OutdoorsVT 2-26-10

30 days

Forest Service seeks comments on plan

The Green Mountain National Forest has big plans and wants to know what you think.

  The agency is seeking public comment on the preliminary Environmental Assessment for the Upper White River Integrated Resource Project located in central Vermont north of Route 125 and west of Route 100.
 
  The proposed project covers 36,364 acres, including 23,063 acres on land administered by the Green Mountain National Forest, 12,101 acres under private ownership, and 1,200 acres located in the Granville Reservation, which is managed by the state of Vermont.
 
  The proposed work would be on land primarily in the Vermont towns of Granville, Hancock and Ripton, but there are small portions of land in Rochester and Braintree.
 
  The 146-page EA was prepared to analyze any potential environmental impacts as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
 
  The public has 30 days from Feb. 24 to comment.
 
  Following the comment period, the Forest Service expects to issue its final Environmental Assessment and decision on what activities to implement by June.
 
  Rochester District Ranger Greg Smith said the agency will take a look at any comments received, then choose which alternative to pick, with the intention of publishing a decision of record by June.
 
  Smith said the process was a collaborative effort from the beginning including organizations, representatives of affected towns, other agencies and many private landowners.
 
  A series of public meetings, workshops and field trips were well attended.
 
  "It's been a very good process," Smith said. "We've had a lot of very good comments. People have been very respectful and it's improved the project tremendously. We're real pleased with the collaboration and interest from the public."
 
  The goal of the plan, which was formally launched in November 2007, is to implement management activities to achieve multiple resource benefits, according to the preliminary Environmental Assessment document.
 
  The proposed project is a collection of efforts that will improve fish and wildlife habitat, including fish passages and stream restoration; control invasive plant species; prune historic apple trees; improve the network of roads and recreation trails; preserve heritage resources including 19th century home sites; and increase recreation and scenic viewing opportunities, according to the document.
 
  The plan will also allow for the harvest of more than 1,600 acres of timber for the local economy, forest health and wildlife habitat diversity.
 
  The logging effort is expected to produce about 8.5 million board-feet of lumber.
 
  During the scoping process, one major issue was identified that resulted in an alternative plan in the Environmental Assessment.
 
  Alternative C in the Environmental Assessment would retain the Bowl Mill Snowmobile Trail because the trail provides a "thru the woods" experience, a shorter alternative route for riders traveling south, gets riders off Forest Service roads that are used by logging trucks, and costs the Forest Service little to nothing to leave it open.
 
  Alternative A is to take no action, with Alternative B to implement the project as proposed.
 
  "We went out with a proposed action and asked for comments," Smith said. "From those comments, we determined there was one issue that would drive looking at another alternative."
 
  This is the last opportunity for the public to comment on this proposed EA.
 
  To comment on the proposed Environmental Assessment, write USDA Forest Service, 99 Ranger Road, Rochester, VT 05767; by fax 767-4777, Attn: Jay Strand, UWR Project; or e-mail to: comments-eastern-green-mt-finger-lakes-rochester@fs.fed.us.
 
  Comments can also be hand delivered at the Rochester Ranger Station from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or submitted orally by telephone at 767-4261, ext. 522 during business hours.
 
  When commenting, be sure to include your name, address, phone number or e-mail address; the title UWR Project; specific comments on the proposed action, along with supporting reasons; and your signature or other verification of identity upon request.
 
  To receive a copy of the Environmental Assessment or associated maps, contact Jay Strand, project team leader by e-mail at jstrand@fs.fed.us, or phone at 767-4261, ext. 522.
 
  Darren Marcy is a local outdoor enthusiast. Contact him by e-mail at darren@darrenmarcyoutdoors.com or through his Web site at www.DarrenMarcyOutdoors.com.

OutdoorsVT: 2-19-10

Making tracks

Snowshoeing, skiing trails abound

There are plenty of places in the Green Mountains to make tracks in the snow.

  Whether those tracks are oversized footprints or a trail of skinny lines, snowshoers and cross-country skiers have a lot of choices when it comes to skiing and shoeing the winter woods.
 
  If you’d prefer a groomed trail with rentals and lessons available, try one of the many destinations available offering full-service skiing and shoeing. But if you have your own gear and know the basics try tackling a trail on your own.
 
  There are many full-service options.
 
  Try the 57 kilometers of trails for snowshoeing or skiing through meadows and hardwood forests at Mountain Meadows in Killington.
 
