Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Picks fights with a federal wildlife refuge in Vermont

STOWE-Vermont., The US Fish & Wildlife (USFWS) manages an unparalleled network of public lands called the National Wildlife Refuge System. These refuges play a vital role in providing protected habitat for millions of species, many of which are threatened or endangered. Vermont has only two shelters: Silvio O. Conte and Missisquoi. Hunters and non-hunting wildlife enthusiasts enjoy these lands with very few restrictions. JHere, there is growing concern that the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD) is not representing these stakeholder groups fairly, showing a huge bias toward hunting interests.

Last summer, Refuge du Conte sought public comment on its 2021 hunting plan (Plan). Wildlife Defenders, Hunters, VFWD, and other stakeholder groups participated. There was heightened concern among wildlife advocates over the long hunting dog training season who impacts at risk ground-nesting birds, including Canada Warbler and American Woodcock.

In September, the Refuge changed its hunting rules Plan and Shorten Dog Training—do not hunt—two-month season (from June 1 to August 1) to address concerns about the impact on ground-nesting birds – a move seen as a small concession by wildlife advocates who wanted a complete ban on stalking the refuge, among other bans.

VFWD Commissioner Christopher Herrick vehemently disagrees with the new restrictions. Mark Scott, Wildlife Director at VFWD, do not only disagrees with the Refuge’s decision but chose to harshly criticize the director of the Refuge personally and professionally in his communications with the stalkers and his colleagues.

Newly released VFWD emails obtained through a public records request from Protect Our Wildlife reveal derogatory remarks made by VFWD’s Wildlife Director about the Conte Refuge manager in response to minor changes to the hunting plan. VFWD’s wildlife director wrote: ‘I guess he wants a promotion and is ready to sell his professional integrity. SAD.” The manager also said the shelter manager was dishonest and unprofessional, and that he has lost all respect for the director. Protect Our Wildlife is awaiting additional public documents that have not yet been released by Governor Scott’s office.

“In the age-old tradition of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, senior executives disparage Vermonters who disagree with the department. unscientific positions and unfortunately, Vermonters and our wildlife always loses,” said Lisa Jablow, board member of Protect Our Wildlife.

Additionally, the Director of Wildlife also shared emails with Senator Leahy’s office from a hound calling for derivation federal funds that were intended for Refuge Conte and reallocate them to the VFWD. Wildlife advocates view this as a retaliatory attack in response at the Shelter minor hunting restrictions.

“This unwarranted attack by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department on the shelterbiologist over minimum hunting restrictions is a real threat to conservation and collaboration and also illustrates how deeply political wildlife management is,” Jablow added.

Protect Our Wildlife has previously had concerns about track down activities on the Refuge as documented in their 2015 petition here. VFWD has historically prioritizeed policy on the protection of aspecies at risk on the Refuge as evidenced here.

In response to recent public calls for respect from VFWD Commissioner, Christopher Herricking opinion of others and refusing vitriolPOW President Brenna Galdenzi said: “Commissioner Herrick, you are asking that we all respect differences of opinion, but the evidence shows that your leadership team is not following this plea.”