Vermont Recreation Industry Bulletin Board


Vermont Outdoor Guide Association

Vermont Recreation Directory    |   VOGA News Update

Volunteer Opportunities

LCI Little Anglers Derby and LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha
It takes over 80 volunteers each year to make the LCI Fishing Derbies the success people know them to be.  They would not be possible without the generous and enthusiastic support of people like you.  Please consider assisting Lake Champlain International, Inc. and the LCI Fishing Derbies on June 14 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. with the LCI Little Anglers' Derby.  For two hours at the Windermere Way Fish and Wildlife Access Area in Colchester, VT dozens of youngster will be attempting to catch fish, some for the very first time.  They will need help casting and baiting their lines, and landing their fish.  You need not be an angler to assist--just a caring adult or young adult.   At the conclusion of the event, each child goes home with fishing tackle courtesy of Ray’s Seafood and LCI.  There is no entry fee for the youngsters.  It is purely for fun--helping children build the same positive memories of fishing that we all have. 
Will you assist?  If so, please respond to info@mychamplain.net  or call 879.3466 by June 1.  There are also volunteer opportunities at the LCI Father's Day Derby presented Yamaha weigh stations, June 14, 15 and 16, all hours of the day and evening.  If you cannot assist, perhaps you would consider passing this note on to some of your friends and co-workers. Let us know where you would prefer helping out.
Thank you for your consideration and your willingness to make a positive difference. 
Sincerely, James  Ehlers, Executive Director 

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July 20-25, 2008, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Course for Educators
Vermont’s popular fish and wildlife summer course for teachers and other educators is slated for July 20-25, 2008, and presently there are still a number of openings remaining.  The hands-on field course that gets educators out into Vermont’s streams, forests and wetlands with some of the state’s leading experts takes place at the Buck Lake Conservation Camp in Woodbury.  Now in its 25th year, “Fish and Wildlife Management for Educators,” is a one-week, three-credit graduate course taught by Vermont Fish & Wildlife and other Agency of Natural Resources staff through Johnson State College.  Fish & Wildlife’s education manager, Mark Scott, who has organized and coordinated the program since its beginning, feels the program plays an important educational role for Vermont. Tuition is $400 for the week -- books, food and overnight facilities included.  A course description and schedule of activities are available from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com under “general education.”  You can also contact them by calling (802) 241-3701 or emailing janet.finn@state.vt.us. Buck Lake Conservation Camp in located east of Route 14, north of Woodbury Village.

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New Website for The Northern Forest Canoe Trail
We hope you will check out our New Website.  We think it looks pretty sharp, and — most importantly — it is set up to help you connect to paddling experiences along our route, unique local events, and more.  As we head into the paddling season, we’re especially excited about our Trip Planner, featuring a mapping interface and itinerary-building capacity.  Enjoy the site, and please share your feedback with us.

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June 7, 2008 Goshen, VT. - National Trails Day Event at Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
11 AM to 5 PM At Blueberry Hill Ski Center, Educational Exhibits, Instructional Demos, Guided Hikes, Food, Fun and More. Come and spend the day with us and learn about your local trails. No Charge. Donations accepted on behalf of Moosalamoo Association. Bring the whole family. Call for details: 802-774 -7900 or 802-247-6735

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Here in Hartland, VT we have starting a new program designed to combat "nature deficit disorder" by encouraging outdoor recreation.  The program is called the "Expedition Competition" and this summer's installment is the "fire tower challenge".  Kids age 10-16 will be traveling all over Vermont visiting Fire Towers during the months of June, July and August.  The more fire towers they visit (with proof in the form of a photo taken at the fire tower while wearing the issued hat) the more points they earn.  Extra points will be awarded to trips taken with two or more family members. 
Upon registration, participants will receive a hat (to be worn in each submitted photo) and a guide book, which includes trip planning, first aid tips, leave no trace, all potential fire towers, trip log and a field notes & drawings section.  Participants are to fill out a trip log for each expedition including a photo taken at each fire tower visited.  Registration is $30/participant with prizes awarded to the top three point earners, best overall photo and worst weather expedition.  For more information and to register contact the Hartland Recreation Department at (802) 436-2790 or email hartlandrecreation@gmail.com or visit our website at www.hartland.govoffice.com. -Andrew Cappello, Assistant Director, Hartland Recreation Department, (802) 436-2790

