Vernon Citizens For Responsible Development
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Vernon Organizations

VCRD is only one of many groups and organizations working to make Vernon a better place to work and live. One of VCRD's goals may be is to coordinate with other groups. We could support them by making our members aware of who is doing what. We encourage you to get involved with those that resonate with you and your interests.

This page is a work in progress. Who dod we miss? If you know of others please send to info@VernonCRD.org.

Town Regulatory Committees

These are standing committees that have the authority to review and approve development projects in Vernon. They are appointed by the Mayor and Town Council. Any citizen can apply to be a member or alternate. Learn more at Vernon Boards & Commissions. You'll also find an application for appointment here.

Inland Wetlands Regulatory Commission

Each town's municipal inland wetlands agency regulates activities that affect inland wetlands and watercourses within their municipal boundaries. These activities, often referred to as "regulated activities", are those proposed or conducted by all persons other than state agencies.

Town Advisory Committees

These are standing committees that have the authority to review and approve development projects in Vernon. They are appointed by the Mayor and Town Council. Any citizen can apply to be a member or alternate. Learn more at Vernon Boards & Commissions. You'll also find an application for appointment here.

Open Space Task Force

Ann - What's the mission, charter or scope of the task force?

Chair: ??????

Conservation Commission

Reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Department concerning development in wetlands areas.

Parks & Recreation Department Support Committees

These committees work through the Vernon Parks and Rec Department. They focus on maintaining and improving our waterways and trail systems.

Vernon Greenways Volunteers

The Vernon Greenways Volunteers are individuals who assist the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department through the maintenance, enhancement and proper use of the 30+ miles of trails in Vernon. Sponsors adopt a section of Vernon’s trail system or finance a trail project through an annual tax deductible donation to supply the funds to support our work.

The Greenways website has a number of links to hiking resources and maps.

Contact: Don Bellingham, bellinghamdl@att.net.

Hockanum River Watershed Association

The Hockanum River Watershed encompasses 9 towns and 77 square miles in north central Connecticut. The watershed consists of several sub-watersheds, including Charters Brook, Marsh Brook, the Tankerhoosen River, Shenipsit Lake, Lydall Brook, Bigelow Brook and Hop Brook. These sub-watersheds drain into the Hockanum River, which joins the Connecticut River and eventually empties into Long Island Sound.

The Hockanum River Watershed Association was organized in December, 1996, and consists of a volunteer group with members from the 9 towns in the Hockanum River Watershed. This group is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the watershed area's green belt and water quality.

Hockanum River Linear Park Committees are active in all of the 4 towns along the river, and these groups work to keep the river and woodlands clean; to maintain the hiking trails along the river; and to promote activities such as kayaking and canoeing, jogging, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, bird watching and photography, both on and along the river and its tributaries.

In Vernon the Hockanum River Linear Park committee (HRLP) is a subcommittee of Vernon Parks and Recreation. It assists in the maintenance, enhancement and proper use of three trails along the Hockanum River.

Other Organizations

Independent groups and state related organizations that impact Vernon.

Belding Wildlife Management Area

The Belding Wildlife Management Area is a 282-acre parcel of land in Vernon that was donated by Maxwell Belding to the State of Connecticut. A 1981 Memorandum of Understanding identifies the Department of Environmental Protection as the steward of the land and instructs the agency to use modern wildlife, forestry, and conservation practices to maintain and improve the land.

Friends of Valley Falls

The Friends of Valley Falls, Inc. is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Organized in 1972, the friends mission is to promote the betterment of Valley Falls Park and Valley Falls Farm through responsible stewardship of their lands and buildings, preservation of their historic qualities, and public education on the value of their natural resources and biodiversity.

Vernon Citizens For Responsible Development

Established in January to oppose the application of TicketNetwork's concert site, this group is now moving to find other ways to support the town and protect waterways along the Tankerhoosen River.

Contact: info@vernoncrd.org

Vernon Garden Club

Established in the year 2000 to stimulate an interest in horticulture, aid in the protection of native trees, birds, wildflowers and promote community spirit, beautification and civic betterment.

Contact: vernongardenclub@sbcglobal.net

Vernon Historical Sociey

The Society's goal is the preservation of our local history and making that history come to life for the community. This is accomplished through their Museum collections, regular and special programs, and presentations for school children. The Museum and library are open for the public to use.