WELCOME, ROCK RIVER VISITORS
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Spring 2020 - What is New and What to Be Aware ofAs the spring days grow longer and the earth warms, our thoughts return to the sanctuary along the Rock River in Vermont.
This spring season is one with a difference: the outbreak of Covid 19 – Corona Virus. As you are aware of the restrictions on life activities that are in place in your communities, the same holds true here in Southern Vermont. Listed below is information from the Sate of Vermont Department of Health. There is more information as to the current status of Corvid 19 in the state. Please use the hypertext link to the Vermont Department of Health https://www.healthvermont.gov/ (Control + Click to open the link) At this time, we are advising people to follow the same instructions that are in place within their local communities. Social Distancing of at least 6 feet away. As much as people want to come out after a long winter, it is advisable to check the Vermont Department of Health and follow their guide lines. The small communities of the river valley have limited resources. Hospitals and other resources are on a small scale, unlike what is available in larger urban areas. Please consider common sense practices before contemplating travel during these times. We will be monitoring and updating this site as changes in the area occur. ROCK RIVER ENDOWMENT FUND As the result of a suggestion from a frequent donor, the Rock River Preservation, Inc (RRP) Board established the Rock River Endowment Fund, during their Board meeting on October 8, 2019. The fund has been established to ensure the financial sustainability for RRP going forward. The fund will provide a vehicle for men to include Rock River Preservation in planning their life/estate bequests. It will also accept current donation intended for the long-term financial viability of RRP. While we are in good financial shape now, there will be opportunities and challenges in the future to maintain and enhance our mission that can be served by the Fund. Fund assets will be separated from operating funds and invested in Vanguard Group mutual funds with low annual costs so that the initial investment can be preserved and grow with time. Donations to the Fund can be made by check sent to RRP, PO Box 1095, Brattleboro VT 05302 or through the Paypal link on our website. Please indicate that you want your gift to go to the Rock River Endowment Fund. All gifts are deductible in accordance with IRS regulations – we’re a 501(c)3 charity. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can email me at rockriverpreservation@gmail.com. Hugh Russell – RRP Treasurer. Annual Rock Preservation Fund Raiser At this time, we have tentatively placed a hold on the Annual Fund Raiser that has been traditionally held on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. The current state of affairs with the Covid 19 – Corona Virus and the rules regarding gatherings necessitate this hold. We will be monitoring what progress might be made and updating this entry in the future. Please check back here for changes. Property for Sale We have been informed that a property abutting Rock River Preservation land on the west side has been placed on the market. If you are interested in this land, please contact the Realtor directly for any additional Information. We regret that we can not respond to email regarding this property - please call the Realtor directly. If the link below 'Click Here to View Listings' does not function, copy and paste the following link into your browser address bar: http://neren.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=c57beba0-e31e-4650-aa94-cd6844d6b013&Report=Yes It is the second listing; 0 Grimes Hill Road. This Property brought to you by: Thom Dahlin Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Cell: 802-380-0235 802-254-6400 ext160 www.berkleyveller.com Wanted: A Few Good Board Members!
A year into the acquisition of the additional 21 acres, a number of things have changed for RRP. More items need to be taken care of and addressed.
Currently RRP has four board members and one advisory member. We are looking for two additional members to add to the board. We would also like to have people willing to work with the board on an ad hoc capacity, should there be a need. Click here for more details. Trail Restoration and a Call for Volunteers
The trail is a wilderness experience, with areas of difficulty, hence the importance to have proper foot wear when hiking in. Trail restoration will make the areas that have become difficult to traverse a bit more easy to travel on. In April, the board took the first steps to upgrade trail facilities for the 2019 season. We blazed a trail for Newbrook Fire and Rescue to have emergency access to the fifth beach, removed logs to allow passage for an ATV, and posted the first of the new brown/cream signs on the property that was purchased from the Swartz family. Other activities included marking out the safest trail across the two ledge areas on the main trail from Route 30 and a volunteer trail repair day in late May. If you're interested in contributing to these continuing efforts, please email RRP and give us your name and a way to contact you. Details About the Last Fall's Land PurchaseIn late November 2018, Rock River Preservation Inc. purchased 21 acres of the Robert Swartz property along Rock River. This historic transaction was made possible by donations from gay men across the country and Canada, some of whom have been gathering on this land for decades.
For perspective on the sale of this land by Robert Swartz and his daughter Jennifer to RRP, and visit our "Land Purchase" page and read the feature story by Scott Kearnan in Boston Spirit magazine. Thank you to the 200 individuals and couples whose donations made this possible! Rock River and Rock River Preservation, Inc.
Rock River is a tributary of the West River, running its entire course within Windham County, Vermont. The river provides essential habitat to a wide range of plants, animals and aquatic life, which depend on a clean water environment. As the river winds downstream, it has also traditionally provided sanctuary and solace to varied groups of users who prize the cool, clean water and warm rocks for summertime recreation.
Rock River Preservation, Inc. - formed by a group of gay men to purchase the land and preserve the area as it has been in the past - has protected this site through a conservation easement with the Vermont Land Trust. We users are all the caretakers of this special place. To ensure that the environment remains healthy, that everyone’s rights are respected and that all may continue to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this special place, please join us in observing the following guidelines:
Rock River Preservation wishes you an enjoyable visit.
IF YOU’RE HERE, IT’S YOURS! PLEASE HELP OTHERS FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES TO KEEP OUR RIVER BEAUTIFUL Rock River Preservation Inc., PO Box 1095, Brattleboro, VT 05302 rockriverpreservation@gmail.com |
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