Welcome to the DEC

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s mission is to preserve, enhance, restore and conserve Vermont’s natural resources and protect human health for the benefit of this and future generations. The DEC, along with the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and the Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation, is part of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.

Through its programs, the DEC manages water and air quality; regulates solid and hazardous wastes; and administers a number of voluntary pollution and waste reduction programs. While the DEC issues most of the state’s environmental permits, the department does more than just set forth regulations and assure compliance. Among other responsibilities, department staff members collect data; conduct research; run volunteer programs; develop educational and outreach materials and programs; administer grants; and work with conservation organizations and state and federal agencies to examine critical environmental issues.

The department is continually looking for ways to improve the DEC website and welcomes feedback. Please send questions or comments to DEC.webmaster@state.vt.us.