NATURAL & FRAGILE AREAS AND THREATENED & ENDANGERED SPECIES

                                                                   SUMMARY

 

 

LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS & INTENT.  In 1981 the Vermont State Legislature recognized the value which plants, fish & wildlife and their natural environment offer the citizens of the State, and found that species which are determined to be threatened or endangered in Vermont deserve protection "as necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers;..."  The Legislature also established that assistance in protection should apply to species identified under the Federal Endangered Species Act.  At the same time the general assembly also indicated that they intended to allow for orderly development of the state without creating undue hardship by providing for the issuance of variances.

 

ADMINISTRATION OF THREATENED & ENDANGERED SPECIES.  The Endangered Species List (authorized in 13 VSA Chapter 79), has been adopted for the State of Vermont.  The Agency of Natural Resources is responsible for administering the Act and the rules that implement it.

 

VERMONT NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM.  Vermont Natural Heritage Program adopted into the Agency of Natural Resources in 1987 (administered out of the Dept., of Fish & Wildlife), maintains information on threatened and endangered species and natural communities.  The program identifies, inventories and maintains information on four categories:  1) Rare Plants; 2) Rare Animals; 3) Natural Communities; and 4) Unusual Features.  The Plan includes a map showing the natural communities and State fragile/natural areas located in Addison County.

 

KEY TERMS.  "Threatened" & "Endangered" are terms that are used at both the Federal and State level.  These terms are defined in the Federal Endangered Species Act.  The term "Fragile Area" is used under Vermont law and is defined in 10 VSA §§ 6551 (1) & 6552.  "Natural Areas" is also a term used under Vermont Law and is defined in 10 VSA § 2607.

 

FRAGILE AREAS REGISTRY.  Fragile Areas Registry is also a part of the Natural Heritage Program, and is a voluntary, non-regulatory registry. The registry is intended to identify and document fragile areas, and to provide information and assistance about the areas in an effort to prevent their inadvertent destruction.

 

NATURAL AREAS.  Natural Areas are under the jurisdiction of the Vermont Dept. of Forest Parks & Recreation.  The Dept. has developed criteria for evaluating sites for inclusion in this designation.

 

 

USES OF THE NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM DATABASE.  This program's database provides a resource for education, interested citizens and for all those involved in development, and the development review process.  By providing this information the Natural Heritage Program seeks to reduce the destruction of Vermont's ecologically important sites.  The information on the location of sites is intentionally not specific, as detailed knowledge can promote the destruction of these sites. 

 

SOME PROBLEMS WITH DESIGNATION  Designation of a Natural Heritage site on an individual's property has caused concern for some landowners.  Designation may generate unwanted trespass, and damage, and while providing a benefit to the general public has in some cases generated increased restriction on the property's use.  Positive incentive programs for landowners and education of the public would promote cooperative respect & protection of these resources.

 

MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.  Management of these resources can be difficult due to the dispersed nature of their locations.  Also there are widely differing opinions on the level of protection that should be afforded natural resources.  Developing appropriate and acceptable protection programs will be difficult.  Under the existing Act, federal agencies are required to prevent activities which jeopardize the lives or habitat of threatened or endangered species.  During 1993 the EPA was in the process of developing restrictions for pesticide ground and aerial applications near rare and endangered species sites.  The Soil Conservation Service also must consider endangered species when preparing farm management plans, and is required to alter proposed plans if they affect endangered species.

 

PRIORITIZATION OF NATURAL AREAS FOR PROTECTION.  A system of prioritizing natural areas for inclusion as areas of regional significance is recommended.  The Natural Resources subcommittee together with Natural Heritage staff, landowners and others should draft the priority system and generic management plans.

 

REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT NATURAL AREAS.  Until a regional priority system can be developed, all species on the Federal & State threatened and endangered list should be considered regionally significant resources, their locations identified in the Regional Plan, and protection measures identified for use at Act 250 hearings, local development hearings, and educational programs.

 

DESCRIPTIVE LISTING OF NATURAL & FRAGILE AREAS.  This section contains a descriptive listing of natural and fragile areas in the Addison Region.  At this time the listing is broken down into four categories.  There are three (3) State identified fragile areas which are considered to be of regional significance.  There are also nine (9) areas that are publicly owned which are considered to be of regional significance.  Beyond these twelve (12) regionally significant areas, are listed nineteen (19) areas which are either in public/private ownership, or in private ownership which may be of regional significance, however, more work will be done before this determination is settled.  Owners of the properties will be invited to participate in the determination.  In addition criteria for inclusion will be developed and the owners will be notified according to Regional Plan policies.

