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VT Agriculture Secretary Rules on Mandatory BMPs in Missisquoi Bay Basin

Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Issues Decision on Mandatory BMPs in Missisquoi Bay Basin

Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Ross issued a decision last week that denied a petition from the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) to impose mandatory best management practices on farms in the Missisquoi Bay Basin. The decision did, however, direct the Agency’s Agricultural Water Quality Program to accelerate its agricultural water quality compliance and enforcement activities in the Missisquoi Bay Basin.

VT Sec’y of Agriculture Issues Decision on Mandatory BMPs in Missisquoi Bay Basin

A ‘honey wagon’ or liquid manure truck on a dairy farm near Mississquoi Bay

Last May a petition filed by the CLF sought to impose mandatory best management practices (BMPs) for water quality on farms in the Missisquoi Bay Basin that are “critical source areas” as modelled by a 2011 Lake Champlain Basin Program study. In July a public hearing on the petition was held in St. Albans, VT – that provided extensive testimony and comment. Secretary Ross considered the study a guidepost for on-going water quality work, but ruled that the data did not provide an adequate regulatory rationale to impose mandatory BMPs in Missisquoi Bay Basin.

Ross concluded that the actions sought by the CLF would not be consistent with the EPA’s continuing process for water quality improvement under the federal Clean Water Act. That process establishes a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Lake Champlain. Additionally, his decision notes that there are insufficient resources available at this time, to help the basin’s farmers to achieve compliance with mandatory BMPs, as required by state law. The full text of the decision can be accessed at: http://agriculture.vermont.gov/clf_petition

“The written decision speaks for itself. CLF’s initiative and the hearing process, in which stakeholders on all sides engaged in thoughtful and civil discourse, demonstrate why Vermont is a special place where we work together to address mutual concerns. CLF has pledged, on the record, to assist stakeholders in seeking additional resources devoted to agricultural water quality improvement.” ~ Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Chuck Ross

Additional information, including the original hearing notice and audio files from the hearing, can be found at http://agriculture.vermont.gov/clf_petition

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2014 Record Year for Nesting Loon Success

Vermont Nesting Loon Population Increases in 2014

Vermont’s nesting loon population in 2014 was a record for success. There were 65 fledglings or chicks that survived to leave the nest on Vermont lakes and ponds.

2014 Record Year for Nesting Loon Success

In the 20th century, primarily because of shoreline development and human disturbance, nesting loon populations showed dramatic declines. However, in 2005 loons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list after decades of recovery effort.

Peregrine falcons,  which were also removed from the Vermont endangered list in 2005 also showed strong nesting success this year.

“Rare birds such as peregrine falcons and loons are very sensitive to human disturbance while nesting. They nest only in a few specific habitats, so they need to find these in undeveloped places that are away from people.” ~ John Buck, nongame bird project leader for Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

The lingering winter weather of 2014 did seem to impact Vermont’s nesting bald eagles. Only 17 fledglings were reported in 2014 – a dramatic decline from the 2013 record of 26 fledglings.

“A single down year for bald eagle nesting is not a major concern at this point, as nesting success will vary from year to year due to fluctuations in weather or food. We remain optimistic about the future of eagles in Vermont due to the widespread reports we have received of adult eagles throughout the state.” ~ John Buck, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Although bald eagles are no longer a federally endangered species, they are still listed as endangered species in Vermont because of their slow recovery in the state.

Other bird species showed mixed nesting success this year. Common terns produced only 16 fledglings out of 220 nests primarily due to gull and great-horned owl predation at their nests.

“The return of loons and peregrines to Vermont is one of the state’s great conservation success stories, but much remains to be done,” said Buck.  “The continued support from our partners and from the citizens of Vermont is critical for the future success of these important species.”

2014 Record Year for Nesting Loon SuccessFor more information,  and to help support researchers in their efforts to conserve nongame birds Vermonters can donate online to the nongame Wildlife Fund at www.vtfishandwildlife.com/support_non-game.cfm or purchase one of the newly redesigned conservation license plates.

