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Vermont Conservation Projects

Studying the Impact of Development on Bear Populations

STUDYING THE IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT ON BLACK BEARS

How can we ensure healthy black bear populations in areas undergoing rapid human development? This question faces biologists in many parts of North America. To find an answer, Wildlife Forever supported an investigation into the impact of development on black bears in Vermont. Researchers with the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife used radio telemetry equipment to monitor black bears, looking for changes in habitat use, movement patterns, reproduction rates, and survival and then compared these changes with human activity in the area. Without Wildlife Forever support, researchers would have had “no alternative other than to remove the radio collars from our study animals and shut the investigation down,” said James DiStefano, Vermont Black Bear Research Coordinator. “Wildlife Forever is a catalyst and mentor for innovative and successful programs that ensure a future for wild animals.”

Renovated Trout Hatchery Benefits Brook Trout and Anglers

RENOVATED HATCHERY BENEFITS BROOK TROUT AND ANGLERS

The Elliot Acres Fish Hatchery was closed in the early 1960s because of limited financial resources and fell into a state of disrepair. Thanks to help from Wildlife Forever, the trout hatchery was renovated to raise brook trout for stocking in area streams and lakes. “This is an excellent example of how local citizens can team up with national conservation groups to improve their local resources,” said Doug Grann, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever. “Renovation of this hatchery is producing a noticeable difference of the quality of trout fishing in the area.”