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Meet the Agency's Earth Day Heroes

2021 Earth Day Heroes

Hannah Phillips

State Lands Administration Program Manager

Selected for: her work to advance land conservation in Vermont

Hannah works with land managers in the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to develop and implement policies and processes that guide management decisions on ANR-owned lands. Working on behalf of Vermonters to support thoughtful management of public lands is a career highlight.

With a background in ecological planning, Hannah loves working with an interdisciplinary team of natural resource experts and members of the public to support the complex decision-making needed to manage for multiple uses on public lands.

Lately, she has been bringing this focus to conversations about the management planning process for ANR lands.

On her weekends, she gravitates to the seepy headwater wetlands tucked high in the flanks of Vermont’s mountains to satiate her ecological curiosities.

Quote to live by: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.” —Jane Goodall

 

Barb Schwendtner

Solid Waste Compliance Section Lead

Selected for: Professionalism and expertise in regulating solid waste

Barb is highly skilled in interpreting environmental regulations and brings her strong working knowledge to the solid waste field. She works with regulated entities to go above and beyond what is required by law. And, in the few cases where these entities don’t voluntarily comply with the regulations, Barb pursues formal enforcement with a vigor and professionalism.    

In her own words: When I tell people I work at ANR, everyone pictures me out on a lake or something. Solid waste work is not glamorous, but it is very interesting. Compliance work is not popular but it is important. What use are all the laws, rules, and permits on the books if nobody checks to see if they are followed? How unfair is it if one company follows the rules and another ignores them? Waste managed improperly pollutes the land, air, and water. However, waste managed properly still pollutes the land, air, and water, so let’s waste less.

 

Shalini Suryanarayana

Grants management specialist

Selected for: Her work to improve the state-level DEI training and her leadership on ANR’s DEI Committee.

Upon its inception, Shalini was appointed to the ANR Diversity & Equity Committee and serves on the DEC Environmental Justice Committee. This has afforded her the opportunity to learn more about environmental/social justice issues in our State and has further solidified her interest in remediating systemic disparities in statewide systems, as also evidenced by her work with the Center for Achievement in Public Service (CAPS) to re-design their diversity trainings.

She is enthusiastic about efforts to promote racial equity in addition to supporting other underrepresented populations and committed to serving and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Quote to live by: “Inclusivity means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued. I’ve always said: smart teams will do amazing things, but truly diverse teams will do impossible things.” - Claudia Brind-Woody.

 

Jeff Svec

Assistant Regional Engineer

Selected for: His work at the Springfield Regional Office to perform technical review and permitting of wastewater systems and potable water supplies throughout the region.

Jeff ensures Vermont’s water resources and drinking water supplies are protected. His high attention to detail regarding all aspects of project review of wastewater systems includes making sure the required separations are maintained from a wastewater system to seasonal high-water table, ledge, and water supplies to make sure there is proper wastewater treatment and disposal.

Jeff’s expertise and in-depth knowledge--of both the applicable rules and the communities he serves--is apparent in his success in communicating technical matters to the consulting community and distilling these complex issues in ways Vermont’s home and business owners can understand. 

In his own words: Working in a program that can impact human health and the natural environment, at potentially every property in the State, can be incredibly challenging and rewarding. Ensuring the viability of a property’s water supply by protecting the groundwater and maintaining a structure’s habitability with functioning wastewater disposal is vital work.

I’m proud to have spent most of the past two decades working alongside the amazing staff at the Springfield Regional Office and being a part of the statewide Regional Office Program, the DEC and the Agency of Natural Resources. Collectively, our work protects not only Vermont’s astounding natural environment but also the health of all Vermonters.

Quote to live by: “… a rich life consists fundamentally of serving others, trying to leave the world a little better than you found it.” - Cornel West

 

Kane Smart

Litigation Attorney

Selected for: Outstanding work to protect and defend Vermont’s environment

In his own words: I am one of 6 attorneys in the enforcement and litigation section who represent the various programs when they (1) enforce violations of their regulations, (2) have their permitting decisions appealed to the Environmental Court, or (3) review energy projects before the Public Utility Commission. As a result, I am an advocate and a counselor in what can be a very unfamiliar and stressful setting for my program clients.

My singular goal is to help program clients make informed decisions by advising them of the potential risks and consequences of those decisions, with the hope that together, we can efficiently and effectively carry out the Agency’s mission of serving the public and protecting the environment.

If that means actively participating in litigation by providing witness testimony or filing motions, I help clients navigate the process and zealously advocate for their positions. I’m their spokesperson in court.

One piece of advice: You should consider your lawyer to be your best friend, someone who you can confide in and trust to give you uninhibited advice, even if it’s not what you want to hear. We are in this together working toward the same goals of serving the public interest and protecting the environment.

 

Julie Richert

Vermont State Parks Customer Service Representative

Selected for: Her excellent work connecting people with the outdoors as the lead customer service representative.

In her own words: My favorite calls come from city folks asking for my recommendations on where they should stay and why. I then close my eyes, imagine I am in a park and talk about the things I love the most about several parks. In my mind I see the quietness, trees, family, and friends leaving everything behind and enjoying the parks. By the time the call has ended the customer has booked a site and in some cases I have had them call back for more recommendations because they were so happy with the first.