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Charlies Northland Lodge Still in Operation
Sad to say "Charlie's Northland" a sporting and fishing business ceased on 12-30-07. Finished after 55 years in business.We deserve a vacation from.Charlie and I will continue to operate our lodging, bed & breakfast called "Charlie's Northland Lodge", City Bay/  North hero Village. This also includes our vacation rental Charlie's on Lake Champlain, Pelot Bay. Our web. page is : www.charliesnorthlandlodge.com/ Dorice Clark

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Vermont Baitfish Regulation to Help Stop Spread of Fish Virus is Revised
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont’s “emergency” baitfish regulation that went into effect last October has been replaced by a permanent regulation that takes into account many of the concerns of anglers and yet still helps protect Vermont fisheries from a deadly new fish virus called Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).
Shawn Good, the Fish & Wildlife Department fisheries biologist heading their Aquatic Nuisance Species Team, says the regulation is necessary to help prevent Vermont’s waters and fish from becoming infected with VHS, which could result in devastating fish kills.  More:

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The Woods at Wihakowi Wants to Partner with Outdoor Proffessionals
We really want to hook up with guides, program directors, groups, etc.to host some group events here. It is a great location for retreats, reunions, naturalists, recreation, adventures, team building, etc. Cabins, Cottages, Camping, Weddings, Group Events, Reunions in Northfield, Vermont.. Contact Lisa Burr at: inquiries@thewoodsvt.com   Web: www.thewoodsvt.com

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May 7, 2008 - The Jay Peak Area Chamber of Commerce will have having its annual general meeting on May 7th at Jay Peak Resort at 6 pm. Guest speaker is Bill Stenger, President of Jay Peak Resort who will outline the planned developments at Jay Peak Resort and what it means for surrounding businesses. Anyone interested in doing business in this area who would like to join the chamber and network with existing members are invited to attend. For more information, contact Sarita Khan 802-578-7103.

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Would You Like to Help Stock Salmon Fry?
WATERBURY, VT – Here’s a chance to help contribute to fisheries conservation efforts in Vermont.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department are asking for volunteer help with the stocking of landlocked Atlantic salmon fry into the Huntington River on Saturday, May 24. The inch-long salmon fry will be scatter-stocked into shallow areas where they will grow for two to three years before migrating out to Lake Champlain to mature and eventually return to the rivers as adults. Volunteers are asked to bring a clean five-gallon pail.  You also may want to bring a pair of hip boots or chest waders, but they are not necessary if you don’t mind getting your feet wet and cold.  Unless water flows are unusually high, stocking will take place rain or shine. Interested people should contact Nick Staats at the Essex Junction Fish & Wildlife Office at (802) 879-5679 or toll free instate at 1-800-640-3714.

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Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Honored for Wetlands Conservation
‘Visible, on-the-ground results’ for Canadian waterfowl breeding areas
WATERBURY, VT – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has been singled out for its efforts to protect wetland areas important to migrating waterfowl. The department picked up the 2008 Bronze State Grant Award from Ducks Unlimited at the 73^rd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference last month in Phoenix. In presenting the award, the department was lauded for its share of conservation funding that “has produced visible, on-the-ground results in the Canadian waterfowl breeding areas.” More:

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QuickBooksR Classes Every Month!
QuickBooksR Advanced Beginners May 20
QuickBooksR Online Banking & Credit Card Downloading May 28
QuickBooksR for Beginners June 17
QuickBooksR for Contractors June 17
Do you have a new employee learning QuickBooks? Are you paying too much for data entry? Maximizing your use and knowledge of the QuickBooks Software! Classes are taught by Karen Siewert, Advanced Certified QuickBooks Advisor of the The CertifiedQB Group, LLC 1233 Shelburne Road, South Burlington, Vt. 05403 Register online at www.certifiedqb.com or phone (802)865-1051 for more information.

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Public Meetings Set for Discussion of Big Game Plans
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont’s big game management plans for deer, bear, moose and turkey are being updated, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking for your help.  Fish & Wildlife staff are holding five “open house” public meetings starting May 7th to share information and get your input. Fish & Wildlife is holding five public meetings to discuss issues and gather comments on wildlife management goals for Vermont’s four big game wildlife species.  The information you provide will help Fish & Wildlife develop a 10-year plan for black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and moose that incorporates the biological needs of the species and the interests of public. The management plan will serve as a “road map” for wildlife managers and the public to follow over the next 10 years to bring about desired outcomes such as population goals, habitat conservation, and nuisance animal policies that are biologically and socially acceptable.  A draft plan is being developed to describe the management history behind each of the four species and the species-specific issues facing them over the next ten years. All of the public meetings below will run from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.:
May 7 – South Burlington Middle School Cafeteria
May 8 – Berlin Elementary School Library
May 14 – Riverside Middle School Cafeteria in Springfield
May 15 – Rutland Intermediate School
May 21 – Lyndon Institute Town House

