All DMV locations will be closed on August 16, 2024 for Bennington Battle Day

On August 16th, we commemorate Bennington Battle Day, a significant event in Vermont’s history that marks the triumph of American forces during the Revolutionary War. This momentous occasion is a reminder of the bravery and determination shown by the Green Mountain Boys and other patriots who fought valiantly for their independence.

Bennington Battle Day is rooted in the Battle of Bennington, which took place on August 16, 1777. British forces, seeking to seize American supplies, clashed with colonial troops near Bennington, Vermont. Led by General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner, the American militia delivered a resounding victory, foiling the British plans and bolstering the spirit of the fledgling nation.

Peregrine Falcon nesting season complete

Hikers and rock climbers can return to Vermont cliffs now that peregrine falcon nesting season has ended.  The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, in collaboration with Audubon Vermont, has confirmed that all the young falcons have learned to fly and should not be disturbed by human presence on the cliffs.

“The young peregrines have fledged, and nesting data suggest many of Vermont’s falcons had another successful year,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s nongame bird biologist Jillian Kilborn.  “The falcon’s nesting success is due to a combination of factors, including good weather early in the nesting season and cooperation from hikers and rock climbers who observe a respectful distance from nesting falcons during this critical period.  Peregrine nesting success would not be possible without more than 50 volunteers who monitor the nest sites statewide from March to the end of July.” 

According to Audubon biologist Margaret Fowle, who coordinates the monitoring effort on behalf of the Fish and Wildlife Department, biologists and volunteers monitored peregrine pairs that occupied at least 45 Vermont cliffs in early spring and summer. 

“We greatly appreciate the time and effort volunteers put into monitoring the population this year, and we thank landowners and recreationists for their cooperation in protecting nesting peregrines from human disturbance,” said Fowle.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife and Audubon Vermont partner to monitor and protect peregrine nesting sites in Vermont.  Peregrine falcons were removed from the state’s Threatened and Endangered Species List in 2005.  Ongoing cooperation from recreationists and continued monitoring efforts by Vermont Fish and Wildlife and Audubon Vermont will help ensure the peregrine’s remarkable recovery in future years.

Controlled waterfowl hunt applications are available

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department now has information on its website about the 2024 controlled waterfowl hunts at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison and at Mud Creek Wildlife Management Area in Alburgh. 

Applications for hunting at Mud Creek on October 15 and 17 may be downloaded from the website.  Applications must be submitted electronically to anr.fwdcontrolledhunt@vermont.gov or postmarked and returned no later than August 30, 2024 to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, 111 West Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Hunting on October 15 and 17 at Mud Creek will be by lottery drawing only, and blind sites will be assigned at the time of the permit lottery.  Any vacancies due to “no-shows” on those days will be filled on the morning of the hunt with a self-check-in process.  All other Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, except for opening day on Saturday, October 12, during the open season will be self-registration days with permits available at the Mud Creek operations building.

Controlled goose hunting at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area will be by lottery drawing with hunting zones assigned at the time of the permit drawing.  Any vacancies due to “no-shows” on hunting days will be filled on the morning of the hunt with a self-check-in process.  Standby permits will be available at the Dead Creek check-in kiosk.

Friday, November 1 is junior hunter day at Dead Creek.  Only hunters 17 years of age or younger on November 1 may self-register.  Junior hunters must have an adult present, and one additional guest is allowed for a total of 3 in the party.

A drawing to award hunting permits will be held Friday, September 6, at 12:00 Noon at the Fish and Wildlife Department office at 111 West Street, Essex Junction.  Attendance is not required.  Successful applicants will be notified by mail.

Be sure to read the 2024-2025 Syllabus of State and Federal Hunting Regulations for Migratory Birds available on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website. 

Newport Downtown Development hires new associate director

by Daniel Duric, for the Newport Dispatch

NEWPORT — Newport Downtown Development (NDD) has announced the appointment of Felicia Updyke as its new full-time associate director. Updyke, who moved to Newport with her family two years ago, will focus on several key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the downtown area and boosting the local economy.

In her new role, Updyke will prioritize the development of the Newport Outdoor Recreation Collaborative, working to establish Newport as the hub of the four-season, outdoor recreation economy in the northern Northeast Kingdom. Additionally, she will support the growth of small and micro-businesses in Newport’s downtown.

“I am so excited to be able to put more time and energy into an organization I have already been a part of as a volunteer for the past couple of years,” Updyke said. “I am looking forward to making Newport a place I am proud to call home and for my daughter to grow up in.”

Rick Ufford-Chase, Executive Director of NDD, emphasized the organization’s expanded vision and the need to build capacity quickly.

“From workforce development with North Country Career Center to Winter Saturday dances at the Gateway, and from the Forage Festival to efforts to build Newport’s identity as the southern anchor of a beautiful international lake, we are working hard to make Newport a great place to live, work and play,” he said.

Prior to joining NDD full-time, Updyke worked for the Memphremagog Community Maritime and Eden Specialty Ciders.

NDD continues to rely on nearly 100 volunteers and welcomes community involvement in its initiatives. Those interested in participating can contact Felicia Updyke at FeliciaU@nddvt.org or Rick Ufford-Chase at RickUC@nddvt.org.