Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge
You can read the "Comprehensive Conservation Plan" (CCP) for the Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge that includes the Nulhegan Division of the old Champion forest lands on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's website.
There are eight steps, A thru H, that need to be accomplished prior to implementing a new 15-year CCP for the Conte Refuge; we are currently at Step C. Review Vision Statement & Goals, & Determine Significant Issues, Steps A & B have been completed.
The following are the remaining Steps: D. Develop & Analyze Alternatives; E. Prepare Draft Plan & NEPA Document; F. Prepare and Adopt Final Plan; G. Implement Plan, Monitor & Evaluate and H. Review & Revise Plan.
Read the latest USF&W Planning Newsletter that explains the process. It also lists four potential alternatives that have been discussed. Each of the preliminary alternatives would continue to allow snowmobiles to operate on the Refuge, but there are those who are working for an alternative that would not allow snowmobiles on the Refuge. This would be disastrous for our sport and the local economy; therefore, we need to be a force at these meetings, and we need to make our voices and pens heard. Please plan on becoming involved in this important process.
The future of snowmobiling in the Northeast Kingdom depends on your participation!
• Legislature Alert - http://www.leg.state.vt.us/legdir/legdir2.htm - We need VAST members to contact their representatives in regard to pending legislation. It is important that we act – as a unified voice.
US Senator Patrick Leahy - http://leahy.senate.gov/
US Senator Bernie Sanders - http://bernie.senate.gov/
US Congressmen Peter Welch - http://www.welch.house.gov/
Remember, an informed membership is the best way to protect our rights.