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Vermont Chamber of Commerce Presents the 24th Annual Vermont Business and Industry EXPO 2008
Booth Registration is Open!
Booth sales for the 24th Annual Vermont Business and Industry EXPO are going at a record rate this year!  The first floor is almost sold out and the second floor is filling quickly.  Booth reservations are first come, first serve so act now to reserve yours today.  Simply log on to http://www.vtexpo.com/  and click on "Floor Plans" to view the available booths and price sheet.  Remember, Vermont Chamber members receive a 10% discount and any new member receives 25% off their booth cost.  The trade show is scheduled for May 21 & 22 at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, Vermont.  EXPO is northern New England's largest business-to-business trade show attracting over 3,000 business leaders during the two day show.  In addition to the nearly 200 exhibitors, EXPO has a spectacular line up of special events, seminars, award presentations and networking opportunities. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Antonia Opitz, EXPO Director, Vermont Chamber of Commerce aopitz@vtchamber.com

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A Family Camp on Lake Fairlee, Vermont is Revived after 100 Years
Ohana Family Camp,        Summer 2008
1911 was a time of exploration and excitement worldwide, and Vermont was a part of this adventure.  Two New York science teachers made their way to Post Mills, Vermont to start a summer camp for the families of children who were attending the other 12 summer camps on Lake Fairlee.  It was a time when the pace of life was much slower and the lure of fresh air and nature drew folks from the city to the country. 2008 finds that same historic camp, originally called Shanty Shane, and now called Ohana Camp, reopening its doors.  Families who have that same desire to slow down, reconnect and enjoy each other in the natural world will find this camp a unique and perfect vacation spot.  The historic lodge has been restored, the quaint cabins with their fieldstone fireplaces have been renovated, but the magnificent views and the tranquil setting has not changed.  The site still beckons those who are looking for a place to slow down and enjoy the serenity of Vermont.
Located in the Upper Connecticut River Valley, the camp is close to Dartmouth College,  and 1 hour from Vermont’s Green Mountains and 1 hour from New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
The Aloha Foundation, 100 years old itself,  has recently purchased the property to keep it from being developed, and has decided to build on the tremendous success of its current summer and winter family camps. Founded in 1903, Aloha is known for its excellence in the field of children’s camps; Lanakila, Aloha Camp, Aloha Hive, Horizons Day Camp, Voyageurs Wilderness Trips and Hulbert Outdoor Center.  For information visit our website at www.alohafoundation.org/ohana  or contact us at Ohana Camp, 2968 Lake Morey Road, Fairlee, VT. 05045 or call 802-333-3405, lynn_daly@alohafoundation.org

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Leahy Secures $270,000 For Green Mountain Club Headquarters
Waterbury Center, VT -- Senator Patrick Leahy has secured a $270,000 federal economic development appropriation to help the Green Mountain Club (GMC) rebuild its Visitor Center, which includes the Marvin B. Gameroff Hiker Center. In January 2003 the Visitor Center, located in Waterbury Center, was gutted by fire.

In preparation for the Green Mountain Club’s 100th birthday in 2010, in June 2007 the club announced its Second Century Campaign, with the objectives of raising funds to rebuild from the fire, conservation of Long Trail lands, and increasing funding for future maintenance of the Long Trail, trail shelters, and stewardship of land near the Long Trail.

Construction is slated to begin this summer at GMC’s headquarters on Cabin Lane, just west of Route 100, midway between Waterbury and Stowe. The Green Mountain Club is a member-supported non-profit founded in 1910 to build, maintain, and protect the Long Trail as a free public resource. The club currently has 9,500 members. 200,000 people per year hike on the Long Trail.

Support for the Second Century Campaign comes from hundreds of individual donors, with corporate leadership from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Foundation, Casella Waste Systems, Carris Reels Foundation, Peregrine Outfitters, Laticrete International, Vermont Country Store, and Sugarbush Resort. Rose notes: “The Long Trail is a great example of public/private partnership.” To contribute or to learn more about the Second Century Campaign contact Green Mountain Club Development Officer, Shawn Keeley at 802-244-7037 x33. For general or membership information about GMC, refer to www.greenmountainclub.org .

