Vermont Recreation Industry Bulletin Board


Vermont Outdoor Guide Association

Vermont Recreation Directory    |   VOGA News Update

New Obstacle across the Winooski River For Paddlers
I am a Project Manager for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, Structures section and I want to alert paddlers to a potential danger that currently exists on the Winooski River, about two miles downstream of the Green Mountain Power dam in Middlesex, and about 1 mile downstream of the Winooski's confluence with the Mad River.

We are currently working to remove a structurally deficient bridge which carries US Route 2 over the Winooski River in this location. Because we are removing concrete and steel and these activities pose a danger to any one on the water, we have installed warning signs and a line of buoys across the Winooski River. As of yesterday, the area immediately surrounding this bridge location is closed to paddlers. It is possible to take your watercraft out of the river just upstream of the bridge, and walk around the construction site, and put back in just downstream of the bridge.

We plan to have all work at this location complete by Labor Day, but until then no watercraft will be allowed through the construction site. Please pass the word on to anyone who may be planning a canoe or kayak trip through this area. Thank You. Martha Evans-Mongeon, Project Manager,  Structures Section, Vermont Agency of Transportation, 802-828-0514 Ryan McCall
 

Didymo Found in Mad River
WATERBURY -  Water quality scientists at the Agency of Natural Resources have confirmed the presence of didymo in the Mad River, the first time the invasive freshwater alga has been found within the Lake Champlain Basin.

Short-Circuiting Nesting Trouble - Osprey Get a Safer Nesting Site
WATERBURY, VT- Central Vermont Public Service utility worker Steve Brilyea knew trouble was brewing when he saw the sticks on top of a power pole near his home in Shoreham.  He realized ospreys were trying to nest on the pole and that something needed to be done.  Ospreys nesting on live power poles are at risk of electrocution and may also short out the lines and cause a fire.  The birds needed a safer alternative and Steve, having helped to install several osprey nesting platforms, knew what sort of site was needed.
 
“We’ve had other instances of ‘nuisance’ osprey nests on power lines,” said Tina Scharf, osprey project coordinator for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.  “What makes this situation unique is Steve immediately offered to host a nesting platform on his property.”  Thanks to the efforts of Steve Brilyea and CVPS Middlebury Operations Supervisor Jon Martin, linemen Joe LaRock, and Tom Murphy, the ospreys now have a safe nesting platform with a beautiful view of Richville Dam.  “Fish & Wildlife wanted to put up a platform at Richville Dam years ago, but couldn’t locate a good site,” added Scharf.  “We’re very grateful to Steve Brilyea and CVPS for generously providing the land and resources to install a platform there.”
 
Ospreys were once endangered in Vermont.  Surveys for osprey breeding in Vermont found no nesting activities from 1975 to 1986.  Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department began putting up nesting platforms in the late 1980s and partnered with electric utility companies to erect more nesting structures where suitable osprey habitat was found.  The results were dramatic.  In 2005, the osprey was removed from the state’s Endangered and Threatened Species List.  There are now over 100 known nesting sites in the state.

**********************

Vermont’s 2008 Moose Auction is Open for Bids
Waterbury, Vt. – Always wanted a moose hunting permit but never won one in a state lottery?  Here’s your chance to bid on a permit, rather than take your chances in another moose permit lottery. Vermont’s fourth annual auction for moose hunting permits is now open with a July 28 deadline to get in your written bid for a permit.  Five permits will be auctioned.  Auction winners will choose to hunt in one of several wildlife management units (WMUs) open to moose hunting and choose during one of two hunting seasons -- either October 18-23 or October 25-November 2.  Hunting success rates for individual management units may be found in a report on Vermont’s 2007 Moose Hunting Season available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).  Under “Hunting & Trapping,” click on Big Game Harvest Reports. 
You will be able to name a partner to hunt with you who also may carry a firearm or bow, and a third unarmed person may accompany you on your hunt.  Winning bidders also must purchase a hunting license ($20 for residents and $90 for nonresidents) and moose hunting permit ($100 for residents and $350 for nonresidents). To receive a 2008 Moose permit bid kit, contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT  05651-0501.  Telephone 802-241-3700 or email (fwinformation@state.vt.us).  Wildlife biologists are prescribing that 1,260 moose hunting permits be issued for the 2008 hunting season. Proceeds from the moose hunting permit auction will help fund Fish and Wildlife educational programs.  Last year bids ranged from $4,272 to $8,001.  Winning auction bidders from last year may apply in this year’s lottery and may bid in the auction again this year. 

