AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The Community Edition
FEBRUARY 2018 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- View as Webpage
Greetings from Secretary Julie Moore

I love Vermont for its mountains and woods, water and wildlife. Every day, I come to work ready to protect the health and beauty of these natural resources. As Secretary, my goal is to look out for Vermont’s environment, to do right by the land for both this and future generations.

One year ago, I set out on a listening tour, traveling to towns across the state to hear directly from Vermonters about the challenges surrounding the management of our natural resources and possible solutions.

This year, I’m taking these conversations a step further by hosting a series of open forums focusing on specific topics that are top-of-mind for many Vermonters right now, including clean water, the long-range management of state lands, and the health of Vermont’s moose herd.

I’d like to invite you to attend one, two or all three of these upcoming community meetings to discuss current challenges and talk about crafting a better Vermont together. And although each session will center around a specific issue, we’ll open the floor at the end of the hour for questions or comments on any topic that you wish to bring forward.

At the first meeting on February 27 th  from 4:00-5:00pm in Montpelier, we will be discussing a very hot topic right now, clean water. The full schedule is listed below and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you!

--- Secretary Julie Moore
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Upcoming community meetings with Secretary Moore
All meetings at Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier

# 1 - Discussing Vermont's Clean Water
Feb 27, 2018 4:00 – 5:00 PM

# 2 - Talking about Long-Range Management of Agency Lands
April 24, 2018 4:00 – 5:00 PM

# 3 - Update on the Health of Vermont’s Moose Herd
June 26, 2018 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Seating is limited to ~35 people so please come early to make sure you get a seat. 
For more information, please email Elle O'Casey at elle.ocasey@vermont.gov

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DEPARTMENT OF FORESTS, PARKS AND RECREATION
The Urban & Community Forestry and County Forester Programs Connect Communities to the Trees in Their Downtowns and Backyards
As Vermonters, we’re fortunate for many things. And one of those reasons we’re lucky to call Vermont home lies at the heart of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation’s mission: direct access to vibrant, healthy forests right at our doorsteps. Forests strengthen our community vitality, our quality of life, our environment, and our economy, and we’re proud of the work we do connecting communities to their forests both on public land and with private landowners. For many decades, our Urban and Community Forestry Program and County Forester Program have provided community support to help towns and individuals enhance and conserve their valuable forest resources for the good of the public and the environment. >>> Read More
Partnering with Communities Across Vermont to Balance Recreation and Healthy Town Forests
Vermont has a long and proud tradition of town-owned and managed forests. These forests promote community vitality and provide priceless public benefits like watershed protection, wildlife habitat, forest products, outdoor classrooms, and neighborhood gathering places. One major benefit of town forests -- outdoor forest-based recreation -- offers both great opportunities and growing challenges. Increased pressure from multiple recreation groups accentuates the need for planning assistance to balance the growing recreation interests with the health of the forest. In response, the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program and partners have received a grant from the US Forest Service to provide recreation planning assistance to ten diverse communities in Vermont. >>> Read More


DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Help Vermont's Natural Communities
While Doing Your Taxes

Vermonters interested in conserving wildlife should donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund on their state income tax form this year. The fund helps protect some of Vermont’s most threatened wildlife such as bald eagles, lake sturgeon, spruce grouse, and bats. >>> Read More





DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
It's Easier than Ever to Stay Updated on Permitting Activity in Your Community

The Department recently launched the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB). For the first time ever, this online hub lets you easily track permit applications and add comments.  Whether you’re interested in invasive species control, facilities that manage food scraps, water quality, or shoreline development projects, ENB offers an easy way to stay informed. >>> See ENB for yourself
IN THE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Intro to Fly Tying Courses
Sign up for this introductory fly tying course focused on material, hook, and thread terminology. Techniques such as thread control, proportion, tying on materials, dubbing, and wings and tails will be covered while tying a variety of flies.