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Ice Shanties Must Be Off the Ice by March 30^th
WATERBURY, VT – Cold weather may have extended ice fishing on some Vermont lakes, but a state law requires that ice fishing shanties must be removed from the ice no later than Sunday, March 30^th.  The same Vermont law requiring the name and address of the owner be on an ice shanty also requires that the shanty be removed before the ice becomes unsafe or loses its ability to support the shanty out of the water, or before the last Sunday in March (the 30^th this year), whichever comes first.  The fine for leaving your ice fishing shanty on the ice can be up to $1,000, and shanties may not be left at state fishing access areas. 

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You are invited to make your company, organization or attraction a part of the Eco-Adventures, Travel and Tourism Zone at the VT Going Green Expo. Attached is some additional information about the Eco-Adventure Travel & Tourism Area as well as a registration form. Since you may also have an interest in other Going Green Expos, I have also attached a links document with more information about our upcoming NH, and Maine Expos. http://goinggreenexpos.com/

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Please join Discover New England on April 14-16 at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut for the 13th Annual Tourism Summit & International Marketplace.
This is your opportunity to meet and do business with more than 40 international tour operators from the UK, Germany, France, and Ireland, as well as receptive operators from the United States. These operators will be at this event to expand their New England product. The Summit is also a great forum for discussing industry trends with your New England hospitality colleagues.
To register, visit www.discovernewengland.org/summit

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HELP NEEDED: WATERFALL ENTHUSIASTS.  
To complete a guidebook to all the known/unknown waterfalls, cascades and gorges in the state of Vermont. I am in need of several people from the different quadrants of the state to proof read and go to each location to insure they are correct before publication. For more details, please contact Rodrick Pingree at caverrick@yahoo.com

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Vermont Fish & Wildlife Asks for Reports of Dead or Flying Bats
WATERBURY, VT -- State wildlife agencies continue to monitor the spread of the sickness known as “white nose syndrome” affecting hibernating bats in New York, Vermont and Massachusetts.  The sickness has been documented in 16 caves or mines where an estimated 500,000 bats spend the winter.  In many instances, bats are flying out of the cave or mine and are now being observed by the public around residences.  Vermont officials see this as a means of monitoring the locations of affected bat populations throughout the state and are now asking the public to report observations of flying or dead bats.  

“We are already receiving reports of bats flying around during the day in Arlington, Pownal and Brattleboro,” said Scott Darling, bat biologist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.  “In some of these instances, this information is leading us to new caves or mines that have never been surveyed for hibernating bat populations, and this gives us additional sites to check for the sickness.  The more we can determine the speed at which this ailment is spreading and the site conditions that this sickness can be found in, the better we can piece together what is causing this sickness and how is it being spread.”

Vermont Fish & Wildlife has collaborated with USDA Wildlife Services so that public observations of dead or flying bats can be reported during March by calling the rabies hotline telephone number (1-800-472-2437).  Information provided through the hotline number will allow biologists to follow up on reports, respond to public inquiries, and, if necessary, collect dead specimens.  Bats normally leave their wintering areas as the weather starts to warm up, so reports of bat sightings after March are not needed. 

While there is no evidence that the sickness afflicting bats can be transmitted to humans, do not touch sick or dead wild animals.  People should not handle bats unless absolutely necessary.  Any bats that must be handled should be picked up with gloves or other materials that would prevent bites or contact with the bat.  Materials used in handling the bats should either be discarded or washed in hot water, detergent, and 10% bleach solution (1 ½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water). “We do not want to overstate the risk from this bat sickness, but we still do not know what it is that is causing these deaths,” adds Darling.

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Baitfish Regs Change to Protect Fisheries
Public Hearings Scheduled Beginning Jan. 29
Waterbury, VT – The 2008 ice fishing season is just getting under way, and anglers who fish with minnows are hearing about Vermont’s new emergency baitfish regulation enacted to protect Vermont fisheries.  The emergency regulation was put into place temporarily to allow time for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board to enact a permanent regulation that will replace the emergency regulation.  Hearings to gather public input and comment on the proposed permanent regulation will be held in late January and early February.
Shawn Good, the Fish & Wildlife Department fisheries biologist heading their Aquatic Nuisance Species Team, says the existing emergency rule as well as the permanent rule the F&W Board is working on are necessary to prevent Vermont’s waters and fish from becoming infected with a deadly fish virus known as Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).  Read More at http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Detail.cfm?Agency__ID=1263

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CVPS Helps In Osprey Nesting Program
Four Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) workers from Middlebury helped the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s conservation efforts recently by erecting several osprey nesting platforms. The CVPS crew erected three new osprey nesting platforms in October.  Two were placed atop living trees near East Creek in Orwell, and a new pole-type nesting platform was installed at a site in Charlotte.  The crew also repaired a leaning pole nesting platform in a field on Cassin Point Road in Ferrisburgh. Read More

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Find Out Who's Visiting Vermont
A report on the most comprehensive, in-depth survey of Vermont visitors in many years was presented by Economic & Policy Resources, Inc. (EPR) in Montpelier, on November 15. The Vermont Online Inquiry Visitor Profile report is now available for review both as a PDF file (970K) or as a Powerpoint Presentation (2MB).


