The Vermont Guide Line                                             July, 2008   

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.

“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

More News

July 11, 2008 through Jul 13, 2008, - 22nd Annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival
25 of the nation's most prominent balloonists will lift off. Live entertainment Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa (1746 Mountain Road)
Launches Friday & Saturday, 6:30 pm Saturday & Sunday, 6:30 am Festival gates open Friday & Saturday, 3 pm Admission 802-253-7355

July 11, - 13, 2008, Mad Rally Motorcycle Ride In
The Mad River Valley is a motorcyclist's heaven with its winding, scenic paved roads. Enjoy a weekend of riding, tours, contests, games and some odd twists thrown in, such as Scottish Highland Games. Also included are Poker Ride, Bike Show, Antique Show, demos, and much more. Gates open at noon Friday and close at 4pm Sunday. Kenyon's Field, Rt 100 Waitsfield. $15 per day per person, Contact: Brian and Ruth Carto - toll free 1-888-892-2457. www.madrally.com

July 11-13^th 2008, Plymouth VT. Ultimate Paintball Weekend in Vermont!
Scout the grounds and strategize as you hike through 15 acres of sprawling forest scenery. Learn camouflage techniques, silent movement, and various tactical skills to become the ultimate weekend warrior! Select your game, and instructor Todd Parkins will show you how to play to win. Choose from: * Sniper Recon Missions *Rescue Missions * Enemy Camp Assault Mission (depending on group size) You can bring your own tent, or learn how to build shelters using natural building materials! Cost: $250 per person. HeadNorth, 1251 Grand View Lodge Road, Plymouth, Vermont 05056 - Phone: 802-672-2044  http://www.headnorthllc.com/  To Book Contact: Niki@headnorthllc.com

 July 13, 2008, Music in the Hay Mow - Bill Staines
On July 13th, the VYCC will host folk singer Bill Staines at the West Monitor Barn. The show starts at 7 p.m. and is open to the public with ticket discounts for VYCC Alumni. Join us for a picnic dinner and bbq with alumni and friends before the show starting at 5 p.m., and then enjoy a great evening concert in the beautifully restored barn. Tickets can be purchased through the Flynn Regional Box Office website or by calling (802) 863 - 5966. Special reduced price tickets for VYCC alumni are $5 and can be reserved by emailing alumni@vycc.org or calling (802) 434 – 3969 ext. 144. Reserve your alumni tickets now – there are a limited number available!This event is being co-presented by Events for Tom and the VYCC, with support from Smith, Bell & Thompson. We hope you can join us.

July 19 & 20 Ferrisburg, - Small Boat Festival
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, www.lcmm.org (802) 475-2022 Celebrate boating and small boats. Meet boat builders, try out watercraft. Special on-water events: Saturday Kids Duct Tape Regatta; Sunday Challenge Race and Really, Really Small Boat Regatta. Live music. 10a.m.–5p.m. rain or shine. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum at Basin Harbor, 4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT 05491

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.

July 24 –Knee Deep in Wild Flowers
Join other families with young children to explore forest, field and stream, foster environmental stewardship, and meet other outdoors-loving families. Each family-friendly naturalist walk is designed to introduce the newest generation of hikers to the intricacies of nature. Anyone is welcome to attend. Space is limited so please register at least 4 days before each hike. Fees: $7 for adults; $5 for kids ages 6–12; (kids ages 0-5 no charge).  A picnic area is available for those that wish to have lunch together. Juliet Barash, Group Outreach Specialist, Green Mountain Club, 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, VT  05677 (802) 244-7037 x.27   FAX  (802) 244-5867 groups@greenmountainclub.org www.greenmountainclub.org

July 26, Morrisville, VT. - “Lady's Only” Home Study Hunter Education Offered
Women are demonstrating every day that they are increasingly aware of the many outdoor opportunities Vermont has to offer.  With increasing awareness, comes increasing demand for exposure and training.  The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is very pleased to announce a “Lady's Only” Home Study Hunter Education class that will be instructed by, you guessed it, a woman. “We are very pleased to say that we have several, very experienced and knowledgeable, female instructors in both hunter education and aquatic programs such as Let’s Go Fishing,” said Ann Shangraw, hunter education information specialist.  “We’re adding an average of two female instructors a year, and it’s our goal to increase this average.  Typically, learning experiences are enhanced for women when taught by the same gender.  Everyone should feel completely comfortable in a learning environment, and that’s what we’re trying to provide.” The “Lady's Only” Home Study Hunter Education class will be held Saturday, July 26,  at the Lamoille Valley Fish & Game Club, Garfield Road in Morrisville, Vermont.  Hours are 8:00am – 4:00pm.   Pre-registration is required by calling (802) 241-3720 before July 10. Co-Sponsored by VOW

August 3rd 10a-4pm, Rutland, VT. - 1st Annual Petapalooza at Vermont State Fairgrounds
Royce Mandigo Arena, Sunday,  Would your business be interested in aligning with Catamount Radio as a vendor?  Do you have products that you’d be interested in selling or introducing to local animal lovers?  Are you seeking animal friendly volunteers?  Does your business rely on donations and fundraisers, and you’d benefit from community awareness? Call Catamount Radio at 802-776-7633, and ask about the 1st Annual Petapalooza!  Best wishes,    Carrie L. Allen, Catamount Radio NTR Director
 

For our complete listings, visit:
* General Recreation Events, Visit: http://www.voga.org/event_calendar.htm
* Women's Events and Outdoor Programming, Visit: http://www.voga.org/vermont_outdoors_woman_events.htm,
(Must include discount for members of Vermont Outdoors Woman to be listed)
* Outdoor Education, Training and Certifications, Visit: http://www.voga.org/outdoor_education_events.htm

Get your events listed by contacting us at info@voga.org

To be removed from this list, write us at info@voga.org  with Remove in the subject line.