 

 

  NATURAL & FRAGILE AREAS AND THREATENED & ENDANGERED SPECIES

                                                 DOCUMENTATION/ANALYSIS

 

 

In 1981 the Vermont Legislature (Legislative findings and statement of intent, 1981, #188 (Adjourned Session, Section 1 ) stated that:

 

            "(a)      The state of Vermont recognizes the value which plants, fish and wildlife in their natural environment have for public enjoyment, ecological bal­ance, and scientific study.  The state also recognizes the need for protec­tion and preservation of these species and for encouragement of public understanding regarding the desirability of these protection and preserva­tion efforts.

 

            "(b)      By passage of this act. the general assembly intends to declare as state policy:  that species of wildlife and wild plants normally occurring within this state which may be found to be threatened or endangered within the state should be accorded protection as necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers; that the state should assist in the protection of species of wildlife and wild plants which are determined to be "threat­ened" or "endangered" elsewhere pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act; and that adequate federal funding for the conservation of threatened and endangered species may be made available to the agency of environmental conservation under Public Law 96‑366 and other laws.

 

10 VSA Chapter 123 authorizes the adoption of an endangered species list.  The currently adopted list for Vermont is included in the appendix (In this section of the appendix is also a map which shows the number of endangered species by state).

 

The Agency of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for adminis­tering the act and its implementing rules.

 

In 1983, the Vermont Natural Heritage Program was begun under the sponsorship of the Nature Conservancy.  This program was part of a nationally adopted system begun by the Nature Conserva­ncy in 1983 to manage information on threatened

and endangered species and natural communities.  In 1987, the Agency of Natural Resources adopted the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program.

 

The program is presently administered out of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nongame and Natural Heritage Program.

 

According to a 7/18/91 draft supplied by the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program the Program has the following mission and goals:

 

Nongame and Natural Heritage Program (NNHP) Mission:

 

            The Nongame and Natural Heritage Program's (NNHP) mission is to inventory, protect, and enhance nongame wildlife and plants in Vermont and to help people better appreciate our natural heritage.  Nongame wildlife includes wild mam­mals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mullusks, crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates, and the NNHP also recognizes the nonconsumptive values of game species and the interrelationships of all organisms and their habitats within natural communities.

 

Nongame and Natural Heritage Program Goals:

 

1.         Establish the NNHP as the lead state program for the inventory and information management of rare species and significant natural communities to support management and regulatory needs.

 

2.         Evaluate and determine species and natural community status so that manage­ment and protection efforts can be appropriately directed to those natural resources most in need of attention.

 

3.         Implement population and habitat management/protection strategies that are both timely and effective.

 

4.         Provide information quickly and cost-effectively so that planning requests and environmental impact assessments can be prepared and revised on a regular and systematic basis.

 

5.         Establish outreach programs, in partnership with the conservation and education community, that engage the public and foster an appreciation and respect for our natural resources.

 

6.         Develop year-round promotional activities that extend beyond the income tax contribution system and augment with other revenue sources such as federal monies, state general revenues and private grants.

 

 

 

            Developing the Natural Heritage Inventories

 

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for maintaining the Natural Heritage inventory throughout the State.  The Heritage database is divided into four categories:  rare, threatened and endangered plants, rare threatened and endangered animals, natural communities, and other unusual natural features.  The Heritage Program has developed an inventory and tracking system for 380 rare plants, 64 rare animals, and 98 natural community types.  The natural communities and state fragile/natural areas located in Addison County are shown on Map 4.4-2.

There is considerable confusion over the terms endangered, threatened, fragile, and natural.  "Threatened" and "endangered" are terms defined by the Federal Endangered Species Act and in Vermont's Statutes.  "Threat­ened" and "endangered" species exist on the National, and also on the State level. 

 

Endangered

 

            State:  Species whose continued existence as viable in Vermont is in jeopardy.

 

            Federal:  Species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

 

Threatened

 

            State:  Species whose numbers are significantly declining because of loss of habitat or human disturbance, and unless protected will become an endangered species.

 

            Federal:  Species which is likely to become endangered throughout all or a portion of its range.