**********************

“Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge 2008”, is a statewide outside scavenger hunt designed to encourage kids and families to get outside this summer. Participants just have to download a score sheet, venture around the state, participate in a variety of fun outdoor activities for which they receive points. Once they accumulate a certain number of points, they are awarded a free pass to state park day use areas for this year – and next. It’s simple, inexpensive and fun! The info is posted on the parks website at http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/venturevermont.cfm

**********************

VDTM Launches "Vermont Fuels Your Vacation" Promotion
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing will kick off its third annual fuel-themed tourism promotion to encourage visitors and Vermonters to explore the state this summer. “Vermont Fuels Your Vacation” is a 15-week promotion featuring a $100 gas card giveaway every week. Vermont residents and non-residents can register to win at www.VermontVacation.com/fuel and gas cards may be used at participating gas stations in Vermont. Entries will be accepted now through late September.Six of ten (59 percent) Americans who are currently planning a trip with their car, truck or SUV this summer will not change their travel plans even with additional increases in the price of gas, according to the Travel Industry of America.

**********************

Causeway Bike Ferry News
For 2008, the bike ferry across the cut in the historic and incomparably scenic marble causeway between Colchester and South Hero will operate for all five weekends in August, plus Labor Day (September 1st). A donation of at least $5 to help offset our operational expense is suggested for round-trip passage. http://www.localmotion.org/advocacy/newsletter.php?nl=june2008#bikeferry

**********************

Volunteers Needed at The Big E in September
We're looking for volunteers for the Big E in Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 12-28.
The Big E is the ninth largest fair in North America with an annual attendance of more than 1 million. The Big E features top name entertainment, major exhibits, agriculture, animals, amusement rides, food, shopping, crafts, parades and much more. The Vermont tourism counter is located in the Vermont Building. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote your region, business or service.  Each day is divided into two shifts: opening (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or closing (3 p.m. to 9 p.m.). You are welcome to work both shifts AND multiple days. We have limited space for volunteers per shift. To sign up or for more information, please contact Christiane Skinner at Christiane.skinner@state.vt.us. For more information about the Big E, visit www.thebige.com

**********************

Appalachian Trail Adventures opens for the season on June 1st.
A.T. Adventures is a hiking spa that provides an all inclusive vacation; hiking guides, daily spa cuisine, fitness classes and cooking demonstration. To learn more go to www.appalachiantrailadventures.com

**********************

Young Wildlife Belong in the Wild
We all enjoy watching wildlife, especially at this time of year when young animals are appearing.  But, the temptation to pick up young wildlife that seem to be in trouble or abandoned can do more harm than good, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. 

People often mistakenly assume that young animals they see without adults are helpless, lost or in trouble and need rescuing.  Taking young wildlife from the wild into a human environment is not a good idea and is against the law.  The results are often permanent separation from their mother and almost always a sad ending for the animal.  Handling wildlife also involves threats to the people involved.  Diseases as well as angry mothers can pose significant dangers.  Moose and bear are especially dangerous and can be expected to attack humans in the vicinity of their young.   

 “Leave baby animals alone,” is the advice of Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche.  “If you find a bird that has fallen from a nest or some other small animal that is in a road or other obviously dangerous situation, place it in adjacent trees, bushes or other cover and leave the area.  Their mothers will almost always return, care for and move young to a safer place.”

