Officials to public: Help protect nesting loons

Loons nesting along lake shorelines are susceptible to human disturbance, and their nests can be flooded and destroyed by motorboat wakes, Vermont officials say. (VF&W Photo / Mitch Moraski)

Few birding experiences rival hearing the haunting call of the loon or seeing them glide by in protected coves on a lake.  However, for the birds’ protection, Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking boaters and anglers to enjoy loons from a safe distance this summer.

“Loons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, but they face continued threats from human disturbance during the breeding season and ingestion of fishing gear,” said Rosalind Renfrew, wildlife biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife.

“Many areas where loons nest on Vermont’s lakes are surrounded by signs reminding people to give loons the space they need, but not all nesting areas are marked,” she added. “We’re asking people to enjoy loons from a distance rather than approaching them, whether you are in a boat or on shore.” 

Renfrew also reminds people to avoid using lead fishing tackle.  Every year Vermont loons die from lead poisoning after swallowing fishing tackle.  Lead sinkers weighing one-half ounce or less are prohibited in Vermont, but larger tackle­­­ still has the capacity to slough off lead into the environment over time.  Renfrew also recommends anglers to be careful to not attract loons to their bait and lures, and especially to not leave any fishing line behind as it can entangle and kill loons.

Eric Hanson, biologist with the Vermont Loon Conservation Project and Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), asks anglers to reel in for a few minutes if loons are diving nearby.  To give anglers a place to discard their lead tackle, VCE will be placing collection tubes for lead tackle and discarded fishing line at over 20 boat access areas beginning this summer.  VCE coordinates the loon project in partnership with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Hanson and his colleagues monitor Vermont’s loon population and have put out game cameras around loon nests to monitor the behavior of people around them.  Hanson says most people are respectful of nesting loons and give them space, but people sometimes inadvertently harm loons without meaning to.

“Loon chicks can be difficult to see, so we ask motorboaters to note where loon families are and to avoid those areas,” said Hanson.  “We also ask that motorboaters obey ‘no wake’ laws within 200 feet of shorelines because boat wakes can flood and destroy shoreline loon nests.” 

As Vermont’s loon population continues to increase and canoeing and kayaking continues to become more popular, there is greater potential for people to come into conflict with loons. Hanson reminds boaters to avoid pursuing loons in a canoe or kayak, especially loons with young. 

“Occasionally a loon will be curious and approach people, and if that happens, just enjoy it,” said Hanson.  “However, loons that are constantly swimming away from you are stressed and may abandon their young if they feel they are in danger.”

Hanson also urges shoreline property owners to maintain appropriate habitat for loons, including shrubby and forested areas along shorelines, where loons can nest.  Having shrubs and trees instead of lawns along shorelines also improves water quality which is essential for healthy lakes, aquatic insects, fish eggs, fish, and loons.

Volunteers interested in monitoring loons for the Loon Conservation Project should contact Hanson at loon@vtecostudies.org.  Volunteers can monitor lakes all summer long with a focus on lakes with loon pairs and nesting. 

Volunteers can also survey one or two lakes on Loonwatch Day, being held on July 15 this year, between 8 and 9 a.m.  The goal is to survey all lakes greater than 20 acres at the same time, which provides a population count and checks on small lakes that are surveyed less often during the rest of year.  

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

State: If you find turtles, leave them in the wild

Bringing home a native Vermont wild turtle to keep as a pet is illegal because it can be harmful for the individual animal and local turtle populations. Above is a painted turtle. (VTF&W Photo by Luke Groff)

With many people out and about enjoying springtime, the state Fish and Wildlife Department is asking everyone to leave the turtles where they are. In fact, keeping native turtles as pets is prohibited because it can harm them and pose threats to wild turtle populations, officials said.

“Capturing a wild turtle and keeping it as a pet, even if only for a short time, is detrimental to that individual turtle and also to Vermont’s turtle populations as a whole,” said Luke Groff, Vermont Fish and Wildlife herpetologist.  “Releasing captured turtles back into the wild comes with risks as well.”  Groff added that the risks include introducing diseases or disrupting the genetics of wild populations. 

“Adult turtles often have well-defined home ranges and know exactly where to find shelter, food and mates.  Turtles released in unfamiliar habitats are likely to be disoriented and stressed, and they may attempt to return home, potentially causing them to cross roads and be struck by vehicles.”

Groff said taking a turtle out of the wild means removing its reproductive contribution to the population.  “Turtles are slow to develop, especially those living at northern latitudes where the growing season is short.  Many of Vermont’s turtle species do not reproduce until they are at least 10 years of age.  Older, sexually mature females are critically important to the long-term persistence of some Vermont turtle populations.  The loss of even a couple mature females from some populations may have serious consequences.”

Some common species you are likely to see include the painted turtle and snapping turtle.  The wood turtle, spotted turtle and spiny softshell are rare in Vermont, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges you to report sightings of these species to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.

If you see some of Vermont’s native turtles, Groff said, “Feel free to take a photo home with you, but support Vermont’s turtles by leaving them in the wild.

For more information on Vermont’s native turtle species, visit Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website and search for Reptiles or contact Groff at Luke.Groff@vermont.gov.

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Some Vt. cliff areas closed to protect nesting peregrines

Hikers and climbers can help nesting peregrine falcons by avoiding several Vermont cliff areas this spring and early summer. (VTF&W Photo by Tom Rogers)

Hiking Vermont’s hillsides is a great way to enjoy a spring day, but the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Audubon Vermont recommend people check to see if the area they are planning to hike or climb is open.  In addition to the many trails that are currently closed to reduce impacts during mud season, several cliff areas are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

“Peregrine falcons are very sensitive to human presence during their breeding season, so we ask climbers and hikers to please maintain a respectful distance from their nests,” said Wildlife Diversity Program Manager Rosalind Renfrew with Fish and Wildlife.  “The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to cliff tops or overlooks.” 