 

"Fragile area" is defined by 10 VSA § 6551 (1) as "an area of land or water which has unusual or significant flora, fauna, geological or similar features of scientific, ecologi­cal or educational interest."

 

10 VSA § 6552 further defines a fragile area as a site which:

 

            (1)        is a significant statewide scientific, ecological or educational value; or

            (2)        is exemplary for the purposes of education or research in the natural sciences; or

            (3)        has rare, remnant or other unusual plants or animals, or contains endan­gered species as determined by the secretary under Chapter 123 of Title 10; or

            (4)        contains a necessary wildlife habitat as that term is defined in § 6001(12) of this title.

 

This program includes the Fragile Areas Registry.  The Fragile Areas Registry is a  voluntary non regulatory program.  It is intended to identify and document fragile areas and provide information and assistance to owners of these areas so they will not be inadvertently destroyed and aid in state, regional and local planning.  Registration does not include the right of public access.

 

"Natural Areas" are defined as limited areas of land which have reclaimed their wilderness character, although not necessarily completely natural and undisturbed, or have rare or vanishing species of plant or animal life or similar features of interest which are worthy of preservation for the use of present and future residents of the state, and may include unique ecological, geological, scenic and contemplative recre­ational areas on state lands.  (10 VSA 2607) (1977)

 

Natural areas are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation which have developed criteria for evaluating sites for designation as natural areas.

 

            Uses of the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program Database

 

The inventories and database of the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program are important because they represent an information resource for Act 250 reviews, environ­mental impact reviews, and education or research by landowners, citizens and local, regional and state officials.  By providing data to those making land use decisions, the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program seeks to reduce the destruction of ecologically important sites in Vermont.

 

Conversely, detailed knowledge of these sites can promote their destruction.  If the locations are widely known, sensitive sites can be over utilized, and/or rare or endan­gered plants or animals can be removed or destroyed. Destruction of Federal or State threat­ened and endangered species is punishable by a fine.  Several states have had to adopt and enforce strict laws prohibiting the collection of threatened and endangered species.  Any gardeners reading this section are well aware that nursery grown wild flowers and plants are ecologically preferable to "collected in the wild" plants.  Nursery and garden catalogs now make a point of advertising "nursery grown" as opposed to "collected", even if the "nursery grown" is only temporary storage of collected speci­mens.

 

Knowledge of these sites can also lead to trespass and property damage.  There is a concern by some owners that a resource like Natural Heritage sites, while of benefit to the public in general, may become a problem to the owner because of increased interest by the public, regulation or restriction on use, or other changes to current operating

Map 4.2-1       Natural Heritage Sites.

practices.  Positive incentive programs for landowners and education of the public would promote cooperative respect and protection of these resources.

 

            Management of Natural Resources

 

Natural heritage resources are broadly scattered over the land, making wise manage­ment difficult at times.  As with any scarce resource, there are those who would protect every identified species and area, whether of local, state or broader signifi­cance.  There are also those who would offer no protection to any identified resources.

 

The gray area in between is wide and not easily bridged.  One area of contention is whether a species is "truly" threatened or endangered.  Proponents of the "truly" list argue that a species which is common in other areas of the State or in other states is not threatened or endangered on a national basis and so should receive less protection than if it were of limited occurrence everywhere.  Opponents of the "truly" list maintain that if a species is located in an area it is part of that natural system for whatever reasons have allowed it to travel outside its more common area, and that the uniqueness of the situation, as well as of the possible modifications in the genetic pool should be protected.

 

It will require good informa­tion, sensitivity to viewpoints of others, cooperation, creative thinking and mutually beneficial solutions for landowners, town officials, citizens, local and regional planning commissions, engineers and planners, state agencies and conservation organizations.  Congress is currently in the process of reauthorizing the Federal Endangered Species Act and will have to deal with this issue, as well as other landowners' rights issues which have surfaced.  Under the existing and presumably reauthorized Act, federal agencies are required to prevent activities which jeopardize the lives or habitat of threatened or endangered species.

 

EPA currently is preparing restrictions for pesticide ground and aerial applications near threatened and endangered species sites.  As part of this regulation, EPA will provide County maps detailing the location of such species.  The program is scheduled to take effect in 1993.  The regulations include, among other provisions, buffer areas in which reduced application rates or total restriction of application will be required.