This is not a job - it is an honor to be in this position and I take pride in doing it.

One piece of advice: The time spent enjoying the beauty of our outdoors can never be enough. We want to all do our part to keep it this way so all generations to come will be able to enjoy it as well.

 

Ben Rooks

Fish Culture Engineer

Selected for: His leadership at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station (Grand Isle) to increase energy efficiency and update the water and wastewater treatment systems.

In his own words: I have worked at the Ed Weed Fish Culture station as the stations Fish Culture Engineer since December of 2008. Throughout the years I have worked here, much of the original equipment has been replaced with energy efficiency in mind. A few key examples are energy efficient lighting, updated water filtration, updated UV disinfection systems, and smaller more efficient boilers.  

The most significant upgrade has been installing and utilizing recirculation systems in the facilities start tank room. This in turn has led to a reduction in the amount of water that needs to be pumped up from Lake Champlain as well as the amount of heated water needed to reach yearly size goals for the Lake Champlain fishery. These changes have allowed us to downsize our main pumps from 250HP to 100HP pumps saving 650,000 kwh, which an electrical savings of $85,0000 dollars a year. The facility reduced the amount of propane used by 83%, going from 130,000 gallons of propane used to 22,5000 gallons currently. These new recirculation systems have allowed us not only save energy, but it has allowed us to raise a better product to support Lake Champlain’s Fishery.

 

Nicole Meier

In her own words: Working for the hunter education program here in Vermont, a big part of my job is connecting folks to nature. I think one of the best things we can do is listen to Vermonters and meet them where they are when it comes to the outdoors and education. Nature connection doesn’t have to be intimidating; it doesn’t have to be going hiking or hunting – it can start with observing a crack in the pavement where a dandelion grows. One of the best things we can do to reach out to different groups of people is to met them where they are and ask “What do you need?” rather than giving folks what I think they need. At the end, the outdoors belongs to all of us. Our relationship with nature and what nature means to us is a personal choice; it is only my job to help folks navigate that.

Quote: “In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." -Baba Dioum, 1968

 

Doug Morin

 

Bird Project Leader and Wildlife Biologist

Selected for: She wants to recognize the great work you’ve done to support the upcoming delisting of the bald eagle and the pending listing of the Eastern Meadowlark.

In his own words: The proposed removal of Bald Eagle from Vermont’s Endangered Species list is a major success. Bald Eagles, which didn’t breed in Vermont for sixty years, have benefitted from a range of federal, state, and local efforts. Like Common Loon, Peregrine Falcon, and Osprey before them, these species show us that conservation efforts can lead to positive results. So we should take a moment and celebrate. At the same time, the listing of Eastern Meadowlark points to declines occurring in many other species, and the need to continue our work.

Poem to share:

“…Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.”

Mary Oliver, Wild Geese

 

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2019 Earth Day Heroes

 

Kasey Kathan

Solid Waste Management Program | Department of Environmental Conservation

What’s your most memorable day in the field?
My most memorable day ever would have to be back before I started at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). I worked in the high Arctic and I was on this hypersaline lake with a retreating ice field to my back and a herd of musk ox grazing in front of me on the hill. I remember looking around and being overwhelmed at how complicated and amazing it all was and wanting to figure it all out. 
While I can’t say that I had the same feeling of natural wonder when I made my first trip to Vermont’s landfill after joining the Solid Waste Program, there was a similar sense of realizing how complicated it all was and needing to figure it all out, to understand, in depth, what was happening. Every time I visit a solid waste facility, I still have that desire to learn more.
In a sentence, how would you describe your job?
Organizing puzzle pieces.
Where’s your favorite outdoor spot in Vermont?
Roxbury State Forest, just out my back door. My boys and I can be at a beaver pond in minutes or take a longer hike if there’s time. For us right now, the best outdoor space is the one we can easily get to!
What’s one thing the everyday Vermonter can start doing today to help protect the environment?
Get outside.  Even if it’s just your backyard for an hour, the longer you’re out, the more you’ll be invested in protecting it. Find what you love about the environment by being in it, learning all you can, teaching others and then work to keep it. What we need to do is be inspired, fall in love with our natural world all over again, be overwhelmed at how complicated it is, and reenergize our motivation to do more and be better. 
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Everything, and the I settled on a lawyer, because they knew a lot about everything.  But eventually I found geology.  With geology, I always know something about whatever landscape I’m in and there is always more to learn.
Cake or pie?
Definitely pie. Apple with cheddar on top, I am a Vermonter after all.