Biologists and community scientists are just now identifying which cliffs are occupied by peregrines this year, and not all sites have been visited to-date.  Once closed, these sites will remain closed until Aug. 1 or until Fish and Wildlife determines the risk to nesting falcons has passed.  As sites are visited in April and if nesting falcons choose new sites, additional sites may be added to the closed list on Fish and Wildlife’s website:

• Bolton Notch (Bolton) – UUW cliff – cliff access and climbing closed

• Bone Mountain (Bolton) – portions closed to climbing

• Deer Leap (Bristol) – cliff-top and climbing closed

• Eagle Ledge (Vershire) – closed to hiking and climbing

• Fairlee Palisades (Fairlee) – cliff-top closed

• Marshfield Mt (Marshfield) – portions closed to climbing

• Mt Horrid (Rochester) – Great Cliff overlook closed

• Nichols Ledge (Woodbury) – cliff-top and climbing closed

• Prospect Rock (Johnson) – cliff-top overlook and climbing closed

• Red Rocks Park (S. Burlington) – southern cliff access closed

• Rattlesnake Point (Salisbury) – southern overlook closed

• Snake Mt (Addison) – entire western trail closed

Audubon Vermont conservation biologist Margaret Fowle works with volunteers and other conservation professionals to monitor the sites throughout the nesting season.  “Peregrine falcons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, and the population continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of our many volunteers and partners,” Fowle said.  “In many cases the lower portions of the trails remain open, and we encourage people to enjoy watching peregrine falcons from a distance that requires using binoculars or a spotting scope.” 

What you can do to help Vermont peregrines:

• Respect cliff closures, and retreat from any cliff where you see peregrines

• Report any disturbance of nesting peregrines to your local State Game Warden

• Report any sightings to Margaret Fowle at margaret.fowle@audubon.org

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Vt. announces funding awards for downtown projects

Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development recently announced over $860,000 in tax incentives for rehabilitation and revitalization projects throughout Vermont’s designated downtown and village centers.

These six project awards will help generate over $20 million in building improvements and around the state. In addition to these awards, a new round of funding for later this year will be announced in April, with tax credits available to projects in state-designated Downtowns, Village Centers, and Neighborhood Development Areas.

“These investments are impactful, supporting local businesses, creating new housing, and improving the economic vitality of our community centers,” Scott said. “This kind of targeted investment in our downtowns and village centers, along with the strategic use of federal relief dollars, shows what we can do to make Vermont an even better place to live and visit.”

“Thanks to the support of the Legislature, we are excited to be able to expand the reach of this program in the coming year,” said Josh Hanford, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. “Our next round of funding will allow applicants of state-designated Neighborhood Development Areas to also participate in the program, supporting investments in rental housing around our existing commercial centers.”

Projects funded include:

• Bennington, 650 Main Street

• $200,000 for redevelopment of the former Bennington High School into a multi-purpose community center and 37 apartments, including both affordable and market-rate units.

• Brattleboro, 22-26 High Street

• $79,000 for façade improvements and code upgrades to a 5-story downtown block, providing space for a restaurant, maker’s market, offices, and studios.

• Enosburg, 366 Main Street

• $327,500 for conversion of vacant commercial space for mixed retail and office use at the historic Perley Block.

• Jeffersonville, 4968 VT Route 15

• $61,575 for the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the Jeffersonville Granary for a food hub supporting four local food businesses.

• Rutland, 56 Merchants Row

• $125,000 to support significant code upgrades to the Gryphon building’s upper floors, creating 10 new 1-2-bedroom apartments.

• White River Junction, 5 South Main Street

• $62,600 for completion of code-mandated improvements to the Briggs Opera House, a local landmark and cultural center in White River Junction.

Here is additional information on the projects, including local contact information. Visit the Department of Housing and Community Development website for information about how the tax credits help boost the vitality of Vermont’s communities.

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Woodstock votes to keep lister position

At the table, Charlie Degener (foreground, sitting), Carol Wood and Rick Fiske check voters in for the paper-ballot vote on the lister question at Saturday’s floor meeting. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Woodstock’s elected office of lister will remain as is, after voters on Saturday rejected a proposal to replace that position with hired assessors.

The vote was 46 to 32 against the proposal, in a paper-ballot vote that was required by state law. The lister question, which is Article 3 on Woodstock’s Town Meeting Warning, was decided along with articles 1-10 at Saturday’s floor meeting at Town Hall. Voters will decide articles 11-21 by Australian ballot on Tuesday, when polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The lister question stirred some debate in the community in recent weeks. Article 3 proposed to eliminate the office of town lister “with a professionally qualified assessor or assessors,” as the article states.

At Saturday’s meeting, Select Board Chair Joe Swanson said switching to having assessors, rather than an elected position, would add stability to the office for the town’s long-term future. They would be appointed by the Select Board, and he said the structure and functions of the office would be the same, as would the current people running it.

“This is not a change that would cost someone their job; I know that’s been a concern,” he said.

If the proposal passed, Swanson said, the existing listers would be appointed as the assessors. Municipal Manager Eric Duffy said the currently elected listers, Kathy Avellino and Tim McCarthy, are up to date on all training and fully qualified to be assessors. One of the three lister positions is open, but no one is running for it this year.

During a lengthy discussion from the floor, all comments but one were opposed to the change. Former Woodstock lister Carol Wood, who served in that position for 15 years, said Avellino and McCarthy are very qualified and have been planning for a town-wide reappraisal, to take place in 2025. With this in mind, she said Article 3 “would have a detrimental effect on the continuity of the office going forward.”

Jennifer Maxham, also a former lister, said this should remain an elected position, since it means you have Woodstock residents doing this work.

“I do think you want to have people who live in Woodstock assessing Woodstock,” she said.

Others questioned the point that this move would bring stability, noting that the town has benefited from having longtime listers in the past. Swanson reiterated that this proposal was meant to be helpful for Woodstock’s future over the long term.

After the lister question was decided by paper ballot, the floor meeting continued on to the other items and concluded shortly after 12 p.m. The proposed Woodstock Town Budget of $7,681,341 passed easily by a typical voice vote.

— Gareth Henderson

Woodstock Town Meeting details for Saturday, Tuesday

A proposal to eliminate the office of Town Lister will be decided by Woodstock voters on Saturday, during the floor meeting portion of Town Meeting. In total, Saturday’s floor meeting will include voting on articles 1-10 on Woodstock’s Town Meeting Warning. It will be on Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m. at Woodstock Town Hall in the Pentangle Theater.