 

The Soil Conservation Service must also include consideration of endangered species in preparing farm management plans.  If a proposed activity would affect an endangered species, the farmer must change the activity or ask SCS to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for consultation on protection of the endangered species.

 

 

 

 

In Addison County a priority system for protection of natural areas should be agreed upon.  A suggested priority system might be:

 

1.         All natural heritage sites which are of "greater than state significance" be determined to be of regional significance.  These sites be targeted for protection through listing in the Regional Plan and voluntarily in the Vermont Fragile Areas Regis­try.  There should also be cooperative development of a long‑term manage­ment plan for the resource which protects and enhances the natural resource value of the area while incorporating the landowner's plans for the use of his/her land.  Such a plan could include transfer of development rights or fee simple acquisition by a conservation organization or a government entity.

 

2.         All sites of State significance be prioritized using a system similar to the evaluation categories analysis for the Vermont Fragile Areas Registry.  Those which meet all categories should be managed to maintain the resource (See 1 above). Those which have few or none are perhaps expendable.  The Regional Commission, working with towns and the Nongame and Natural Heritage staff, should prepare such a priority system.  This would be an excellent follow up activity for towns with detailed inventories.

 

3.         Sites of local significance should be left to the discretion of landowners and local officials.  These sites are not of regional significance.

 

It could serve as a beginning for a priority system.  The Natural Resources subcommit­tee together with Nongame and Natural Heritage staff, landowners and others should draft the priority system and generic management plans.

 

In the meantime, all species on the Federal and State threatened and endangered list should be considered regionally significant resources, their generalized locations identified in the Regional Plan, and protection measures identified for use at Act 250 hearings, local development hearings, educational programs, etc.

Descriptive Listing Of The Natural And Fragile Areas In The Addison Region

 

Of the following, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources considers three to be "fragile areas" as defined by 10 VSA § 6552. These are:

 

            » Dead Creek Waterfowl Area

                        The largest waterfowl management area in Vermont is in western Addison County bisected by Route 17 between Addison and Chimney Point. Condi­tions for marshlands are ideal here and a variety of wetland vegeta­tion spreads over more than 1,000 acres.  Several dikes have been con­structed to create favorable environments for nesting and feeding water­fowl.  One of the most important wetland complexes in the State for waterfowl, a total of 168 species were found in the area as of 1981.  Designat­ed as a "Fragile Area" by the State.

 

            » Little Otter Creek Marsh

                        The marsh in Ferrisburgh, lies near the mouth of Little Otter Creek where several tributaries join to form an extensive area of shallow water of more than 1,000 acres, 4/5 of which is in public ownership.  Many species of waterfowl and marsh birds nest here, including some on the State's endangered, threatened and rare list.  The marsh is on the State's "Fragile Areas" registry.  It is also a "National Natural Land­mark."

 

            » Weybridge Cave

                        A large cave (5 acres) produced by solution of limestone bedrock.  There are many chambers at different levels within this complex and interesting cave.  Characteristic dripstone formations and wall and floor ornamenta­tion are present.  Biological content of the cave is uncertain.  Located within an undevel­oped 97 acre state park, this cave is a desig­nat­ed "frag­ile area" by the State.

 

These resources are of regional significance. 

 

Also of Regional significance are the following publicly owned resources.  All of them have unusual features which are of special value to residents of the Addison Region. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            PUBLICLY OWNED

 

ABBEY POND:

            An attractive, remote and high elevation 41 acre pond, Abby Pond is located in the northwest corner of Ripton.  The pond is reached by hiking 2 miles on a class four road off Route 116.

 

BEAVER MEADOWS:

            In Ripton, Bristol and Middlebury it is comprised of 340 acres of backwoods, and boggy meadows with much beaver activity.

 

BRISTOL CLIFFS WILDERNESS:

            This consists of 3,738 acres of the National Forest southeast of Bristol.  There are several natural attractions, including the cliffs and jumbled talus slopes.  The cliffs rise 1,500' above the Champlain Valley and provide spectacular views.

 

BRISTOL MEMORIAL FOREST PARK GORGE:

            A small falls and deep gorge in a local park.  The area has considerable visual appeal and has protected status.  It is heavily used for picnics and short hikes.

 

FALLS OF LANA:

            The falls are located a short distance from the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore in Salisbury.  Sucker Brook has worn a deep gorge in the solid rock.  A popular area for hiking and picnick­ing.

