Public Education

To support funding for two aspects of the Quinnipiac River Conservation and Development corridor Project. RPG will develop an inter-municipal agreement between the three lower river communities that will include land-use guidelines and a tax sharing agreement.

Funds will be used to support the improvement of of water diversion and instream flow policy on the Quinnipiac River through advocacy and public education.

To support the organization and implementation of QRWA Stream Buffer Initiative to encourage land use practices that minimize adverse impacts on the watershed and increase public access to the river and its tributaries.

To support the salaries for two part-time Student Conservation Assocation interns who will work on improvement of water quality through community outreach.

Funds are requested to support the offering of a short course in river processes to local members of conservation/inland wetland commissions and environmental activists. The course will cover the basic hydrologic, geomorphic, chemical, and biological processes that govern stream ecosystems, and how they are perturbed by human activities. Participants will recieve the scientific tools that they need in order to understand and critically evaluate environmental data on the Quinnipiac River.

Funds are requested to support the continuation and extension of the successful Safe Grounds Campaign in efforts to reduce non-point source pollution from lawn pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Funds are requested to support organization and implementation of outreach and advocacy for the Quinnipiac Watershed Stream Buffer Initiative (Phase II) and regular grassroots events.

Funds are requested to support implementation of informational and educational efforts and activities advocating for pesticide use reduction. These efforts will focus on the 80 property owners whose properties abut the Quinnipiac River in Plainville, CT. The activities will include 2 river clean-ups, coordination of a fishing derby, Earth Day Extravaganza, promotion and advocacy of Freedom Lawn Initiative, and a Tomasso Nature Park clean-up. (see grant notes)

Funds are requested to support the organization and implementation of "Consider the Qunnipiac" photo-based awareness campaign" motivationg people to consider the consequences of poor stewardship. The campaign will include photo exhibits, and web-based gallery including information about the specific threats, pollutants, and damages to the river.

Funds are requested to support the continuation of short courses concerning river processes to local members of the conservation/inlan wetland commissions and environmental activists.