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John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements

John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements

John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is making improvements to the John Guilmette Fishing Access area on Lake Champlain in South Hero and will close the area for at least two months while the planned improvements are being made.

When the area reopens, it will feature an expanded two-lane concrete boat ramp and a 70-foot dock. A redesigned parking lot will better accommodate persons with disabilities. The closure will begin immediately and may last through the winter, depending on fall weather conditions.

“We purchased this land nearly two years ago from private landowners who were operating the site as a boat ramp. This is a great location for people to access the Inland Sea, and acquisition was a critical step in maintaining this access for boaters and anglers, but the site was in serious need of upgrades. We think anglers and boaters will be very happy to see these improvements made.” ~ Mike Wichrowski, lands and facilities coordinator, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

John Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program

The construction project at John Guilmette Fishing Access area is being funded through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program. These funds are generated as part of an excise tax on fishing equipment, boats and motors, and marine fuel taxes.

To purchase a Vermont fishing license or to find out more about fishing opportunities in Vermont, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

 

 

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Lake Champlain sunset from Alburgh, Vermont

Lake Champlain sunset from Alburgh

 

 

Lake Champlain sunset from Alburgh, VT
photo by Mary Fortin

We think that the sunsets from Alburgh, Vermont have got to be among the most beautiful anywhere. Sometimes we almost take them for granted… almost.

Then along comes a sunset like this one captured by our friend Mary. It is absolutely indescribable. Thanks for sharing Mary!

 

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Vermont Watershed Grants Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

Vermont Watershed Grants Available to Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

The 2015 Vermont Watershed Grants Program is now accepting applications for funding projects that help Vermonters protect, restore and enjoy the state’s watersheds. The applications are due no later than Friday, November 21.

Vermont Watershed Grants Available to Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

“Watershed grants are available to municipalities, local or regional governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and water-related citizen groups, Many types of watershed projects are eligible, including those that protect or restore water quality, shorelines or fish and wildlife habitats. In light of the damage and lessons learned from Tropical Storm Irene and other recent Vermont floods plus our ongoing efforts to better manage runoff containing nutrients and sediment, we are very interested in projects that implement practical measures or involve education affecting stream habitat protection, restoration, flood resiliency and related topics.” ~ Rick Hopkins of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC).

Vermont Watershed Grants Available to Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

The program, now in its 17th year, offers watershed groups and sporting clubs an opportunity to take on a project to help their local stream or lake. These projects can include planting trees, developing a watershed conservation plan or outreach program.

“We are blessed with many wonderful lakes and rivers in Vermont, and practices such as restoring vegetation along shorelines, removing old abandoned dams and improving storm runoff management can help improve their health and value for fish and wildlife.” ~ Rod Wentworth, of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

 

Vermont Watershed Grants Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and HabitatVermont Watershed Grants Program is a joint project of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and VTDEC, and is funded by sales of Vermont Conservation License Plates. The program has funded almost 336 watershed projects statewide dating back to 1998. In 2015 the program has $100,000 available to fund three categories of projects. Those categories are: education and outreach ($7,500), planning, assessment, inventory, monitoring ($5,000) and on-the-ground implementation ($15,000).

“When Vermonters purchase a Conservation License Plate they’re helping protect healthy streams and lakes as well as conserving wildlife and important habitats for future generations. Proceeds from the sale of Conservation License Plates fund the Watershed Grants program and help support the Fish & Wildlife Department’s Nongame Wildlife Fund.” ~ Louis Porte, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner.

 

Watershed Grants application guides and application forms are available from the Watershed Management Division of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (802-828-1535), or from their website (www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/waterq/lakes/htm/lp_watershedgrants.htm).

Applications for the Vermont Conservation License Plate are available on the Fish & Wildlife website: www.vtfishandwildlife.com/support_plates.cfm, and at offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

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