Vermont Dedicates First
Yr-Round Conservation Camp
Vermont this week officially dedicated its first year-round facility designed for outdoor environmental education- the Edward F. Kehoe Conservation Camp Education Center

"Vermont's natural resources are the backbone of this state's economy, culture and historical roots," Gov. Jim Douglas said. "With this new center, I hope every young child gets to experience the outdoors."

The center, located along Lake Bomoseen, is named for Kehoe, the man who began the state's conservation camp program in 1966. Members of his family were on hand for the dedication ceremony, as were state officials, business owners, donors and lawmakers.

The governor also announced that more than $35,000 have been received in private grants toward the building's completion.

"Our conservation camp program epitomizes what private-public partnerships should look like," Gov. Douglas said, noting that over 160 private organizations are active sponsors of the program.

"For 42 years private fish and game clubs and countless civic organizations have provided scholarships for thousands of kids to get more in tune with their natural environment."

The Department of Fish and Wildlife runs the camps, which aim to make children environmentally aware at an early age while providing healthy and useful outdoor activities.