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The discovery of Didymo in the upper Connecticut River and the White River has prompted Vermont Fish and Wildlife to ask for help in distributing information:

If you work or play on the river or send visitors there, it is important that you learn about this nuisance algae native to Europe and Asia. The following info was supplied to us by Michael Humling, Fisheries Biologist, VFWD.

Here are a few links that I’ve found useful thus far:
The best, Biosecurity New Zealand, particularly the info on Cleaning Methods and FAQs
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pest-and-disease-response/pests-and-diseases-watchlist/didymosphenia-geminata
 
Federation of flyfishers:
http://www.fedflyfishers.org/conDidymo.php
 
Portland State University in Oregon has a good American perspective and US distribution map (which of course doesn’t include VT yet).
http://www.clr.pdx.edu/news/didymo.html
 
US EPA, which has a great distribution map and other good info, their prevention methods refer to biosecurity NZ:
http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/didymosphenia/
 
I don’t think I can get an official statement together from VT Fish & Wildlife at this point, however I can certainly say that we’re concerned about impacts to native fish & wildlife and are working on the issue as we speak.  I’m attending a meeting later this week with reps from DEC, F&W and some other groups interested in the issue.  I’m sure that a byproduct of that meeting will be official information to distribute.
 
If there was one message we’d like to distribute at this point, it’d be that there are no known methods of eradication for this algae.  Prevention is the only effective strategy and cleaning off gear and disinfection is key.
 
As far as any contradictions between what has been printed in recent press releases and/or newspaper articles, I’d defer to the New Zealand information as they’ve been dealing with this issue for some time now.
 
Michael Humling, Fisheries Biologist, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
3902 Roxbury Road, Roxbury, VT 05669
802-485-7566 - office, 802-371-7519 - mobile
 

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Press Release: Are you looking for your own piece of Vermont to play, hunt or recreate on – without the pressures and headaches of ownership? Then give WoodWise Land Company LLC and their Lease Program, a try. Many parcels available - both large and small. For additional information check us out on the web at www.woodwiseland.com  or give either Matt - 315.317.0936 - or  Stu – 802.384.3608 a call.    

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Heather Forcier Wins Vermont Duck Stamp Contest
Vermont Wildlife Photographer Provides Four Waterfowl Images for State Duck Stamps
Waterbury, VT – Heather Forcier of South Burlington, VT is the winner of the Vermont’s Fish & Wildlife Department’s duck stamp photo competition.  Four of Forcier’s photos of wild ducks will appear on Vermont’s State Duck Stamps from 2007 to 2010.
 Wildlife biologists and a representative from the Vermont Waterfowl Advisory Committee chose the winning images earlier this spring from a field of 201 photos submitted by seven noted Vermont wildlife photographers.
She has assisted on photographic workshops throughout North America and co-founded the online nature photography resource www.NatureScapes.Net where she serves many functions, including Editor in Chief.  Her work is sold in several retail stores and has appeared in numerous publications, such as National Geographic Traveler, Audubon Magazine, Birder’s World, WildBird, the New York Times, and the Washington Post.  She has served as a photography judge for various organizations, including the American Birding Association for their Young Birder of the Year program.  For more information, please visit her website at www.heatherforcier.com.
Vermont’s first stamp went on sale in 1986.  For several years, when there was a strong market for State Duck Stamp Prints, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department generated over $3 million from the sale of prints and stamps, which went into a State Duck Stamp Fund to conserve and enhance waterfowl habitat..  Proceeds from the sale of Vermont Duck Stamps continue to go to the fund. 
To date, the fund has made it possible for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to complete 66 projects protecting or enhancing 8,229 acres of Vermont wetlands and adjoining uplands through purchases, easements and habitat improvement projects.

