VT DEC presents Draft 2026 Basin 1 Tactical Basin Plan and public comment timeline

Angie Allen, watershed planner with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, presented the Draft 2026 Basin 1 Tactical Basin Plan to the Bennington County Regional Commission on July 16. Allen used a story map to highlight findings and answered questions from commissioners and members of the public.

Allen said the plan — prepared on a five-year cycle — covers Basin 1 waterways including the Battenkill, Hoosic and Walloomsac rivers. She told the commission the public comment period opened on June 15, 2026 and will close on July 31, 2026. The plan is described in the meeting record as the proposed final plan; DEC staff invited comments as part of the formal review process.

The presentation focused on the report and outreach timeline; commissioners asked for clarifications and staff responded. No formal action on the plan was taken by the commission at the July 16 meeting.