Woodstock town voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, March 7, at Town Hall, where they will decide articles 11-21 by Australian ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday’s vote will include elected town offices, which are all uncontested. (On the school side, voters on Tuesday will decide the $25.83 million school budget proposed by the Windsor Central Unified Union School District.)

The Town Meeting articles to be voted on Saturday and Tuesday can be found at this link, and to read the full Town Report, click here.

If approved on Saturday, Article 3, the lister question, would replace the office of lister — an elected position — with assessors employed by the town. In accordance with state law, Article 3 will be voted by paper ballot, not the voice vote typical of the floor meeting.

The town budget will also be decided on Saturday in Article 6, which asks voters to appropriate the sum of $7,681,341, with $5,692,712 to be raised by taxes.

— Gareth Henderson

New program aims to help manufactured home communities

Gov. Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development recently announced the launch of the Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program (MHIR), offering financial assistance to manufactured home communities (commonly known as mobile home parks) as well as current and prospective manufactured home owners.

The program, funded by $4 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, will provide financial assistance for park improvements, home repair and foundation installation.

“The MHIR program is focused on revitalizing an important part of the State’s affordable housing stock,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This investment will ensure the long-term affordability and habitability of several mobile home parks and mobile homes throughout Vermont.”

MHIR is a three-part program that aims to financially assist park owners in preparing vacant or abandoned lots for new manufactured homes, aid existing mobile homeowners in improving the habitability of their homes, and support new and existing mobile home owners with installing new foundations.

The Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) will be processing applications for MHIR and the application portal will open today. The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) Mobile Home Program will provide application assistance to mobile home owners in need of home repairs. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 31, 2024, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.

“Manufactured home communities represent a unique and effective form of affordable housing, particularly for rural areas. Preservation efforts to maintain their affordability is an important policy issue as housing costs continue to rise,” said Kathleen Berk, VSHA’s executive director. “Vermont State Housing Authority, as the largest manager of mobile home parks in the state, is delighted to collaborate with the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity on this important initiative to preserve and maintain this housing resource.”

“For decades, mobile home communities have been facing a number of environmental and habitability challenges,” said Sandrine Kibuey, director of CVOEO’s Housing Advocacy Programs. “This program should significantly improve immediate areas of need such as the lack of availability and easy access to resources for home repair and maintenance and replacement or removal of old, outdated, and abandoned mobile homes.”

More information and application materials are available on the VSHA website. 

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Vermont prepares for extreme cold conditions

The National Weather Service is warning of extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills on Friday and Saturday (February 3-4). These temperatures have the potential to pose a danger to health and property.

A Wind Chill Watch is in effect from late Thursday night to Saturday evening. Wind chill values could reach as low as 30 to 45 degrees (F) below zero.

“Extreme cold weather is nothing new for most Vermonters, but it’s important to know the resources available to be prepared if needed,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “Several Vermont agencies and departments continue to work to ensure support is available for those in need, so please do not hesitate to reach out.”

The Vermont Agency of Human Services, community organizations and municipalities are working to expand daytime and overnight shelter options for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest hours this weekend. Vermonters in need of heating assistance or shelter can call 2-1-1.

A list of shelters will be updated at: https://vem.vermont.gov/news/shelters  

The Vermont State Police will also provide “freeze patrols” during which troopers will patrol the state’s two interstate highways during the overnight hours, when troopers typically are off duty. The purpose of the patrol is to look for and assist stranded motorists.

Vermonters can take additional steps to support their family, pets, and neighbors safe during cold weather, including:

• Be a good neighbor. Check with older Vermonters or others who may need assistance to ensure they have heat and are safe.

• Limit outdoor activities during the coldest hours. Also, consider your pets and limit their time outdoors.

• Ensure you have sufficient heating “fuel” (including wood). If you lose heat, use only safe alternate heating sources like a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater and take the necessary safety precautions. Test smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors and ensure heat sources are venting properly.

• Keep blankets in your vehicle in the event you are stranded by a breakdown or minor accident and must wait for help. Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and other fluids, good tire pressure, and the battery is in good condition.

• Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens, and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

• Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damaging to body tissue that is frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately. Slowly warm the affected areas as you await medical assistance.

• Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases. The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care. If medical assistance is not available, slowly warm up the person, body core first, wrapping them in a blanket or using your own body heat. Do not warm the extremities first, for this drives the cold blood towards the heart and can lead to heart failure. Do not give the person alcohol, coffee, tea, or any hot food or beverage. Warm liquids are best.

• If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.

For weather, road, or emergency updates sent directly to your e-mail or cell phone sign up for Vermont Alert at http://www.vtalert.gov.

Forecast information can be found at www.weather.gov/btv or www.weather.gov/aly.

Vermont Department of Health winter weather safety tips, including translated materials, are available at: healthvermont.gov/winter-weather

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Vermont Ice Fishing Festival coming to Barnard

To celebrate Free Ice Fishing Day, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will hold an Ice Fishing Festival for kids and others new to ice fishing at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard on Saturday, Jan. 28. (VTF&W Photo by Joshua Morse)

One of Vermont's favorite statewide events is coming back this month. The state’s Free Ice Fishing Day is Saturday, Jan. 28.

Free Ice Fishing Day is held annually on the last Saturday in January. The day is geared toward giving new ice anglers an opportunity to try ice fishing before purchasing equipment, but any angler may ice fish on any waterbody open to ice fishing statewide without a fishing license on Free Ice Fishing Day.

To celebrate, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is holding an Ice Fishing Festival at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard — its first since the start of the pandemic. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages as well as families with kids. 

“The Ice Fishing Festival typically draws between 500-700 participants for a day of fishing, skill-building, and community,” said Education Specialist Corey Hart. “Everyone at the department is excited to be bringing this favorite winter celebration back after a two-year hiatus.”