Castleton Course
Kehoe Conservation Camp, 636 Point of Pines Rd., Castleton
The four-week course will be held on Monday evenings from 7pm-9pm on February 26, March 5, 12, and 19. Participants are expected to attend all four evenings. 

Berlin Course
Annex Building, 190 Junction Road, Berlin
The four-week course will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6pm-8pm on March 7, 14, 21 and 28. Participants are expected to attend all four evenings.

Trout Management on the Batten Kill
February 23, 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Neighborhood Connections, 5700 Mountain Marketplace, Londonderry
The Batten Kill is one of Vermont’s pre-eminent wild trout streams and the status of its brown and brook trout populations have been closely monitored since the early 1980s. Lee Simard, Fisheries Biologist, will give a talk on the history of the Batten Kill and the Fish & Wildlife Department's past, current, and future management practices. 

Cut with Confidence workshops
February 24, March 3, or March 10; 1:00-3:00 PM | 600 Schuler Road, Derby VT
The Cut with Confidence workshops will help landowners better understand the ins and outs of a successful timber harvest. Register for one, two, or all three workshops. The discussion will cover contracts, silviculture, and everything in between. 

Vermont's Wildlife in a Changing Climate
February 28, 10:00-12:00 PM | Dummerston Grange Hall, 1008 East-West Rd., Dummerston Center
Through colorful photos and captivating stories, the audience will come away with a new understanding of how climate change is affecting wildlife. Tom Rogers, with the Fish & Wildlife Department, will talk about what people can do to help conserve biodiversity in Vermont in the face of these new threats.

Public Discussion on Baitfish Regulations
February 28, 6:30-9:00 PM | Lake Region Union High School, 317 Lake Region Road, Orleans
The Fish & Wildlife Department is hosting a public discussion session on Vermont’s fishing regulations. Department officials are hoping to engage anglers in a discussion and gather public opinion on the state’s baitfish rules

Land Use Planning to Address Forest Fragmentation
March 1, 12:00-1:30 PM | Webinar
Beginning in 2018, Vermont’s Act 171 requires that municipalities and regions that are updating their municipal and regional plans identify areas that are important as “forest blocks” and “habitat connectors” and plan for development in those areas to minimize forest fragmentation. As town and regional plans come up for revision, many communities are now attempting to create the required maps and write the appropriate language. This webinar will provide background, tools, and samples for this implementation process. 

Free Basic Ice Fishing Clinic
March 6, 10:00-2:00 PM | Location:  Retreat Meadows, Brattleboro, VT
This hands-on clinic will cover everything you need to know to go ice fishing. Topics will include ice safety, hole drilling, equipment and techniques, regulations, and much more. Registration is required and can be completed by emailing letsgofishing@vermont.gov or calling 802-265-2279. 

Rattlesnakes in Vermont
March 8, 7:00-8:30 PM | Community College of Vermont, Rutland Campus, 60 West Street, Rutland
Fish & Wildlife Department biologist Doug Blodgett shares research findings and life history description of rattlesnakes surviving at the most northern reaches of the species' continental range in Vermont.

Deadline to Submit to the Growing Works of Art Contest
March 16th
Calling all Vermont students in grades 1-8: submit your tree-inspired artwork to the Growing Works of Art Contest! This year’s theme is “Share A Tree Story: How a Tree Has Helped you GROW!” Celebrate the connections we share with trees by creating a work of art that showcases fond memories enjoyed because of the trees in our lives. Winning posters will receive a Vermont State Parks punch pass and will be featured on WCAX’s “Across the Fence” television show.

Deadline to Submit Nominations for the Vermont Tree Steward Awards
March 30th
Know someone who deserves to be recognized for their work as a local tree steward? Nominate them for this award as a way to recognize our state’s urban and community forestry champions! Award categories include professionals, leaders, unsung heroes, volunteer groups, and youth and students.
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We’re looking for fun people that love the outdoors to fill a variety of positions: park managers and assistant managers, attendants, lifeguards, interpreters, maintenance staff and more.

For more information and to apply online, visit our website
STAY CONNECTED