  Also in Killington are the Killington Snowshoe Center and Killington Winter Adventure Center.
 
  The Woodstock Ski Touring Center offers 75 kilometers of ski trails and, in Quechee, there is the Wilderness Trails Ski School, which boasts 18 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing.
 
  The Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden has 60 kilometers of trails in one of the most beautiful settings around.
 
  At Okemo Mountain Resort, snowshoers have 5 kilometers of trails on the mountain and another 13 kilometers of trails at the Okemo Valley Nordic Center.
 
  The Nordic Center also offers 22 kilometers of classic and skate-groomed trail through meadows and rolling hills.
 
  Also in the area is Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center with 30 kilometers of classic and skating trails and another 30 kilometers of backcountry trail.
 
  Viking Nordic has 35 kilometers of skiing and snowshoeing trails.
 
  For those who would rather go it alone, the Green Mountain National Forest has miles of trails available for winter use as do many towns and recreation departments.
 
  Of course, venturing into the backcountry on your own requires preparation and precautions.
 
  If you’re not sure of your ability to get out and back, backcountry skiing may not be for you.
 
  It’s advised that people never go alone, dress appropriately in layers with extra clothing, drinks and food.
 
  Carry at least basic survival gear, including a minimum of fire-making materials, emergency shelter, signaling device and a light.
 
  It’s imperative that if you’re leaving the trail to have a map and compass and know how to use them. A GPS unit is a good idea, but electronic gizmos can fail so the map and compass are musts.
 
  With that out of the way, if you stay on the trail and within your abilities, a trek on a forest trail isn’t much more than a stroll (or glide) through the woods.
 
  The Green Mountain National Forest is chock full of great trails and the agency’s Web site lists a bunch of great options for the winter enthusiast.
 
  The GMNF is divided into a north section and a south section.
 
  In the north, some recommendations include the Austin Brook Trail in Granville, Chittenden Brook Trail in Rochester, Hancock Branch Trail and Norske Trail in Hancock, Water Tower Trails and Wilkinson Ski Trails in Ripton.
 
  In the south half, there is Grout Pond in Stratton, Root Beer Ridge Trail in Weston and the Mountain Valley Trails Association in Danby and Mount Tabor.
 
  For advice on cross-country skiing or snowshoeing trails suitable to your skills, check in at your local Forest Service ranger district in Manchester at 362-2307, Middlebury at 388-4362, Rochester 767-4261 or the Rutland Supervisor Office 747-6700.
 
  Darren Marcy is a local outdoor enthusiast. Contact him by e-mail at darren@darrenmarcyoutdoors.com or through his Web site at www.DarrenMarcyOutdoors.com.

Catamount Trail Challenge Race set

The third annual Catamount Trail Challenge Race is planned for March 14 on a section of the Catamount Trail.

The 17-kilometer race will take cross-country skiers from the Trapp Family Touring Center in Stowe to the Bolton Valley Nordic Center with 2,300 feet of uphill followed by 1,300 feet of downhill. The trail will consist of 30 percent groomed and 70 percent ungroomed trail.

The race is open to both competitive and noncompetitive skiers but it is designed for experienced skiers who have a sense of adventure and are open to the unexpected.

The noncompetitive event is aimed at skiers more interested in a leisurely tour. Those skiers will leave 90 minutes prior to the competitive race, which kicks off at 11:30 a.m.

Participants should carry a small backpack with food, water and extra clothes. There are no aid stations along the course. Climbing skins are allowed but competitive skiers may only use one pair of skis.

Registration must be completed by March 8.

The event is limited to 100 participants

For more information, visit www.catamounttrail.org or call 802-864-5794.

Deer meetings set in March

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will hold five public meetings in March to discuss the state's deer herd, according to a press release issued by the department.

According to the press release, wildlife biologists will share information on 2009 hunting season results along with data gathered at biological check stations on antler measurements, ages and weights of deer taken. Winter severity data will also be reviewed.

Hunters will be asked for their input with a particular interest in the recent changes in hunting regulations designed to increase the number of older bucks.

All of the meetings will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

March 23 Springfield -- Riverside Jr. High School

March 23 Orleans -- Lake Region Union H.S.

March 24 Castleton -- Kehoe Conservation Camp Ed. Ctr.

March 25 St Albans -- St Albans Educational Ctr.

