by VDC staff

Due to the upcoming weather, the Vermont Agency of Transportation closed Scenic Route 108, commonly known as “Smugglers’ Notch” starting at 7 PM Monday. The Agency of Transportation reported “it’s likely” the roadway will be closed for the 2025/26 Winter Season.

Moose harvest results – The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department issued 180 moose hunting permits this year, resulting in 68 moose harvested between the October 1-7 archery season and the October 18-23 regular season.  Moose hunting was only allowed in Wildlife Management Unit E, in northeastern Vermont.

 “Moose are relatively abundant in WMU-E,” says Nick Fortin, the department’s moose biologist.  “This high density of moose contributes to high winter tick numbers that can negatively impact moose health and survival.  A goal of this year’s hunt was to improve the overall health of WMU-E’s moose population by reducing its density.”

Moose management goals were informed by years of monitoring data and extensive research on moose and winter ticks from the northeastern U.S. and Canada. Vermont research has shown that chronic high winter tick loads have caused the health of moose in northeastern Vermont to be very poor. Survival of adult moose remains relatively good, but birth rates are very low, and many calves do not survive their first winter.

Of the 180 permits available, 174 were issued by lottery, to which nearly 6,000 hunters applied.  The department reserves the first five lottery permits for Vermont military veterans.  Three non-lottery permits are reserved for persons with life-threatening illnesses, and three more are auctioned as a fundraiser for conservation.

Voting Accessibility Task Force convenes – Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas on Monday announced the creation of a Voting Accessibility Task Force aimed at identifying and eliminating barriers that keep eligible Vermonters from casting ballots.

Speaking at her 128 State Street office, Copeland Hanzas said the group will meet monthly to study obstacles to participation and develop concrete recommendations for improving access. Vermont’s voter registration and turnout rates remain above the national average — more than 80% of Vermonters are registered and over 70% voted in the last two presidential election years — but she said gaps persist.

The task force will include representatives from state agencies and advocacy organizations. Agency of Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson said voting access is tied to community health and inclusion. Deputy Corrections Commissioner Kristin Calver highlighted the importance of ensuring that incarcerated Vermonters can take part in elections.

Advocates for people with disabilities and survivors of violence also praised the effort. Disability Rights Vermont Executive Director Lindsey St. Amour said the initiative comes at a critical time for Vermonters who routinely face barriers. Sarah Robinson of the Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence said expanding access strengthens democracy and “gives power back to survivors.”