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The Vermont Statutes Online



Title

10APPENDIX

:
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Regulations






Chapter

001

:
GAME






Subchapter

002
:
BIRDS










 

§

25. Nongame wildlife species

(a) A plan for

the management of nongame wildlife species in Vermont includes all members of

the animal kingdom: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks,

crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates; and is limited to native species

not commonly taken for sport or profit, nor classified as domesticated.

b) Projects

determined in accordance with the plan will be coordinated by the Nongame and

Natural Heritage Program and performed by program staff with assistance from

other Fish and Wildlife Department staff and cooperating organizations and

individuals. Projects may also be performed on a contractual basis with

qualified individuals and/or institutions.

(c) The plan

comprises four primary objectives: (1) inventories and status determination of

species and natural communities, (2) species, habitat, and natural community

management, (3) planning assistance and environmental review, and (4) outreach

and education. Determination of project priorities will include consideration

of species status and degree of threat, population and habitat trends, level of

knowledge, public interest and support, availability of funding, arenas

underserved by other institutions, and ability to make a difference.

(d) Financial

resources for project expenditures will be derived from donations to the

Vermont Nongame Wildlife Fund, proceeds from sale of vehicle conservation

license plates, federal funding sources, the business community, grants, and

other sources authorized by the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife.

(1) Inventories

and Status Determination of Species and Natural Communities: Inventories of

Vermont's wildlife and natural communities will be conducted to increase our

understanding about Vermont's wildlife, their rarity, threats to their

continued survival, and to help identify other conservation needs. Status will

be determined for species and natural communities as practicable and the

expertise of others will be solicited when needed.

(2)(A) Species,

Habitat, and Natural Community Management: Monitoring and management of

populations will proceed if needed based on status determination and level of

knowledge. Measures to reduce threats or enhance numbers in populations

experiencing decline will be taken. In situations where a common species is

negatively impacting other wildlife or humans, population control or management

may be attempted. Species may be reintroduced when appropriate. Legal

protection of nongame species will be enforced by law enforcement personnel.

Collection of nongame wildlife for scientific research, education purposes, or

for the purpose of using them as the subjects of art or photography shall be

authorized by issuance of a Scientific Collection Permit. Other collections or

take of nongame wildlife shall be authorized by Commissioner letter in addition

to a valid Vermont Hunting License or Small Game License.

(B) Land in

state ownership will be managed using appropriate wildlife and natural

community management techniques. Site-specific management on state lands and on

other lands when landowner permission is granted may include placement of

predator shields, artificial nesting platforms, and informational signs;

controlled burning; vegetation management; and water level stabilization.

Wildlife and natural community management will be encouraged through

publications and other outreach efforts.

(3) Planning

Assistance and Environmental Review: Certain critical land and aquatic systems

will be protected statewide. Protection will be afforded through Act 250 criteria

and other legislation, land acquisition, purchase of development rights,

conservation agreements, and the assistance of interested landowners. Aquatic

systems will be protected through current laws and legislation, and acquisition

of riparian lands. Conservation and other planning will be assisted through

appropriate information sharing using the Biological Conservation Database

(BCD). Caution shall be exercised so that revealing site-specific information

does not result in threats to rare species and necessary habitat or compromise

landowner privacy interests.

(4) Outreach and

Education: To foster increased respect and appreciation of our natural

heritage, education and outreach efforts will be directed toward achieving a

better understanding of Vermont's nongame wildlife, their habitats, and natural

communities. An Outreach and Education Specialist position will be integrated

into the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program and help develop an education and

outreach strategy. Activities to enhance nongame wildlife education will

complement other Department and Agency efforts, and those of other conservation

education groups. Networking with other organizations and teachers will be

emphasized in order to maximize information exchange. Products and activities

may include, but are not limited to, fact sheets, booklets, slide shows,

videos, workshops, exhibits, and school programs. Opportunities for nongame

wildlife education will be created when appropriate on public land. These may

include, but are not limited to observation areas and walking trails. (1997,

Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1020, eff. Aug. 1, 1997.)