 

GILMORE POND:

            In Bristol, this is a small mountain pond with bogs and beaver activity.  10 acres.

 

MIDDLEBURY GORGE:

            Carved by the Middlebury River, the gorge is located at the foot of the moun­tains above East Middlebury on Route 125.  There is a popular swimming hole.

 

NORTH POND:

            In Bristol, a small mountain pond with bogs.  10 acres.

 

SILVER LAKE:

            Located in the Green Mountain National Forest east of Lake Dunmore, and included in the Silver Lake Recreation Area.  Provides picnic sites, tent sites, boating facilities and hiking trails.

 

 

 

 

The resources below may or may not be significant.  More work needs to be done to make this determination and owners need to be invited to participate in that work.  Before any of the following resources can be included as regionally significant resourc­es, criteria must be developed, proper notification under General Policy number 1, page 4.1-2 shall be made, and the proper plan amendment procedures under 24 VSA § 4348 shall be followed.

 

 

            PUBLIC/PRIVATE OWNERSHIP

 

HOSPITAL CREEK MARSH:

            In Addison, this is a shallow marsh of 250 acres.

 

LEWIS CREEK MARSH:

            700 acres in Ferrisburgh, this is a partly wooded shallow marsh.

 

NEW HAVEN GORGE:

            Formed by the New Haven River in Bristol, this is a series of three sites of forested gorge with waterfalls and cascades.  Also known as Bartlet Falls, there is good swimming.

 

 

            PRIVATELY OWNED

 

BATTELL BIOLOGICAL RESERVE:

            This comprises 400 acres of softwood and hardwood forest in Middlebury.

 

BATTELL GORGE:

            On Otter Creek near Belden's Falls in Weybridge and New Haven.  A small limestone gorge, deeper than it is wide, this is one of the few gorges on a large Vermont river that is not dammed and one of the prettiest.

 

BEAVER BROOK MARSH:

            In Bristol, a beaver pond with marsh at its north end.  75 acres.

 

BELDEN'S FALLS:

            On Otter Creek in Weybridge and New Haven.  A dam and power station with a small gorge between two rocky islands at the foot of the dam.  The creek below the project is used for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.

 

BITTERSWEET FALLS:  (Monument Farms)

 

 

BRISTOL POND (WINONA LAKE):

            In Monkton and Bristol, this is an 800 acre pond with extensive marsh and bog vegetation.

 

CORNWALL SWAMP (Cedar Swamp):

            A vast swamp of about 1,000 acres forms on the seasonally flooded flatlands bordering Otter Creek in the Town of Cornwall.  Designated a "National Natural Landmark."

 

DEER LEAP:

            A promontory located between Bristol Village and Route 116.  Home to one of only seven nesting pairs of peregrine falcons in the State.

 

EAST CREEK MARSH:

            An excellent shallow water marsh covering 1,000 acres in Orwell.

 

HAND'S COVE MARSH:

            This is an unspoiled deep marsh covering 75 acres in Shoreham.

 

LARRABEE'S POINT:

            This area in Shoreham is of historical and archeological interest.

 

NOONAN OAK/HICKORY AREA:

            Rare in northern Vermont, 50 acres in Addison containing white oak, swamp white oak, red oak and shagbark hickory.

 

PLEASANT BROOK SWAMP:

            In Whiting, 400 acres of mostly wooded swamp.

 

SALISBURY SWAMP:

            Extensive wetlands used by waterfowl.  500 acres in Leicester.

 

SOUTH FORK MARSH:

            This comprises 1,200 acres of shallow to deep water marsh in Orwell.

 

WHITNEY CREEK MARSH:

            In Addison, this is a shallow marsh of 240 acres.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILDLIFE RESOURCES SUMMARY

 

IMPORTANT HABITAT AND BUFFER STRIPS.  The importance of habitat is generally discussed.  Each species has its own unique habitat requirements, however it is pointed out that the areas near any waterbodies are particularly valuable habitat areas for a wide number of species.  It is recommended that buffer strips be maintained in these areas.  It is also pointed out that some active management activities may be appropriate in these buffer strips (such as selective harvest of timber).  Reference is made to Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality in Logging Jobs in Vermont (AMP's), which describes management practices which allow selective harvesting to be done with consideration of the wildlife resource.