March 29 Montpelier -- Pavilion Auditorium

OutdoorsVT: 2-12-10

Great Backyard Bird Count

Citizen scientists count birds

For many, the thought of an outdoor enthusiast brings up images of buff hikers with legs of steal and heavy packs, or rugged survivalists who are more comfortable in the woods than in town.

  For some, that's true.
 
  But there's another group of outdoor fans who are every bit as dedicated to their pursuit - birdwatchers.
 
  Beginning today, people are encouraged to participate in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count.
 
  The four-day event runs today through Monday giving people a chance to participate in a grand social experiment.
 
  Participants simply count birds in their own backyards, park or any other area where birds can be found, then report their findings online at www.birdcount.org.
 
  People can participate as little or as much as they'd like - one short excursion into the backyard or all four days.
 
  These "citizen scientists" can be beginners or expert birdwatchers.
 
  During the last dozen years, tens of thousands of birdwatchers have participated. Last year, more than 93,600 lists were submitted online.
 
  With participation across North America for four days, the survey provides a snapshot of bird populations.
 
  Participants can go online during the survey and see real-time data on maps and charts as reports filter in.
 
  Beginning birders can also find tips on identifying birds and enter a photo contest for bird feeders, binoculars, books, CDs and other products if they capture a great image during their birding forays. Many photos will be featured in an online photo gallery.
 
  Information gathered during the surveys will be used by Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada.
 
  Researchers will be able to better track shifting bird populations and may spot trends earlier thanks to the information gathered during the four-day effort.
 
  An example of that data came during the 2009 bird count when Pine Siskins were counted in the southeastern United States at rates seven times higher and on more than four times as many checklists than the previous high from 2005.
 
  Researchers believe a failure of seed crops caused Pine Siskins to move south to find food.
 
  And the birds can be counted in many more areas since normal bird surveys focus on public areas and the Backyard Bird Count will get counts from private lands as well.
 
  Birdwatchers are among the most loyal and numerous among the outdoor enthusiasts.
 
  According to a survey conducted using 2005 data by Southwick Associates on outdoor recreation impacts, wildlife viewing - including birdwatching - are enormously popular activities and economic drivers.
 
  In Vermont, there are 282,000 wildlife watchers. That's 54 percent of the state's population in 2005 and the majority of those are bird watchers.
 
  By comparison, the second most numerous group in Vermont were trail users at just less than 163,000 users, or about 33 percent.
 
  For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit www.birdcount.org.
 
 
 
  Darren Marcy is a local outdoor enthusiast. Contact him at darren@darrenmarcyoutdoors.com or through his Web site at www.DarrenMarcyOutdoors.com.

Champlain gives up record walleye

 

Photo by William Crenshaw

Richard Levesque of West Swanton, Vermont holds the Vermont State Record walleye he caught through the ice while fishing at night on Lake Champlain on February 10.

From the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department:

Vt. Angler Catches New Record Walleye

WATERBURY – Vermont has the best walleye fishing in New England, and Richard Levesque’s latest entry in Vermont’s fish record program underscores that point.  Levesque shattered the previous state record for walleye on February 10, when he caught a walleye weighing 14.55 lbs. through the ice on Lake Champlain.

Levesque, who lives nearby in West Swanton, caught the big fish at 9:00 p.m., using a tipup baited with a golden shiner.  The walleye measured 32 ½ inches long and had a 20-inch girth. 

The previous Vermont state record walleye weighed 13.44 lbs and was caught in the Clyde River in 1997 by Doug Niles of Newport Center, Vt. 

The fish was examined by State Fisheries Biologist Brian Chipman at Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s office in Essex.

Youth honored for hunting essays

This is a little late and has been reported elsewhere, but I don't think we can ever give too much attention to our youth who show an interest in the outdoors.

Here's a press release from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department announcing the winners of the 2009 Youth Hunting Memories Contest.

Governor Announces Youth Hunting Memories Contest Winners

WATERBURY -- Governor Douglas and Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche recognized the winners of Vermont’s 2009 Youth Hunting Memories Contest on Sunday, January 17th at the Yankee Classic Sportsman’s Show in Essex Junction.

“The Youth Hunting Memories Contest showcases the achievements of Vermont’s youth hunters through their short essays and photos,” said Governor Douglas. “In addition to the 12 young people who received awards, we had 56 youths who submitted wonderful essays capturing their thoughts, passions and experiences about hunting in Vermont.”