Vermont Fish and Wildlife staff, as well as instructors from Vermont’s Let’s Go Fishing Program, will be on-hand to teach ice fishing skills. These include knot tying, baiting and using an ice fishing rod, and most importantly, how to stay safe on the ice. They will also discuss fishing regulations and fish identification. 

Fish and Wildlife staff will operate a fish fry station to cook up participants’ catch, and there will be plenty of cocoa on hand. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, and ice cleats are strongly recommended.

“Ice fishing is one of the most accessible forms of fishing and can be a great way to introduce people to how much fun fishing can be,” said Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick. “This festival will demonstrate that ice fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It’s also a great way to spend some time outdoors with friends and family. You can skate, sled, make a snow fort, and have a cookout — all while waiting for the flags on your tip-ups to signal when you’ve caught a fish.”

Fishing equipment will be loaned for this fun day on the ice, or participants may bring their own.  For more information, visit the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website. Registration can be completed online in advance at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/189542

People may also register when they arrive, although registering in advance will enable participants to get on the ice faster.

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Ice fishing tip-ups being arranged. These are used to suspend bait at a set depth. (VTF&W Photo by Joshua Morse)

Vt. utility triples field force, issues guidance due to new storm

Green Mountain Power is tracking multiple forecasts to prepare for possible very high winds gusting up to 65 mph across Vermont overnight Thursday and through the day Friday. Winds of that speed are very dangerous and can tear down trees and lines, causing outages.

This is a very large regional storm that has all of the Midwest and Northeast expecting weather that could cause disruptions. To assist our customers and to support internal GMP lineworkers, GMP has tripled our field force, keeping external crews in the state that were here helping to restore power during the Nor’easter last week that brought damaging heavy wet to Vermont. Altogether, more than 400 lineworkers are ready to restore power if needed.

Forecasters say the massive regionwide weather system heading east will bring the potential for strong winds and rain starting Thursday night, followed by plunging temperatures Friday night causing a flash freeze and potential for flooding.

With cold temperatures forecasted, you should have a plan for where to go if you need to leave your home, and how you would get there. With extreme high winds, there can also be hazards like flying debris, that make it unsafe for anyone outside, including crews.

To prepare for storms any time of year, GMP recommends you have some basics on hand including:

• a charged cellphone

• the GMP app on your cellphone

• flashlights with fresh batteries

• bottled water

Customers should call 911 for a medical emergency.  For more GMP storm safety tips, and to sign up for text alerts go here: https://greenmountainpower.com/.../staying-safe-in-a-storm/

Report outages and track restoration times in GMP’s online Outage Center: https://outages.greenmountainpower.com

Also here is information on estimated restoration times and what they mean: https://gmpsnapshot.greenmountainpower.com/.../things-to.../

Stay safe!

— Green Mountain Power

Vermont 211 has the latest information on local shelters and warming centers in your area. You can find it at the website: vermont211.org. If you need help and you can't find any shelters or warming centers that are open in your area, call Vermont 211 by dialing the numbers "2-1-1" on your phone.

For further information about staying safe during power outages, go to this link.

Crews tackle widespread outages after severe storm

Crews from Green Mountain Power and Quebec travel westward on Route 4 in Woodstock Village on Saturday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

UPDATE, 12/19, 7:30 PM: Green Mountain Power reported that crews have made a lot of progress, restoring power to 108,800 customers with 2,130 left to go.

They are posting updates in GMP’s outage center as they have them for specific spots: https://greenmountainpower.com/outages/

And for those spots without an ETA, here is a link to high level restoration times for towns so everyone can plan and be safe: https://greenmountainpower.com/.../storm-update.../ It is important to note that these show when the last person in the hardest hit spots will be back on, and is not an ETA for the whole town, as most will be on sooner, GMP officials said.

These towns have set up warming shelters for people to go to:

- Norwich Fire house

- Hartland Town office

- Sharon Fire house

- Woodstock Fire house

—

UPDATE, 12/18, 3:15 PM: In total, Green Mountain Power crews have restored power to over 80,000 customers impacted by this storm. As of 3 p.m. today, 18,800 GMP customers were still out, and crews continued their work throughout Windsor County, including in Pomfret and nearby towns. The total of towns impacted was down to 93, with crews addressing 787 active incidents. At 3 p.m., the percentage of GMP customers without power included the following: 71% in Barnard; 49% in Pomfret; 41% in Hartland; 31% in Hartford and Bridgewater; and 27% in Woodstock. 

Also today, the Woodstock Fire Department continues to maintain a warming center in the training room of the Emergency Services Building at 454 Woodstock Road. If there are any questions, call the fire department at 802-457-2337.

The Town of Chester began a warming center today at the Chester Emergency Services Building at 130 Pleasant Street. People are asked to call the Chester Fire Department at 802-875-2211 with any questions.

—

STATE UPDATE ON OUTAGE RESPONSE, 12/17, 7:50 PM: Mark Bosma, of Vermont Emergency Management, said the state is currently identifying sites for warming centers in areas where extended outages are expected. These centers are open during the day.

“We will be checking back with towns tomorrow (Sunday) to see how things are going or if they’re hearing from people who need a place to go,” Bosma said in an email. “We’ll also get data from 2-1-1 to figure out if a warming center or shelter is needed in a specific area. If we open any (warming centers) we will post on our website, notify the media, and post to social media.”

The state also offers guidance on safe food storage and consumption during an outage at this link.

LOCAL NUMBERS: As of 7:50 p.m., some GMP customers had power restored. In Woodstock, the percentage of customers without power was down to 51%; for Bridgewater it had dropped to 71%. However, power crews continued to address a number of issues in nearby and remote areas, with 28,000 customers still in the dark.

—

A major winter storm dumping up to two feet of heavy snow in some areas of Vermont has left tens of thousands without power, and utility crews will be at work around the clock to restore that service. 

Over 35,900 Green Mountain Power customers were without power as of 4:30 p.m., impacting 142 towns. GMP crews were responding to 1,336 active incidents.

The severest outages were in Windsor County. To help those with no heat at home, the Woodstock Fire Department opened up a warming station in the training room of the Emergency Services Building 454 Woodstock Rd. 