**********************

Cliff Tops and Overlooks Closed to Protect Nesting Peregrines
Hiking Vermont’s hillsides is a great way to enjoy a warm spring day, but the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department recommends you check to see if the area you’re planning to hike or climb is open.  Nine cliff areas are currently closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. “The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to the cliff tops or overlooks,” said Doug Blodgett, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department biologist.  “In many cases the lower portions of the trails are still open.”

Cliff areas or portions of cliff areas currently closed include:
Nichols Ledge in Woodbury –cliff access is closed,
Fairlee Palisades in Fairlee – access to any part of the cliff is closed,
Deer Leap in Bristol – access to any part of the cliff is closed,
Bolton Notch in Bolton – trial below cliff is open, but cliff access is closed,
Rattlesnake Point in Salisbury – overlooks are closed,
Mt. Horrid in Goshen/Rochester –Great Cliff lookout is closed,
Snake Mountain in Addison – cliff top south of pond is closed – all trails are open,
Smuggler’s Notch in Cambridge – roadside access to cliff southeast of Elephant Head is closed,
Marshfield Mountain in Marshfield - cliff access is closed

Updated information on cliff closures is listed on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department website: www.vtfishandwildlife.com or by calling 802-241-3700.  You can report peregrine sightings by calling Vermont Fish & Wildlife or emailing fwinformation@state.vt.us.

**********************

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 

**********************

Summer Bait Fish Dealers
R&L Archery's web site has been updated with a list of summer bait fish dealers, following immediately under that list is the registration form for annual trophy fish entries.

**********************

Vermont Golf Association Newly-Revised Website
After several months of hard work, the new website is up and running. We hope you find it most useful for your purposes. Richard H. Mihlrad, President, Vermont Golf Association, www.vtga.org, rmihlrad@sover.net, 802-645-1907 (phone/fax)

**********************

Vermont Culinary Resort Announces Major Expansion
Essex (Burlington), VT. May 20, 2008 – The Inn at Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort^TM, has announced a major expansion of its facilities and programs, including the first resort spa in Chittenden County built to AAA Four Diamond Standards.

Construction began this spring on the new 22,000 square foot spa. The new building, designed by Wiemann-Lamphere Architects of Colchester, will house a 25-yard indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, 11 treatment rooms, a fitness center and locker rooms featuring steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas.  Dousevicz Inc. is general contractor for the project.  The spa is expected to open in May 2009.  

“Our vision for the Inn is to provide several interesting new programs, each with a unique culinary aspect,” said Glanville.  He cited the following new programs:

• Professional development programs for regional chefs and expanded cooking classes for the public.

• Hot air balloon rides in The Inn’s new custom balloon. In addition to regular one-hour flights, a Culinary Balloon Excursion will be offered with an on-board chef preparing a gourmet breakfast.

• Culinary team building events and “iron chef” competitions.

• A fly-fishing program, now offering guided trips to northern Vermont’s trout-rich waters and a chef-prepared streamside lunch. The Inn has been named an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge, and Orvis-endorsed guides will lead the fishing trips. An on-site casting pond, stocked with trout, opened this month.  The Inn will offer a selection of Orvis products.

The Inn is a popular location for corporate meetings and events. In partnership with Northern Lights Challenge and Leadership Institute it is expanding its corporate leadership development facilities with an on-site ropes course that provides both high and low elements, a climbing wall and twin 400-foot, four-story zip lines.

**********************

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.

**********************

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

**********************

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

**********************

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

**********************

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:

**********************

The Woods at Wihakowi Wants to Partner with Outdoor Professionals
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

**********************


The Northern Forest Canoe Trail's New Website

**********************

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:

**********************

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.

**********************

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

**********************

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 .

**********************

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

**********************

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.

**********************

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

**********************

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

**********************
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).


**********************

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

**********************

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.    

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.

**********************

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.

**********************
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

**********************
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

**********************
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

**********************

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

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