 

BUFFER STRIP WIDTH.  The minimum width recommended at this time by ACRPC is only designed to reduce the erosion of stream banks.  If a landowner's management goals are for wildlife objectives such as the protection a wildlife travel corridor or a nesting site wider strips should be considered and professional wildlife personnel should be consulted.

 

PARTICULAR WILDLIFE, AND PARTICULAR HABITATS DISCUSSED

 

HERON ROOKERIES AND OTHER WATERFOWL  The nesting, or rookery requirements, of the great blue heron are described. 

 

WETLANDS.  Wetlands are important to fauna, fowl and mammals.  Both wetlands and their associated buffer areas are important for birds both as stopover areas during migration periods and for feeding and breeding grounds at other times.  A number of mammals also rely on wetlands for food and water resources.  The critical relationship between wetlands and endangered species is also mentioned.

 

FISHERIES  The general habitats of Vermont's fisheries are mentioned, and critical habitat factors are identified.  Acceptable Management Practices on Logging Jobs (AMP's) if followed are a practice that can be used to maintain the water quality in Vermont's waterbodies.

 

FOREST HABITAT  There are a wide variety of forest habitats that could be discussed.  Two habitats that are discussed in this version of the plan are Deer Wintering Areas, and Bear Core Areas.

 

DEER WINTERING AREAS.  The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife has researched the life cycle of the white tailed deer and developed maps of the habitats associated with the deer's critical wintering areas.  The maps are periodically updated.  In addition the Department may be willing to provide assistance in determining field boundaries of individual wintering areas for property owners, town and regional planning commissions.  The general attributes of deer wintering areas are described.  This section of the Plan includes a map of the identified deer wintering areas in Addison County.

 

WINTERING AREAS - ISSUES.  The issues which arise out of the desire to protect deer wintering areas are identified.  Determination of Location:  the present set of deer wintering area maps serves only to raise the question of whether development may be proposed in an identified wintering area.  The Department is working on developing maps that better show the location and boundaries of identified deer wintering areas.  Degree of Protection:  critical habitat factors are described and it is suggested that landowners may locate wintering areas on their own property, and manage for protection of wintering areas if they choose to do so.  Local verses Regional Significance: a map of the location of identified wintering areas which cross town boundaries is included as part of this section.  It is recommended that Towns, the Regional Commission and the Department of Fish & Wildlife work together to identify those wintering areas that are of Regional Significance.  It is also recommended that a program of positive incentives be developed to encourage property owners to include protection of wintering areas as a part of their management plans.

 

BEAR CORE AREAS  The Department of Fish and Wildlife has also researched the habitat needs of black bears and has developed maps which generally identify areas of habitat important to at least some part of the black bear's life cycle.  Review of the Department's map shows extensive coverage in some communities.  The critical habitat areas within the broadly identified areas have not yet been determined or mapped.  As with the deer wintering area maps, field work must be carried out by trained biologists to determine the on-the-ground boundaries of the areas that constitute important habitat.  Much of the bear habitat in Addison County is found within the Green Mountain National Forest, and is included in that Agency's management plans.  In those areas where critical habitat is found on private property, positive incentives could be provided to the landowners as incentives to include management for wildlife resources as a part of their land management plans.

 

MANAGEMENT FOR WILDLIFE GOALS, OPTIONS FOR LANDOWNERS  A section of general guidelines for landowners who desire to manage their land for wildlife is included, but not intended to have regulatory effect.  Information is provided on the meaning, importance to wildlife, and general recommendation for management activity on the following:  Mast Trees; Raptor Nest Trees; Den Trees and Snags; Regenerating Forests; Forest Openings; Springs and Seeps; and Upland Meadows.

 

HABITATS OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED BIRD SPECIES  Vermont's Threatened and Endangered Bird Species are listed along with the habitat they require.  Care should be taken to minimize disturbance during their nesting season.

 

REINTRODUCED SPECIES  The Department of Fish and Wildlife have participated in projects to reintroduce formerly native species back into Vermont.  Wildlife reintroduced in Addison County include:  peregrine falcon; fishers (a member of the Mustelidae family along with marten, mink and river otter), and wild turkey.  Moose, while never completely extinct in Vermont are included in this section.

 

DISCUSSION 

 

ENDANGERED AND/OR THREATENED SPECIES  Endangered and/or Threatened Species (as defined in Federal & State Law) are Regionally Significant Resources and should be protected according to this section's policies.

