Projects will take place at the Narrows and Gale Meadows Wildlife Management Areas. In the Narrows WMA, trees will be girdled to create more basking opportunities for the Five-Lined Skink, an endangered species in Vermont that is losing vital sun-basking habitat as cedar trees grow taller. In Gale Meadows WMA, invasive species and brush will be removed to help slow succession and improve brooding habitat for turkeys. Apple trees will also be planted along a popular walking trail to Gale Meadows Pond to increase food sources for wildlife. In addition, a sign will be added to highlight the conservation efforts of the restoration project by both BHA and NWTF.

READ THE RECAP OF CASTLETON'S GALE MEADOWS PROJECT HERE!

READ THE RECAP OF THE FIVE-LINED SKINK PROJECT HERE!

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point: Wetland Restoration in Berlin, WI – UWSP BHA Provides Technical Assistance to Ducks Unlimited (DU) and USFWS Project

Project will increase the quality and quantity of wetland and nesting habitat for waterfowl on a property purchased by DU (thanks to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund). In collaboration with DU and the USFWS, UWSP BHA will fill two ditches to restore hydrology and construct berms to enhance the restoration of these emergent wetlands for waterfowl production and stopover points. The USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife will assist with project completion and the supply of seed for restoring the 20 acres of upland to prairie habitat – essential waterfowl nesting areas. Project will include removing eastern red cedar, existing barbed wire fence, and deer stands, interseeding prairie plant species, and posting boundary signs. Upon completion, this property will be open to recreational opportunities and transferred to the City of Berlin where they will maintain access for hunting creating an ideal opportunity for hunter recruitment and reactivation.  

READ THE RECAP OF THE STEVENS POINT PROJECT HERE!

University of British Columbia Okanagan (Kelowna, B.C.): Fire Mountain Conservation Project

Project will address a network of illegal mountain bike trails on Fire Mountain which is closed to outdoor recreation due to the important wintering habitat for mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as supporting habitat for woodpeckers, songbirds, and bats. Illegal trails will be dug up and reseeded with native grasses to remove signs of disturbance. Project also includes posting no trespassing signs around the property to protect the area from future illegal use.