Vermont Drought and Burn Ban Update

 in Uncategorized

Vermont remains under a statewide debris burning ban. No burn permits can be issued at this time. Fire danger remains high to very high across the state. Please visit the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Fire Danger Forecast webpage for daily updates, and contact your local fire warden with any questions.

In addition, Vermont is experiencing serious drought conditions:

  • 70% of the state is in Severe Drought
  • 24% of the state is in Extreme Drought

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has created a Drought Resources website with:

  • Drought data & maps
  • Drought impact reporting tools
  • Homeowner resources
  • Agricultural resources
  • Public water system guidance

Message from Vermont Emergency Management:
We continue to see drought impacts across the state, from dry wells to crop losses. With little rain in the forecast and rising temperatures, conditions may worsen.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has also requested a statewide agricultural disaster declaration. If approved, this will open additional loan programs for farmers.

Resources & Reporting

  • Report private well or spring issues: Use the DEC online Drought Reporter.
  • Public drinking water systems: Report drought-related problems to the Drinking Water & Groundwater Protection Division at 802-828-1535.
  • General drought observations: Submit through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) tool — please share this link widely so Vermont’s drought impacts are documented.

Guidance for Residents

  • Temporary solutions for dry wells:
    • Fill food-safe containers from a tested, safe source (such as a municipal water system or a trusted neighbor).
    • Purchase water from a certified bulk water hauler.
    • Do not pour hauled water into a private well or spring box (prohibited by state regulations).
  • Roadside springs: These are not safe for drinking or cooking because they are often contaminated. They may be used for bathing, washing clothes, and flushing toilets.
    • If used for drinking, water must be boiled for at least one minute. Even then, health risks remain, especially for infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

For more information on private wells and springs, visit the Vermont Department of Health’s Drought and Your Well page.

Voluntary Water Conservation Requested

 in Town Manager

The Town of Hardwick is experiencing ongoing drought conditions, and while our water system remains stable at this time, we are asking all residents and businesses to do their part in conserving water. Voluntary conservation now will help protect our supply and reduce the need for mandatory restrictions later.

Please help by:
• Limiting outdoor watering, including lawns and gardens.
• Avoiding non-essential water use such as washing vehicles, filling swimming pools, or hosing down sidewalks/driveways.
• Taking shorter showers and running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
• Fixing leaks promptly in faucets, toilets, and hoses.

Every effort makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that our community’s water needs are met throughout this dry period.

Thank you for doing your part to conserve water.

For updates, please visit the town website or call the Town Office at (802) 472-6120.

David Upson
Hardwick Town Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE- Town Highway 316

 in Uncategorized

Town of Hardwick

The Hardwick Select Board will hold a site visit and public hearing to consider the discontinuance of a segment of Town Highway 316 (TH316) in accordance with 19 V.S.A. Chapter 7 (§§ 709–711).

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM (Site Visit & Hearing)

Location: Main Entrance, Hazen Union High School

Description of Highway Segment:

The portion of TH316 proposed for discontinuance extends from its intersection with North Main Street to its terminus located at 283 North Main Street, a distance of approximately 0.03 miles.

The Select Board will consider whether this segment continues to serve the public good, necessity, and convenience. A formal written decision with findings will follow the hearing.

By order of the Hardwick Select Board

Adopted August 21, 2025

For additional information, contact the Town Manager’s Office at 472-6120.

Notice of Demolition – 24 Sawmill Lane

 in Uncategorized / Zoning

The property at 24 Sawmill Lane in Hardwick will be demolished on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 as part of the FEMA Buyout Program.

  • Contractor: ReArch Construction
  • Schedule: Work will take place during normal daytime hours
  • Safety: Asbestos and other hazardous materials are being handled separately under required protocols

Neighbors should expect noise, dust, and construction vehicle traffic in the area. Access to private properties will remain open.

Because this is the first FEMA demolition in Vermont from the 2023 flooding, representatives from the State of Vermont and state media will be present during the morning hours on October 8.

Questions may be directed to:
Kristen Leahy, Zoning & Floodplain Administrator
802-472-1686 | zoning.administrator@hardwickvt.gov

Thank you!

Vermont Drought Response

 in Town Manager

As you know Vermont is experiencing drought conditions across the State, see  Vermont | Drought.gov also see attached weather brief.  The State is collecting data on current conditions to assess how and if the State will be able to support those effected by the drought conditions.

If you are experiencing water supply issues, please submit them to the drought reporter. Drought Reporter Site,  It is a simple form to fill out to let the State know you are having issues. This  information is used to define current conditions and to see what support is needed.  Individuals can also be directed to drought.vermont.gov, this is a landing page for drought information and resources.

For current wildland fire conditions please see https://fpr.vermont.gov/forest/wildland-fire/monitoring-fire-danger . Individual town fire wardens are allowed to initiate burn bans if they feel it is necessary.

Several State Agencies, including VEM, Agriculture, Forest Parks and Recreation, and Department of Environmental Conservation are all posting to social media.  These are a great information source to check out.

The SEOC remains at Enhanced Operations to coordinate response and to facilitate the drought task force and the drought task force advisory committee.

For more information please click here