September 30, 2019
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt – The Vermont departments of Fish and Wildlife, and Forests, Parks, and Recreation are holding a public meeting to discuss future management and use of a group of conserved lands in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
The meeting will discuss the Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area, Black Turn Brook State Forest and Averill Mountain Wildlife Management Area, primarily in the towns of Norton and Holland. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Town of Brighton Elementary School.
“These lands occupy a special place in Vermont, with vast areas of both softwood and hardwood forest, numerous ponds and streams, and many opportunities for remote experiences,” said Doug Morin, a biologist for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. “Large areas of interconnected conserved lands with healthy forests and waters such as these are essential in Vermont. They form the foundation of the state’s working landscape, providing areas for outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife watching, as well as supporting forestry and habitat management..”
This is part of the routine management planning process for state lands owned by the Agency of Natural Resources. During the meeting, staff will provide an overview of a draft Management Plan for the three parcels, and the public will have the opportunity to provide input on how the lands may best be used for sustainable forestry, fish and wildlife habitat and outdoor activities.
The draft plan may be viewed here: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/BMU-draft-plan .
The public may also submit comments in writing until November 15, 2019. For more information about the meeting or the planning process, or to submit a comment, please contact Doug Morin at doug.morin@vermont.gov.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please include a description of the accommodation you will need. Individuals making such requests must include their contact information. Please send an e-mail to: Catherine.gjessing@vermont.gov or call the office staff at 802-828-1000 (voice), 1-800-253-0191 (TTY).