As of 4:30 p.m., Woodstock had 68% of customers without power; in Bridgewater, the number was at 87%. Nearby Hartford reported 58%. While there was some variance to the outage levels, multiple county towns had most of their residents without electric service. As of 4 p.m., GMP officials did not have a time estimate for when power would be restored to the region. 

Throughout Saturday, power crews from GMP and also Quebec were in the area dealing with downed wires, many of which were tangled in fallen trees. Several local roads were shut down while power crews worked on removing trees from the roadway.

Motorists are warned to obey all utility and road signs, and to stay away from any trees fallen on or near power lines. 

Customers can go to greenmountainpower.com and view the outage map for the latest outage numbers. For more information, the Vermont Emergency Management website is also available.

— Gareth Henderson

Updates will be posted here and on Omni Reporter’s Facebook page. 

Vt. plant believed extinct since 1908 is rediscovered

The purple crowberry (pictured) grows low to the ground in exposed, high elevation habitats.  The purple crowberry is easily mistaken for the common and closely related black crowberry (not pictured). (VTF&W Photo Courtesy Glen Mittelhauser)

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recently announced that the purple crowberry, a diminutive alpine shrub last documented in Vermont in 1908, has been rediscovered on Mt. Mansfield.

“This is an extraordinary find,” said Bob Popp, a botanist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, in a statement.  “The purple crowberry is easily overlooked alongside the closely related and more abundant black crowberry.  This discovery emphasizes the benefit of having a community of keen botanical observers on the ground.”

The purple crowberry (Empetrum atropurpureum) grows low to the ground in rocky habitat above the tree line.  The species is identifiable by needle-like leaves and purple berries, and is found in the Northeast in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York.  The purple crowberry is listed as uncommon in New Hampshire and state-endangered in New York.

Vermont botanists had searched Mt. Mansfield — the site of the 1908 historical record — for the purple crowberry unsuccessfully in recent decades and had determined that the species was no longer present in the state.

A fresh set of eyes on an overlooked stretch of Mt. Mansfield upended that conclusion.

“I’m always looking for new purple crowberry populations,” said Liam Ebner, a recent graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a trained summit steward with the Adirondack Mountain Club.

At the time of his discovery, Ebner was on Mt. Mansfield as participant in the 2022 Northeastern Alpine Stewardship Gathering, a biennial conference hosted this year by the Green Mountain Club and The Waterman Fund. 

“Since I saw a crowberry plant, I decided to check it out and was pretty surprised to see that it was purple crowberry up there,” Ebner said in a recent announcement.

Ebner reported his find to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department the following day.  He added that as an alpine stewardship professional he was able to approach the plant — which was off the trail — while staying on exposed rock, preventing damage to the crowberry or the plant’s surroundings.

Popp revisited the site on Oct. 19 and confirmed three clumps of purple crowberry.

“That observant members of the public rediscovered two different plant species believed lost from our state in the same year is a tribute to our community’s flourishing interest in and knowledge of the natural world,” said Popp, who worked with community scientists earlier this year to confirm the rediscovery of the small whorled pogonia, a federally threatened orchid, in Vermont.

“At the same time, we do not encourage anyone to venture off trail in search of rare alpine plants,” Popp added. “The work of the Green Mountain Club as stewards of our delicate alpine areas is part of what has allowed the purple crowberry to persist in this highly trafficked area for more than a century.”

The newly discovered purple crowberry population is located safely off the trail and at low risk of trampling.  The department is not disclosing the purple crowberry’s exact location to protect the plants from accidental damage.

“The discovery of a purple crowberry population after so many years really underscores the importance and effectiveness of the Green Mountain Club’s Backcountry Caretaker program,” said Nigel Bates, caretaker program supervisor at the Green Mountain Club, in a statement.

The club, which manages 500 miles of hiking trail in Vermont, including the alpine zones in the state, employs caretakers trained in stewardship and alpine botany to educate hikers and encourage responsible use during the hiking season. 

“We take this sighting as proof that our practices on the mountain are working,” said Bates. “And we thank visitors for their commitment to walking on durable surfaces, leashing their dogs, and protecting the fragile alpine flora communities in Vermont.”

In the short term, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the Green Mountain Club will monitor Mt. Mansfield’s purple crowberry population for signs of predation or encroachment by other plants.  In the longer term, the department will consider the purple crowberry for designation on the state’s threatened and endangered species list as more is learned about the species’ viability in Vermont.

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

New funding to aid Vt. downtowns, village centers

Fall foliage in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) recently announced over $4 million in funding supporting a record number of rehabilitation and revitalization projects throughout Vermont’s designated downtown and village centers. These 49 project awards will help generate over $95 million in building improvements and public infrastructure around the state.

“These investments are impactful, supporting local businesses, creating new housing, and improving the economic vitality of our community centers,” said Scott. “I believe this kind of targeted investment in our downtowns and village centers, along with the strategic use of federal relief dollars, shows what we can do to make Vermont an even better place to live, work and play.” 

“Thanks to the support of the Legislature, the Downtown Board was thrilled to fund 49 projects in communities large and small,” said Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford. “This year we awarded a record number of rehabilitation and revitalization projects, and I am grateful to the dedicated Vermonters working to keep the heart and soul of their communities vibrant places for years to come.”

In 2022, $4.1 million in tax credits will offset the costs of major investments in projects including upgrades to Woodstock’s historic Phoenix Block on Central Street, and also at the Shire Hotel on Pleasant Street in Woodstock Village. Another project will repair the historic carriage shed in Quechee’s village center, making part of the building into new apartments. Farther north, the former U.S. Customs House and Post Office in St. Albans will be redeveloped into mixed commercial use and will provide eight new units of downtown housing.

For a complete list of projects visit the Department of Housing and Community Development website.

State highlights careers in construction

October has been declared “Careers in Construction” month in Vermont, in an effort to recognize career opportunities within the construction industry.

“As we make historic investments in housing, broadband, and traditional infrastructure, there are many opportunities for Vermonters to find lucrative careers in the trades,” Gov. Phil Scott said during a recent announcement.