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Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour Gains Momentum POSTPONED to 2008
Governor Jim Douglas led a Vermont delegation to Boston on February 5 for the official launch of the Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour 2007. The Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour, which will take place August 5-12, is an eight-stage, Tour de France level professional bike race. The tour will begin in Montreal on Sunday, August 5 and proceed through Quebec in four stages. On Thursday, August 9, the Vermont stage will begin at Jay Peak and head south through Montgomery, Smugglers’ Notch and Stowe. The race will continue around Lake Elmore into the Capitol City and conclude at Sugarbush Resort’s Lincoln Peak in the Mad River Valley.
This is the first International Cycling Union (UCI) international bike race in the world with stages in two countries. The race was granted a 2.1 license that enables the organizers to invite teams of Tour de France caliber, including national team selections and the best teams representing Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, and others from around the world.
Jean-Marc Fournier, Quebec’s Minister of Education, Leisure and Sports, approved a provincial sponsorship of $2 million in public funding for the event. With the Quebec sponsorship commitment in place, Fournier reinforced the healthful aspects and promotional value of the event. He encouraged all in attendance on February 5 to strongly support the success of the Montreal-Boston Cycling Tour 2007 and to follow his lead of financial support through sponsorship.

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New Poster and Webpage Provide Information on Vermont’s Hidden Treasure – The Wild Brook Trout 
WATERBURY, VT -- Does your daily commute or trip to the grocery store take you across a small mountain brook?  Chances are you cross paths daily with one of Vermont’s hidden treasures – the wild brook trout.The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department announced today the release of a new poster and accompanying webpage - www.vtfishandwildlife.com/brooktrout.cfm   - that provide information on Vermont’s wild brook trout.The poster and webpage maintain a “treasure map” theme.  Viewers follow the path of a brook that takes them downstream, passing key messages about the biology, habitat requirements, and other benefits of wild brook trout, such as angling opportunities.  In the webpage, more in-depth information on each point is available at the click of a mouse.  Links to more technical information as well as several organizations whose goals are to promote and protect wild brook trout are also available.
“We hope the new poster and website help increase public knowledge and appreciation of our wild, native brook trout,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche.  “The information should help boost awareness of brook trout habitat requirements and lead to continued healthy populations of wild brook trout for future generations of Vermonters.”Posters can be picked up, free of charge, at any of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife offices in St Johnsbury, Barre, Springfield, Rutland, Waterbury, Roxbury, and Essex Junction.

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Crescent Moon Snowshoes Go Green
We announced our new policy of using all GREEN components for next season and to our surprise, we found we were the first and currently, only snowshoe company to commit itself to an “environmentally friendly” operation. Other innovations for the Crescent Moon Snowshoe line next season:  We changed our binding polymer in the Gold series to a much “stiffer” material which provides greater support and control, particularly on traverses.  We introduced a magnesium frame which reduces the weight of the shoes by approximately 275 grams per pair.  We plan to make it available in the Gold 9 model for next season.  It is remarkably lightweight.  If you have any questions please call.  all the best,  jake thamm, president cresent moon snowshoes and poles boulder, co303-494-5506 www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com .

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New Fee Structure for State Parks
Every year Vermont State Parks reviews its rules, regulations and fees and if necessary initiates a Rule Change Process in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act through Secretary of State’s office.  This year, we are proposing raising day use fees as follows:
* Increase adult day use fee from $2.50/per person to $3.00/per person
* Increase group day use fee from $1.80/per person to $2.00/per person
* Increase season vehicle pass from $75 to $80
* Increase 10-visit punch card fee from $18 to $20.
These fees have not been raised in seven years and the increase is needed to reduce reliance on General Fund to operate and maintain the state park system. You have been identified as a stakeholder whose input on the proposed changes would be appreciated by our organization.  For more information, please go to this link:  http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/news.cfm#proposedrules 

Please share this with interested parties, and send any comments to:
Craig Whipple, Director of State Parks
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
103 South Main Street, 10 South
Waterbury, VT  05671
craig.whipple@state.vt.us
Thank you for your interest and continued support of Vermont State Parks.