 

"CRITICAL" SPECIES  For those species that are critical, but not yet "Endangered" or "Threatened," in cooperation with landowners and the Department of Fish & Wildlife, habitat protection measures should be instituted or maintained according to this section's policies.

 

LOSS OF HABITAT/LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT PLANS  Loss of habitat leads to decline is species population, however, land use management plans can maintain and increase some habitat area.  It is important to provide for habitat management which provides for a biologically and culturally stable population of the various game species.  Town's landowners, the Regional Commission and State Agencies should work together to maintain stable population in the Addison Region according to this section's policies.

 

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS IN ADDISON COUNTY  There are eleven State owned Wildlife Management Areas in Addison County.  In some the State owns all rights, in others private interests have retained certain rights such as timber management & harvest.  Various methods which can be used to maintain and protect non-game habitat are discussed.

 

STATE ACQUISITION OF LAND  Through the Agency of Environmental Conservation the State carries out its Land Acquisition Program.  Acquisition categories are considered, and the priorities for acquisition are discussed.  Funding for acquisition comes from a number of sources.  It is hoped that the lands purchased are critical in nature to the public interest.

 

LOCAL IDENTIFICATION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES  Town Plans should identify wildlife habitats which are important to their citizens, as well as threatened and endangered habitats, and provide methods to protect those resources in ways that are mutually beneficial to land owners and the general public.  It was noted that the clustering of development to leave larger areas for habitat was particularly important.

 

 

 

                         WILDLIFE RESOURCES DOCUMENTATION/ANALYSIS

 

 

MAINTAINING WILDLIFE RESOURCES

 

Addison County, because of its rural nature, is home to many species of wildlife - the more common species such as the white tail deer, raccoon, fox, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, and many varieties of birds, are part of our every day environment.  We are indeed fortunate to live in an area where wildlife exists in its native habitat rather than in preserves and zoologic­al gardens.

 

In Vermont, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is charged with managing wildlife populations.  A major goal of the Department is to maintain reason­ably abundant populations of wildlife throughout the State.  Landowners may also participate in wildlife management by use of a variety of techniques of land management.

 

Wildlife, like people require places to live out their life cycles.  For animals, living space, or "habitat" is an area which provides food, shelter nesting/breeding sites, and opportunity for interaction with other members of its species.  Good agricultural and forest management practices can also provide wildlife habitat. 

 

Habitats can be wooded, open, riparian or a mixture of some or all of these features.  For example stream banks and shorelines combine water, wooded vegetation and open areas and form linear corridors for wildlife movement.  These water body margins are particularly valuable habitats.  They provide nesting and breeding cover for many types of birds.  Food for a wide variety of animals is found here year round.  These areas provide secure travel paths for animal species that migrate or move between seasonal or daily habitats.  Fluctuating water levels may provide different habitat values at various times of the year.  Buffer strips should also be maintained to protect these areas from unfavorable erosion during management activities and to protect aquatic resources from sedimentation and loss of shading. Buffer areas are not intended to preclude forest management practices done in accordance with Acceptable Management Practic­es for Maintaining Water Quality in Logging Jobs in Vermont (AMP's) such as selective harvesting done with consideration of the wildlife resource. 

 

Based on input received through testimony and from professionals in the field of wildlife management, a reasonable minimum buffer width for wildlife purposes would be 50 feet.  However, the Commission feels that wildlife values must be balanced with economic values and with farm and forestry management practices in order to define a minimum riparian buffer width acceptable for all uses of riparian lands.

 

 

Management of riparian lands to protect water quality is also a major issue in Vermont.  Management guidelines have been established for both the forest industry (AMPs) and agricultural producers (AAPs) which generally provide for a minimum buffer width of 25'.  Because this is a generally accepted standard which, if correctly implemented, protects water quality, the Commission supports a riparian buffer width on all year-round rivers, streams, and on lakes and ponds of 25'.

 

Beyond the 25' riparian buffer, the Commission supports a varying program of buffer protection.

 

Minimum riparian buffer widths in forestlands will be those required by the Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality in Logging Jobs in Vermont (AMPs).  In agricultural lands, the minimum riparian buffer width will be those included in the Acceptable Agricultural Practices handbook (AAPs).  It should be noted that within riparian buffer areas both the Acceptable Management Practices and Acceptable Agricultural Practices allow forestry and agricultural activities.