According to Department of Labor data, construction accounts for 5.2% of statewide total employment, with more than 15,000 individuals working within the industry. The average annual wage for construction workers in Vermont is $57,635, exceeding the statewide average wage of $56,264. The most recent data also shows that construction accounts for about 10 percent of the total number of businesses in Vermont, with a total of more than 2,900.

“Anyone who has needed the services of a skilled contractor in the last few years, understands the importance of highlighting and supporting this important sector of our economy, as well as helping to educate folks on just how lucrative and rewarding these careers are for those who chose to pursue a job in the trades,” said Dustin Degree, Vermont’s deputy labor commissioner.

For more information on resources for jobseekers and employers, please visit Labor.Vermont.gov/Jobs.

Click here to view the full Careers in Construction Month proclamation.

Conservation design tool sees upgrade

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has announced a significant upgrade to its BioFinder planning and conservation mapping tool.

New data layers will allow users to display socio-economic variables including per capita poverty, health insurance coverage, and a social vulnerability index alongside the ecological datasets from Vermont Conservation Design that currently populate BioFinder.

BioFinder was first created in 2013. The current update is a collaboration between the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD), the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), and the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC).

“Biologists can point out the most ecologically important places on a landscape, but actually conserving those areas involves community action,” said Jens Hawkins-Hilke, VFWD conservation planning biologist. “When planners understand how ecological priorities line up with community values, they can better craft conservation opportunities that benefit both people and nature.”

Meeting the needs of both human and natural communities is an important part of the state of Vermont’s strategy for responding to climate change, state officials added. They also said this data will help the state plan housing in appropriate locations, while better protecting natural resources and wildlife habitats.

Learn more about the BioFinder Mapping Tool and new social data layers at: anr.vermont.gov/maps-and-mapping/biofinder

For more information on Vermont Conservation design, go to: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/conserve/vermont-conservation-design

The above information is from press releases and related data issued by the state of Vermont.

Canada to end COVID travel restrictions

The mountains around Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Starting on Oct. 1, Canada will remove all travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That means travelers into Canada will no longer have to provide proof of COVID vaccination, undergo pre-travel testing, or go into quarantine or isolation after entering. Masks mandates on planes and trains will also be lifted, and the ArriveCan app — used to upload health documents for visiting Canada — will become optional. 

In their announcement on Monday, Canadian officials cited the country’s high vaccination rate as a major factor for making this change. Around 82% of Canadians have received two doses of COVID vaccine, and over 90% of Canadians over 12 have received at least one dose, according to news sources. 

Bordering U.S. states were quick to praise the move. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott called it a long-awaited one for the state, which has extensive economic ties with its neighbor to the north. 

“Removing barriers to cross border travel allows our border communities to return to normal social and economic activity, which is an important part of the connection between our two countries,” Scott said in a Monday statement. “As was made clear during my recent trade mission to Montreal, there is a lot of interest in Vermont as a place to vacation and do business — and this step will also make tourism and businesses travel easier, benefitting Vermont’s economy.”

Canada’s announcement comes one week after members of Parliament and border-city mayors wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden, urging them to lift all remaining COVID travel restrictions. Proof of vaccination is still required for all non-U.S. citizens traveling into the United States.

— Gareth Henderson

Woodstock Wheels going strong in second season

Luke Hanson, who owns Woodstock Wheels, shows an e-bike to Paula and Wes Stearns, of Quechee, at Taste of Woodstock in Woodstock, Vt., on Aug. 13. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Riding a bike along a country road is a treasured pastime for many, but not an accessible one for everybody. In 2021, Luke Hanson saw a need to open up that experience to more people, and he’s made it into a business — by adding some electricity to the mix. 

Now in its second year, Woodstock Wheels offers e-bike rentals to those looking to tour the local countryside in the beautiful Woodstock, Vermont, area. It’s a region Hanson knows well. He grew up biking these scenic trails and roads, and he put that knowledge to use, turning something he loves into an experience his customers are enjoying. Providing an accessible experience for many different customers is the most rewarding part of the business, Hanson said. 

“That’s one of the great things about this, especially for someone who’s a little limited physically, maybe more elderly, when they come back and you just see the smile on their face, saying ‘I felt like I was 25-30 years old on these bikes,’” he said. “The bikes help you out a little bit, but you’re able to go 40-50 miles on them and see the scenery on roads you wouldn’t be able to access in a car.

Hanson says year #2 has been a busy one, with a mix of local people and also visitors who have e-bikes at home but weren’t going to travel with them. Sometimes, having e-bikes helps them bring relatives who may not otherwise be able to participate. Additionally, Hanson said about 50% of his customers are people who ride regular bikes, but also love the opportunity to do a longer trip more easily.

Well before starting Woodstock Wheels, Hanson saw first-hand the demand for this kind of concept. During a trip to Peaks Island, just off Portland, Maine, in 2021, he saw people flocking to a bike rental shop on the island. Plus, he knew outdoor activities in general were surging post-2020. 

“People were just itching to get outside, so I said, ‘This is the time,’” Hanson recalled. 

Looking forward, he’s hoping to have a permanent location for his venture, perhaps at the East End Park. He’s also exploring the idea of “e-hubs”, essentially locations where the bikes could be stationed and available for customers. 

“It would be kind of like city bikes, but off-road capable bikes where the trails connect to different towns,” he said. 

Woodstock Wheels’ rates are based on a two-hour, four-hour, or an all-day tour. More details are available at WoodstockWheels.com. 

— Gareth Henderson

For more information, check out Woodstock Wheels online or contact Luke Hanson here. The Woodstock Wheels tent is open just outside the Woodstock Rec Center, Monday and Thursday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

New Vt. program aims to help startups, tech sector

A view of the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The state of Vermont recently announced the launch of its first technology-based economic development program.

It is designed to catalyze growth in Vermont’s high-tech business sector through increased access to targeted technical and research assistance, Vermont officials said. Coined as Elevate Vermont, the goal of the multi-faceted program is to help accelerate early-stage technology companies and help established small businesses remain relevant in a global market.

"Supporting businesses in every region of the state to retain and create jobs remains a top priority of my administration,” said Gov. Phil Scott in a Wednesday statement. “This program will help our innovative employers grow and succeed in the global marketplace, while strengthening our communities here at home.”

