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 did 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.
Ann - What's the mission, charter or scope of the task force?
Chair:??????
Reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Department concerning development in wetlands areas. The Conservation Commission's duties and discretionary abilities stem from its purpose: "...the development, conservation, supervision and regulation of natural resources, including water resources within its territorial limits." It's a group of citizens that value our natural resources and are working to protect them for future generations to enjoy.
The Commission has its own web pages on the town's site where it lists projects and accomplishments as well as links to related sites.
A conservation commission shall conduct research into the utilization and possible utilization of land areas of the municipality and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes. It may propose a greenways plan for inclusion in the plan of conservation and development of the municipality. It may inventory natural resources and formulate watershed management and drought management plans. It shall keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marsh lands, swamps and other wetlands, for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of such areas, and may from time to time recommend to the planning commission plans and programs for the development and use of such areas. It may make recommendations to zoning commissions, planning commissions, inland wetlands agencies and other municipal agencies on proposed land use changes. It may, with the approval of such legislative body, acquire land and easements in the name of the municipality and promulgate rules and regulations, including but not limited to the establishment of reasonable charges for the use of land and easements, for any of its purposes as set out in this section. It may supervise and manage municipally-owned open space or park property upon delegation of such authority by the entity which has supervisory or management responsibilities for such space or property. The commission may receive gifts in the name of the municipality for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the gift. (Condensed from Chapter 97, Section 7-131a of the Connecticut General Statutes)
Chair: Scott Wieting
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Northern Connecticut Land Trust (NCLT) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in the northeastern part of Connecticut. The Mission of the Trust is to preserve the natural resources of the northern Connecticut region including agricultural land and other ecologically important open space. NCLT is integrally involved in protecting land in Ellington, Enfield, East Windsor, Somers, Stafford, Tolland and Vernon. They hold 6 properties in Vernon including 5 in the Valley Falls area.
The Rockville Downtown Association is a grassroots, volunteer organization whose mission is to
Preserve, Promote and Enhance Rockville’s Historic Downtown and to create partnerships that stimulate economic activity and action for a renewed sense of pride and community. Among their goals are Economic Development, Business Retention, Business Recruitment, Neighborhood Improvements, Housing Issues, General Physical Aesthetics and General Physical Amenities. Their Executive Director is Cliff Edwards.
Smart Growth for Vernon is a citizens group dedicated to promoting responsible growth and development in Vernon/Rockville, Connecticut. It works together with other local groups to promote public awareness of planning and development issues and to encourage public participation in preserving the town's heritage and environment.
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
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
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.
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