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