H.439 (Act 74) appropriated $800,000 to the program in the 2021 legislative session. An extensive request for proposals (RFP) process has resulted in the selection of outside experts who can assist Vermont businesses in successfully applying for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, according to officials. Every year, the federal government grants out over $3 billion to small businesses through the SBIR/STTR programs and a highly competitive application process.

Elevate Vermont will support companies seeking this funding through one-on-one SBIR/STTR application assistance from professional advisors at North Carolina-based Eva Garland Consulting, LLC. The application for this Technical Assistance is now open and accepting submissions on a rolling basis until funding is depleted.

“Vermont has never before had such opportunity to support startups and early-stage tech companies,” said Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein, in the recent announcement. “These investments present an enormous opportunity for the state’s growing tech sector.”

In the coming months, two additional applications will become available under the Elevate Vermont moniker to provide even more support for companies engaged with SBIR/STTR. Eligible participants may qualify for matching grants to accelerate the commercialization of their technology, offsetting costs such as sales and marketing expenses that cannot be supported with SBIR/STTR funds, according to the state.

Elevate Vermont will also provide an Innovation Research Partnership Program to help small businesses strengthen connections with research institutions that can assist them in solving challenging product development issues.

To receive notification about the Elevate Vermont program as more information becomes available, subscribe to the Department of Economic Development newsletter.

The information in this article is from a press release from the Office of the Governor of Vermont.

Local House member has sights set on Vt. Senate

The U.S. and Vermont flags flying in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The issues that impact working Vermonters have been important to Becca White, from her childhood and right through to her time in public office. And she’s hoping to continue that work in the Vermont Senate. 

White, 28, a local state representative and a White River Junction resident, is vying for a Windsor County Senate seat on the Democratic ticket. Windsor County has three Senate seats, and incumbent Senators Alison Clarkson, of Woodstock, and Dick McCormack, of Bethel, are seeking reelection, while longtime Sen. Alice Nitka is retiring from the post. Chris Morrow, of Weston, remains on the ballot but has dropped out of the race. Vermont’s primary election is next Tuesday, Aug. 9. 

White, a lifelong Vermonter and UVM graduate who grew up in Hartford, is a current Vermont House member representing the Windsor 4-2 district. Before her four years in the House, she served the same amount of time on the Hartford Select Board.

During her Senate campaign going door to door, an issue impacting many Vermonters comes up time and time again: housing.

“The thing I’m hearing most about is affordable housing, both for people who want to stay here and continue to live here … and then for renters, just the inability to find a place to rent,” White said. Concerns around fuel and utility costs are wrapped up in those housing issues, she added. 

“If it’s not the homeowner, it’s their friend, their co-worker, their family,” White said. “Everyone is impacted by the crisis we’re experiencing now.”

The economy, equity and the environment are also high on her list, and White added they have something in common: “Housing actually cuts through all three of those.” 

In Hartford, White’s mother ran a daycare, and her father was a plumber and electrician. And so, giving young, working people a greater voice in public office has been important for White. 

When she got to the Vermont House, she recalled, “there was a good mix of women, but not a lot of young people, and not a lot of people who were working.” 

White supports a legislative effort Clarkson has led, to review whether Vermont’s citizen Legislature is effectively representing the state. 

At the same time, White feels Vermont offers a unique opportunity to participate meaningfully in democratic institutions. She hopes to keep doing so at the State House.

“This is the place where I can put my skills that I have to the highest and best use,” White said.

Reflecting on her time in public office, White said she’s built a lot of relationships that would remain important as a senator. Those include the ability to work effectively with fellow lawmakers, state administration and also local organizers. 

“All of those relationship skills, and knowing who to talk to about what, are so invaluable,” she said.

— Gareth Henderson

Sculpturefest: A gift of art and open land

“Who says fish can’t fly?” by Charlotte Donaldson at Sculpturefest in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Art has a powerful way of uplifting the soul, bringing some joy into life, and welcoming people to experience it together.

Sculpturefest, based in Woodstock, Vermont, has been doing that for over 40 years, and the 2022 edition has brought lots of new art to the property, nestled on Prosper Road, where Charlet and Peter Davenport have been welcoming sculptors’ work to their scenic Vermont land over those decades. Creativity is always in bloom there, with various artistic expressions throughout the property. 

This year, Sculpturefest has, by far, the most new art it’s had in the past three years, since efforts to move in new installations were limited due to the pandemic. In a recent interview, Charlet Davenport expressed her excitement at seeing all the new work coming in. Along with the vibrant new sculptures, another tradition continues: Anyone is welcome to drop by, walk the property, view the art, and even have a picnic in the summer sun. Davenport pointed out they’ve always had that approach of keeping it open to the public, since the event began decades ago.

“This is for the community, it’s not an organized, incorporated anything,” she said. “It’s just our gift.” 

Sometimes you have art that’s simply joyful and playful. Well, one of the new pieces poses a question, “Who says fish can’t fly?” It’s a series of colorful fish, crafted from wood and hung on a line above a vernal pond on the Sculpturefest property. Charlotte Donaldson, the longtime artist who created these flying fish, has participated in Sculpturefest before, including last year, when she also had her art installed at the pond. 

“I thought, this year I’ll just hang fish, because they sort of belong to a pond, and they're sort of whimsical,” Donaldson said. 

A metal sculpture by Nira Granott Fox, on display at Sculpturefest. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Down at the other side of the Sculpturefest property, in the wide open field by Prosper Road, another new installation awaits viewers. Nira Granott Fox has created a moving metal sculpture, which includes two circular shapes which trade places as the wind courses through this work of art. It shines brilliantly in the sun, and moves with grace in the breeze — a unique creation adding to the diversity of Sculpturefest. 

Also shining in the summer sun, is a sculpture by featured artist Blaze Konefal, titled “Windwave Grove,” which presents three metallic “trees” that dance in the sun and even the slightest wind. The sculpture presents a sort of playfulness, nestled in the calm colors of the artwork. 