Fish Biologist | Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

In a sentence, how would you describe your job?
I work with numerous Vermont, federal and Quebec partners to protect and conserve habitat for fish and wildlife which is enjoyed by anglers, hunters, trappers and wildlife watchers throughout the state.
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?
We are working with funding from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission that is focused on Lake Memphremagog and its three main tributaries. A two-year study surveying anglers during ice fishing and open water fishing seasons on both sides of the international border will provide a first of its kind look at angler catch rate and harvest rate of numerous fish species. We are also planning a multi-year effort on the Barton, Black, Clyde, and Willoughby Rivers to restore, expand and advertise nearly 60 miles of streambank property owned by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Tell us about one of your most memorable days in the field
Only one!?  I think my most memorable days have been handling landlocked Atlantic salmon at the Clyde river fish ladder. Two years ago we discovered 36 adult salmon ranging from 18 to 26 inches in the holding tank. A few Fish and Wildlife Department employees were there to measure, implant tags and transport the fish upstream, but the real joy was receiving help from numerous anglers who arrived throughout the day, volunteering their time to help move the fish upriver.
What’s one thing the everyday Vermonter can start doing today to help protect the environment? 
Plant trees!  Seriously, changing our perspective about what a healthy stream looks like can start with your own backyard stream, wetland or pond. Keeping an undisturbed buffer between your lawn or home and the water is the best way to protect fish from nutrient loading, water pollution, and temperature fluctuations. Those mature forests along a waterbody are a fish's best friend.  And if you don’t own property along a waterbody, you can reach out to your local watershed organization and ask how you can help.
Where’s your favorite outdoor spot in Vermont?
Jeez...if I tell you do you promise to keep it a secret?  Just kidding...I love the Clyde River from its headwaters to its mouth in South Bay. It has a wonderful diversity of fisheries, wildlife, and forest.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A bush pilot. I spent four years in school flying airplanes to get my commercial license then decided I preferred the outdoors to an airport. I think I made the right decision.
Cake or pie? 
Boston cream pie!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?
Listen to your constituents. The anglers have taught me a lot about the fish.

Jessica Savage

Recreation Program Manager | Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation

How would you describe your job in a few words?
My job is all about helping people play outside- it’s awesome.
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now? 
The Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program. We’re just getting started working with our pilot communities in Randolph and Newport. It is so amazing to see how outdoor recreation builds communities, connections, and economies.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A park ranger (specifically one who rode a horse). Or veterinarian. I got part of it really close!
Cake or pie?
Pie: warm blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream.

Watershed Forester | Vermont Department of Forests, Parks &Recreation

Your job in one sentence: 
The Watershed Forester provides technical training and information to land managers and the forest products industry related to protecting water quality during logging, as well as administering the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation's AMP (Acceptable Management Practices) monitoring and investigation program.
What's been your most memorable day in the field?
Tough question. I have been very fortunate to be able to work in forestry for the past 25 years where I have had thousands of memorable days in the field.  The diversity of work that I do -- from chainsaw work to marking timber, and from building bridges to leading logger workshops -- keeps me interested and eager for more.  If I had to pick one that’s most memorable, it would be the day I was on a prescribed fire near Maidstone State Park when, near the end of the burn, the wind shifted and the fire crossed the fire line and crowned out into a few, very tall, very mature balsam fir trees. Anyone there will remember it for sure. I had to cut down a snag that had caught fire from across the road.
Favorite outdoor spot in Vermont?
Ricker Basin, Mt. Mansfield State Forest. I am fascinated by the history of this place. The ability to read about each homestead in the book “That Beautiful Vail Above the Falls”, and then to see the changes over 80-100 years since it was abandoned by the residents (for the building of the Waterbury Reservoir), is a very powerful experience for me.  Being on the team that manages it and makes it available for people to learn about and experience is a great honor. 
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?  
I wanted to be a stunt rider in western movies.  I love horses and western movies and that just seemed like a good fit for me.  I also thought Bo Duke had a pretty good gig.
What's the most exciting thing you're working on right now?
The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation (FPR) is only a few weeks away from printing the new AMP manual, which will update the previous manual that was in effect for 30 years. This new manual, and the rules that are included in it have been my main focus for the last two years and will be used by loggers, foresters, landowners and many others for the foreseeable future.  This is a very significant document and I’m looking forward to completing it.

Aquatic biologist | Department of Environmental Conservation

In a sentence, how would you describe your job?
My job is a perfectly balanced mix of microscope/laboratory work and fieldwork. I sample the chemical and biological health of wadable streams throughout the state and I have the opportunity to work with other departments on various projects.  
What’s one of your most memorable days in the field?
My first summer with DEC, I was out with a team on the Connecticut River on an electrofishing barge. We caught a few hundred fish with a total of over 20 species. Some of the Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel and Mirror Carp were by far some of the largest fish I’d seen in person.
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?
It’s been a whirlwind to pull together, but I’m currently working with Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, DEC's Lakes & Ponds program, and the Lake Champlain International Joint Commission to sample a few marshes in the northern section of the lake to document the presence or absence of Northern Pike eggs on their spawning grounds. The importance of spring-inundated wetlands to these fish cannot be understated.
Where’s your favorite outdoor spot in Vermont?
One of my favorite places to explore is the Nulhegan Basin in the Northeast Kingdom. The wildlife is abundant, water clear and cold, and hardly any people. It’s one of my favorite places to get an early jump on fall foliage too.
Cake or pie?
That’s easy, carrot cake. I get my fill of cream cheese frosting while also reaching the recommended daily amount of vegetables in my diet.