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Natural New England Magazine Closes
It is with regret that I must tell you that we have had to stop publishing Natural New England magazine. This was a very difficult decision.  Greg Walsh and I have really enjoyed producing Natural New England magazine for these past years, but it proved to be unsustainable.  As many of you know, it was a true kitchen-table operation and a real work of the heart.  We will miss it.  We did try to find a new home for the magazine, but it always came down to the numbers.  As one person commented, NNE is a great hobby but not a viable business....  We will miss being able to share the many wonderful stories of folks engaging in their extended backyards of the northeast.  And I will surely miss my engagement with each of you.  Another magazine, Northern Woodlands, a nonprofit out of Vermont (www.northernwoodlands.org), will be fulfilling our subscriptions.  They have an excellent quarterly publication and they may be contacting you about advertising.
It has been a pleasure working with each of you.   Thank you for your interest in Natural New England for these past years.  I hope that our paths will cross again.  With sincere thanks and best wishes to you all, as you enjoy the outdoors of New England ----- Lucy
Lucy LaCasse, Marketing & Sales, Natural New England, PO Box 2518, South Portland, ME 04116 - 207-767-7204 (NNE), 207-883-9492 (home office), 207-767-7205 (fax), 

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New IMBA Book Promises Great Riding
What makes one trail a success, while another is unpopular or the source of conflict? Why do some trails last for decades with minimal maintenance, while others require expensive repairs? Managing Mountain Biking: IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding gives solutions for these and dozens of other trail-related dilemmas. This 256-page book offers an essential collection of best practices for planning, designing, and managing successful trail networks and bike parks. More than 50 experts including land managers, recreation ecologists, professional trailbuilders, and experienced advocates—contributed to Managing Mountain Biking, creating the most complete reference of its kind. Strategies are clearly described with the aid of 270 color photos and 25 helpful illustrations; dozens of success stories from around the globe provide real-world examples of effective trail management. Visit http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/03_07/03_01_managing_mtbs.html 

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Catamount, puma, painter, panther, mountain lion are just some of the names given to a large but elusive will-o'-the-wisp cat that once haunted . . . or perhaps still haunts . . . the forests of the eastern United States and Canada.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is beginning a review of scientific and commercial information to determine the status of the endangered eastern cougar, the first review the Service has done since publishing a recovery plan in 1982.  The Service placed the eastern cougar on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in 1973.
As part of the review, the Service is seeking information on the status of the eastern cougar in the 21 states -- from Maine to South Carolina and west from Michigan to Tennessee -- where the Endangered Species Act protects it.  Lacking definitive evidence of the species' existence, the Service has presumed the eastern cougar to be extinct.  It is improbable that a small cougar population persisted in the eastern states for over a century.  Most of the confirmed cougar records since 1950 (animals killed, good quality photos/videos, genetic evidence) are known to be escapes of captive origin.  There may be thousands of captive cougars in the eastern United States.
"An important part of the Service's review will be to compile the best available scientific evidence and objectively assess whether the eastern cougar is truly extinct," said Mark McCollough, endangered species biologist in the Service's Northeast Region.  McCollough and other Service staff will prepare the status review. 
Anyone wishing to submit information regarding the eastern cougar may do so by writing to: Eastern Cougar, Northeast Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035 or by email to EasternCougar@fws.gov  Information must be received by March 30, 2007, for the status review, although the Service will continue to accept new information about eastern cougars at any time.

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Schirmer's Fly Shop in South Burlington, Expands Services
Schirmer's Fly Shop has added to it's already excelleny fly fishing instruction and guiding staff and is looking forward to a season of full service for all its customers.  Our web site is being upgraded to include gifts and fly fishing outfits for beginners and advanced anglers. Pricing is competitive and quality is high. Keep checking out < schirmersflyshop.com> and get some very good deals. Thanks, Ed Schirmer

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Hog Island Waterfowl Outfitters is now: Frontier Waterfowl Guide Service and Taxidermy
I have changed my name from Hog Island Waterfowl Outfitters to Frontier Waterfowl Guide Service and Taxidermy. Frontier Waterfowl Guide Service is located near Lake Champlain in Swanton, Vermont.  Voted in the top 5 waterfowling destinations in the east by Outdoor Life magazine (issue Dec/Jan 1998.)  We are close to the famed Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and a short distance from Canada. Frontier Waterfowl specializes in hunts for ducks (16 species), Canada geese and snow geese on the water and in agricultural fields. Thanks & Regards, Matt Martin www.frontierguideservice.com - info@frontierguideservice.com

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New Vermont Made Snowshoes

TSL Snowshoes, LLC based in Williston unveils its Vermont made snowshoes for the 2006/2007-winter season. When Tubbs Snowshoe Company moved it’s manufacturing to China last season, some of its ex-employees decided to start their own snowshoe company taking advantage of their knowledge of the industry and years of solid experience in manufacturing and selling.

Arnaud Claude, Tubbs former International Sales Manager, created Vermont Snowshoe Ventures, LLC for the launch of TSL Snowshoes, LLC. He contacted TSL Sports Equipment in France, the world’s leading snowshoe manufacturer and distributor, and asked them for their assistance in developing a brand new binding system, as well as a revolutionary new toe-cord rotating system to be used exclusively on its new Vermont made aluminum snowshoes.