In all, Sculpturefest 2022 presents over 30 artists and dozens of sculptures that capture the mind and represent the creative spirit that’s been alive on this land for decades. Each piece contributes to the comforting sense of peace, joy and freedom on the property, which keeps people coming back year after year. In a recent interview, Charlet Davenport noted that many discovered this precious, open land and its artwork during the pandemic, especially young families, who — while playgrounds were closed — were looking for places out in the open where their children could play. 

At any time, something deep in the human soul loves to connect with nature, and loves to connect with artistic expression. At Sculpturefest, you can do both, and, with more and more people experiencing this widely cherished Sculpturefest tradition, it’s sure to live on for generations to come.

— Gareth Henderson

“Windwave Grove” by Blaze Konefal, at Sculpturefest in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

“Grow” by Hector Santos, on display at Sculpturefest 2022. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

From left, “Yuke” and “Flutterby” by Roger Goldenberg, at Sculpturefest. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Grants awarded for Vt. housing, community projects

The U.S. and Vermont flags flying side by side in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Local housing and community projects in Vermont are receiving support from a new round of federal grants. 

On Thursday, Gov. Phil Scott announced recipients of $2.22 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP). This federal money will support six projects throughout Vermont, including three mixed income housing developments, planning for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements and the revitalization of community facilities.

In this week’s announcement, Scott called the CDBG program an “essential resource for Vermont.” 

“Bringing together public and private partners, the program makes a big difference in our redevelopment and revitalization efforts throughout all corners of the state,” he said.

These funds provide federal funding to help local communities address priority projects that primarily benefit individuals of low or moderate income, according to state officials. Supported projects include planning and implementation of housing, economic development, public infrastructure, and community facilities such as childcare and senior centers. The funding announced this week goes to projects in Randolph, Pittsford, Arlington, South Burlington and Highgate. 

“The program has been a crucial funding source for 40 years in Vermont,” said Josh Hanford, the state’s commissioner of housing and community development, in the state’s announcement. “CDBG funding invests in local community development projects which expand low-income families’ access to opportunity in Vermont."

In a joint statement, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D), U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I), and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D) spoke about the funding’s broad impact over the decades: 

“Vermont has long benefited from Community Development Block Grant awards, which transform communities by creating opportunities for Vermonters and helping to drive our local economies.”

This year, recipients include the City of South Burlington and Ascend Housing Allies, who were jointly awarded $1 million to develop 94 units of new mixed-income apartments in two separate 47-unit buildings. 

“The Community Development Block Grant award from VCDP will allow Summit Properties, in partnership with subgrantee Ascend Housing, to move forward with one of the State of Vermont’s most ambitious affordable housing projects to date,” said Tom Getz, chief executive officer of Summit Properties, in a statement. “Especially in today’s construction environment, affordable housing requires leadership and support from the State of Vermont, its partner agencies, and local municipalities. VCDP’s and the City of South Burlington’s support for this project puts that leadership on full display and will make an impact on more than 100 people seeking an affordable housing option to live and work in Chittenden County.”

The following six Vermont projects are supported by the program’s funds for fiscal year 2022: 

• Town of Arlington for community revitalization and gathering space.

• Town of Highgate to explore development of a mixed-use property and library.

• Town of Pittsford to explore development of community programming space.

• Town of Randolph for affordable rental housing.

• City of South Burlington for mixed income housing.

• City of Vergennes to plan for ADA renovations of the Vergennes Opera House.

For details on these CDBG awardees and projects, click here.

Editor’s Note: The information in this post is from a news release by the Office of Vermont Governor Phil Scott.

Composting with bears in mind

Vermont officials are providing tips on how to avoid attracting bears to composting areas. (VTF&W photo by John Hall)

Many Vermonters have seen some determined bears looking for food near their homes recently, state officials say. With the food scrap ban in effect, the state is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can avoid attracting hungry bears. 

“We have been receiving lots of reports of bears on decks, tearing down bird feeders, wrecking beehives, killing chickens, and getting into trash, compost and garbage containers,” said bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau, of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. 

“First though, to deter bears, bird feeders need to be taken down until we have a foot or more of snow in December. Then, make sure anything else that might smell like food is picked up. And keep your trash container secured inside a sturdy building and don’t put it outside until the morning of pickup. Beehives, chicken coops and compost bins can be protected with electric fencing.”

If you know bears are active in your neighborhood, the best way to avoid attracting them is to take food scraps to one of the drop-off stations. You can locate them by contacting your local solid waste management district or town at www.802recycles.com, or ask your trash hauler if they pick up food scraps for composting. 

Composting at home while minimizing the chances of attracting bears can best be done with these tips:

• Use three parts of brown material for one part of green material. Browns can be dried leaf and yard debris, wood chips, which often can be delivered to your house free by a local tree service company, or shredded paper. Greens include kitchen scraps, vegetables and small amounts of fruits. Adding lots of brown material minimizes smells and speeds up composting.

• No meat, bones or seafood leftovers. They do not break down quickly and are strong wildlife attractants. The food scrap ban allows people who compost at home to dispose of meat, bones and seafood in the trash, so they can be kept in a freezer until trash day.  

• Give your compost oxygen by frequently mixing it or turning it over if it is in a container.  This reduces odors and speeds up composting.

• Does your compost smell? If so, turning it, adding more brown material and adding a layer of wood shavings or sawdust to the top should solve the issue.

• Enclose your composter with electric fencing or compost in a hard, durable container with a lid that will be challenging for a bear to open. Some types of tumblers are bear-proof.

• Electric fencing, with food scent added to the wires will discourage even persistent bears. 

• If you are currently having a bear issue, delay starting your new compost pile until the bear issue resolves. Until then, keep food scraps in the freezer or bring them to a collection site.

To learn more about properly composting food waste, go to the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website at www.VTrecycles.com.

The public is encouraged to contact their local warden if they are having a bear issue. You can find out who your local warden is at this link, and you may also submit a black bear incident report online. Contacting your warden or submitting an incident report helps wildlife officials keep track of bear issues around the state and may help shape future regulations regarding black bears.

Composting without attracting wildlife takes careful planning. For information about living with bears and to report bear damage, visit Fish and Wildlife’s website www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

— The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department