 

Land which changes from agricultural or forestry use shall be encouraged to provide a 50' riparian buffer as part of the management or development plan for the land.

 

Developments which are subject to Act 250 review are required to balance values under all 10 criteria, including wildlife under Criterion 8A.  The resulting buffer width supported by the Commission is that which, based on evidence presented, protects wildlife values, while also supporting reasonable use of the property that may promote other public values.

 

A program of compensation, providing either monetary, or some other form of benefit to the owner such as density bonus, transfer of development rights, etc., would be helpful in encouraging farm and forest owners to provide a wider buffer.

 

A buffer strip designed to protect aquatic resources may or may not be adequate for values such as travel and nesting.  If wildlife habitat, nesting and feeding are an owner's manage­ment goal, wider strips should be planned to provide more cover to reduce predation from raccoons, crows, and jays.[1]

 

            Heron Rookeries

 

A specialized habitat associated with aquatic habitat is the heron rookery.  Herons nest in small concentrated colonies in fairly isolated areas.  According to A Guide To Bird Behavior, Vol III, by Donald and Lillian Stokes (1989), great blue herons prefer to nest in tall trees, usually at the top on vertical branches.  They often nest on islands or in trees with water around the base, perhaps as protection from predators.  Rookeries may be used for decades and have many nests.  Nests are used year after year and become substantial as each new breeding pair adds material to an existing nest.  Herons return to these same rookeries year after year, thus making protection of rookeries a necessity in maintaining a heron population.

 

Heron commonly feed in an area 10-15 miles around the rookery.  In late summer, the young herons disperse widely and maybe found in less isolated water until they become nesting pairs in a rookery.

 

The Dead Creek Waterfowl Area provides forage for the peregrine falcon and the osprey, and it provides nesting sites for the least bittern and the short-billed marsh wren.  The Little Otter Creek marsh is home to the osprey, the least bittern and the marsh hawk, and has the highest concentrations of bald eagles during spring and fall migrations of any place in Vermont.

 

            Wetlands

 

Wetlands are areas of great variety in both plant and animal species.  Many species of migratory water fowl and song birds rely on wetlands and their buffer areas as feeding and breeding grounds.

 

Mammals, large and small, depend on food and water resources in wetlands particularly in early spring when other resources may be less available.  About one third of the nation's endangered species are either found in wetlands or are dependent on them for survival.  In Addison County, a comparison of the 1991 Significant Habitat Maps and the U.S. Department of Interior Wetlands maps show a similar matching.

 

Wetlands in Addison County provide habitat for a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species.  Dead Creek Waterfowl Area is an example of the important stopover sites for migrating shorebirds, ducks and geese.  Snow geese, in particular, sometimes number in the thousands at Dead Creek, and in the flood plains of the Lemon Fair and Otter Creek.  Peregrine falcons, ospreys, bald eagles, and marsh hawks forage for food there as well.

 

The flood plain of the Lemon Fair River may also provide spring stopover sites for snow geese.

 

Wetlands near the mouth of Otter Creek provide nesting habitat for osprey, endangered in Vermont, and are an example of the type of habitat which would allow its recovery here.

 

 

            Fisheries

 

Fisheries include lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and wetlands.  Colder, faster moving or deeper waters provide habitat for brown and brook trout, while warmer waters are home to small and large mouth bass, pike, pickerel, and yellow perch.  Natural erosion often causes bank over-hangs with fallen trees which create cool, deep pools for fish.  Temperature increases caused by sustained low water flows and/or by removal of shade from over hanging vegetation over a significant portion of stream bank or shoreline can have long-term effects on the species living in the streams or ponds.  Vegetation with its associated insect life also provides food sources. 

 

Another enemy of fisheries habitat is silt.  Silt covers spawning beds, impeding or eliminating the oxygen exchange to the eggs from free flowing water.  Silt also interferes with the oxygen exchange through the gills of adult fish. 

 

Eutrophication, the aging of water bodies, can be artificially accelerated by siltation and by nutrient enrichment from runoff.  Water characteristics changed by eutrophica­tion may no longer sustain fish species that were once present.  Toxic contaminants enter­ing watercourses may also reduce the ability of fish to survive.

 

Acceptable Management Practices (AMP's)for maintaining water quality in logging jobs in Vermont were written as one technique to reduce siltation in water bodies.