celebrate the Return of the Island Runner!

Join us on Saturday, August 29 as we welcome the Island Runner back into service. To mark the occasion, we're offering free ferry rides throughout the day. Standard day-use fees still apply, and all ferry trips will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Come enjoy a beautiful day on the water and help us celebrate the Island Runner’s return!

View the Island Runner schedule and plan your visit:
https://bit.ly/Burton-Island-State-Park
https://bit.ly/Island-Runner-Ferry-Schedule

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗸 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗿? Don't put it in the trash.

Batteries can spark fires when they're crushed or damaged in garbage trucks and waste facilities. That's why proper battery disposal matters.

Keeping batteries out of the trash helps protect Vermont's waste workers and facilities - and keeps useful materials in circulation.

The Vermont Battery Stewardship Program offers FREE recycling for single-use and rechargeable batteries at locations across Vermont.

Find a recycling location near you: http://www.call2recycle.org/vermont/


Vermont Recycling & Composting Initiative