The state is providing financial help to a group of Franklin County farmers who are under investigation for possible violations of federal wetlands protections laws. The group has hired Montpelier lawyer and former Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Barbara Ripley to negotiate with the federal agencies and to work in the State House. Ripley also represents four individual farmers in cases that may result in federal enforcement action.
Wetlands provide unique habitat, serve to control flooding and cleanse water supplies.
They are also protected under state law and the U.S. Clean Water Act. Federal officials say the cases they ve opened so far involve more than 100 acres and are the largest potential violations of wetlands regulations in Vermont. Farmers met with Dean about two months ago to ask for help, said Mitch Montagne, who raises 400 cows in St. Albans. I think the state is totally behind us. The money is actually coming from the Agency of Natural Resources whose own wetlands protection office is also examining potential violations and will be transferred to the state Department of Agriculture, officials said.