“Perhaps most striking is the importance our kids placed on family, friends and having fun outdoors,” added Douglas.  “This is especially encouraging since family involvement is how many young people first learn about hunting and fishing, but these activities create lasting memories that will be cherished forever.”

Each winner received a Beagle Outdoor Wear fanny pack, “Guide to the Wildlife Management Areas of Vermont,” Beagle neck warmer and scarf. All contest winners and their family members also received complimentary passes, courtesy of the Yankee Sportsman’s Classic, to attend the popular outdoor show.
In addition, The Vermont Big Game Trophy Club selected an essay written by Cameron Pratt of Rutland County as the winner to receive a bear hunt for two, parent and child (or mentor and child), with PB Guide Service of Maine.

The Youth Hunting Memories Essay Contest is a joint partnership between the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the University of Vermont Extension System and the Vermont Big Game Trophy Club.  All winning essays can be read on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s youth page.  Go to www.vtfishandwildlife.com and click on youth page.

2009 Youth Hunting Memories Contest Winners

Addison - Jessica Waterman
Caledonia - Kelley Powers
Chittenden - Shane Bergeron
Essex - Kaitlyn Girouard
Franklin - Jacey Rivers
Grand Isle - Patrick Dupont
Orange - Hunter Bruleigh
Orleans - Mitchell Roy
Rutland - Cameron Pratt
Washington - Madison Robbins
Windham - Abby Putnam
Windsor - Remington Morancy

OutdoorsVT: 2-5-10

Showshoe festival

Demos, displays, workshops and hikes on tap at snowshoe event

The Green Mountain Club's 14th annual Snowshoe Festival on Saturday is all about snowshoes and snowshoeing, but the Green Mountain Club Volunteers have managed to squeeze in many other activities that correspond and compliment the winter activity.

  In addition to demonstrations, workshops and guided hikes, participants will have many other options from which to choose.
 
  The 14th annual snowshoe festival runs 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the GMC headquarters in Waterbury Center.
 
  Admission is $8 for members of the Green Mountain Club, $10 for nonmembers with kids 12 and younger admitted free.
 
  The festival is a family event with fun planned for all ages including several events just for the younger members of the family.
 
  In addition to snowshoe demos, workshops and gear displays, there will be nature walks, hikes for snowshoers of all abilities as well as door prizes and raffles. There will even be hot chocolate and chair massages.
 
  Registration for the workshops and hikes begins at 8:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, and the day ends with an après snowshoe raffle and door prize drawings.
 
  There will be guided snowshoe tours beginning at 9:15 a.m. and running every half hour on site. The last trip leaves at 2:15 p.m.
 
  Tours will be guided on 40 acres of wooded hills and fields around the GMC headquarters. Some tours will be led by naturalists.
 
  All onsite tours will be easy walks for first-time snowshoers. Each will be less than 1 mile with less than 400 feet of elevation gain.
 
  Longer trips to offsite destinations will give participants a chance to stretch their legs a bit.
 
  Snow is a little scarce these days. If there isn't enough snow for snowshoeing, the trips will still be offered as hikes.
 
  Trips are rated beginner, intermediate or advanced.
 
  According to the GMC, a beginner hike will be easy, less than 3 miles 'round trip with less than 750 feet of elevation gain.
 
  An intermediate trip will be a moderate hike of 3 to 5 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,500 feet. Ski poles are recommended for these hikes.
 
  Advanced trips are challenging at distances of up to 7 miles 'round trip and an elevation gain of up to 2,500 feet. Ski poles and snowshoes with crampons are required for these trips.
 
  The excursions kick off at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
 
  Workshops are scheduled throughout the day and participants are asked to sign up and arrive 15 minutes early.
 
  There will be a birds of prey demonstration, winter cooking skills, winter animal tracking, map and compass refresher course, and winter Leave No Trace ethics workshop.
 
  Kids have four activities geared just for them, although according to the GMC, the fun is for kids young and old.
 
  Kid offerings will include snowshoe mini-golf, a storybook walk, snow shelters and the 2010 Snowshoe Olympics.
 
  The GMC recommends participants dress for the weather including layers with wool or synthetics under windproof clothing.
 
  Bring food and water.
 
  No dogs for this event.
 
 
 
  Darren Marcy is a local outdoor enthusiast. Contact him at darren@darrenmarcyoutdoors.com or through his Web site at www.DarrenMarcyOutdoors.com.