Umiak Outfitters of Stowe, Vermont’s leading Snowshoe Center, will be using the Vermont made shoes on their famous Moonlight Wine and Cheese Snowshoe Tours and their Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tours as well as renting, selling and demoing them at their retail location in Stowe.

Steve Brownlee
Umiak Outfitters
802-253-2317

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Trailside accommodations in Groton State Forest
With a rustic charm and a warm welcome, Seyon Lodge at Noyes Pond is now open for trailside dining and lodging. Starting in 2006, enjoy home-style lunches while you explore the inspiring beauty of the surrounding landscape. Snowmobile trails in idyllic Groton State Forest lead you to the gracious hospitality of the lodge, where private and semi-private rooms can accommodate 16 overnight guests. Look for trail signs along Route 302, close to the CA10 trail intersection. For overnight reservations, call (802) 584-3829. Email: seyon.ranch.park@state.vt.us  Web: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/seyon.cfm

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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This Lake Champlain Lake Trout was caught by one of Captain Rich Greenough's (Sure Strike Charters) clients on Monday, September 19, 2005.  This just places an exclamation point on anyone who believes the Sea Lamprey problem is not serious.  This problem is presenting a serious impact to every business person who relies on the Lake as well as all sport fishermen.  Commissioner Laroche is an ardent supporter of lamprey control but even more emphasis is needed if we are to improve the health of the Lake and its fishery.  Along with sea lamprey, the invasive cormorant population is out of control and the combined effect is devastating to the fishery.  We do not need studies.  We do not need red tape.  We do not need hand wringing.  We need decisive action with measurable results on both fronts. HAT Board of Directors

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GUN OWNERS GUIDE TO THE LAWS OF VERMONT

MIDDLEBURY

Vermont's Second Amendment Attorney Cindy Hill has just released the Gun Owners Guide to the Laws of Vermont.  The book summarizes Vermont's weapons and
firearms statutes in one easy-to-read volume, with commentary and reference to leading cases and the reasoning behind Vermont's gun laws.   Every Vermont gun owner, whether hunter, competition shooter, or self-protection handgun owner, should keep this volume handy.

Gun owners all across America envy Vermont's practical no-license-required firearms laws, referred to as "Vermont Carry".  Now Vermont gun owners and out-of-staters can easily access the key provisions of Vermont's laws pertaining to firearms in one efficient book.

Cindy Hill practices law and writes in Middlebury, Vermont.  She is a life member of the NRA, Vermont Outdoors Woman, Gun Owners of Vermont, and the
Sportsmen's Club of Franklin County. 

The Gun Owners Guide to the Laws of Vermont (51 pages, 8.5" X 11", softcover) is available from Cindy Hill, 144 Mead Lane, Middlebury VT 05753.  Email for
additional information to lawyerhill@yahoo.com.  Single copies are $12.95, check or money order only, and sets of ten are available for $75.00 for resale or
distribution.

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All VOGA members are entitled to 50% off our rates with a 3 month or more contract.    www.livinmagazine.com. 
 

Vermonters are different. People from "away" say so, and we do not argue it. Unlike out-of-state publications that try to paint a certain portrait of what it means to be a Vermonter, or tourism publications that showcase only what certain folks want the outside world to see, LIVIN' is our own publication—the publication where every Vermonter's viewpoint can be seen and voice can be heard. And these viewpoints and voices have a place, no matter how foolish—because as all Vermonters know, fools

can, at the least, be entertaining, and winter is far too long not to entertain ourselves now and again. More important than entertainment, however, is that LIVIN' is the place where multiple sides of important issues will have their place, because here in the Green Mountain State, we know things are not always black and white—even cows.

LIVIN' is written for us Vermonters who think for ourselves and make up our own minds about the issues we know are really important: our families, our work, our communities, our environment, our recreation, and our health. Look for humor columns, recipes, garden tips, barn and garage wisdom, restaurant reviews, an events calendar, local people profiles, Vermont folklore and myths, and even places to hike, fish, sail, ski and snowmobile. We will explore Vermont history and local entertainment

options, mixed in with the hard-hitting commentaries and opinions on politics, business, education, taxes and the environment that keep us informed.

Think of every issue as a town meeting in your mailbox ... published six times a year.

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Vermont Outdoor Guide Association
P.O. Box 10
North Ferrisburg, VT. 05473
1 800-425-8747  (802) 425-6211
info@voga.org