Keeping a small flock of chickens at home to provide eggs and meat has become increasingly popular, but many first-time small-scale poultry farmers are discovering that several species of wildlife like the taste of chicken as much as we do. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept. (VTF&W) urges poultry owners to use electric fencing and…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is receiving reports from across the state of black bears seeking food in yards, outbuildings and livestock enclosures this spring, and the department urges Vermonters to take proactive steps for safely coexisting with bears. “Bears—and people—are at risk when bears spend time in human-dominated landscapes,” said the Vermont Fish…

By VTDigger Editor An unknown person or people smashed seven windows at the Vermont State House in Montpelier early Saturday morning, June 25, and spraypainted a message on the front portico of the building, according to the Capitol police. The message read, “If abortions aren’t safe you’re not either.” The State House was due to…

The Vermont Ski Areas Association’s 53rd annual meeting on June 8-9 For the first time in two years ski area members, associate members, partners and sponsors were able to recap a successful ski season in person. Despite the lingering effects of the ongoing pandemic, this season Vermont ski areas reported an additional 230,000 skier visits,…

Vermont maple syrup production totaled 2.55 million gallons in 2022, an 800,000-gallon increase from 2021. “As I always tell my fellow governors, Vermont has, hands-down, the best maple syrup in the world,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “This year’s record level of maple production is good news for our sugar makers and our economy, and I…

Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos announced Friday, June 24 as the official start of early voting for the Vermont statewide primary election, to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 9. “Early voting options have proven to increase both voter access and voter participation in our civic process,” said Condos. “Our democracy is stronger when we…

Vt Dept. of Health says 'get take-home tests now' Vermont Health Dept. testing sites will close June 25. Vermonters are encouraged to pick up free take-home tests from these sites to keep at home and use if needed. Vermonters can get up to four antigen test kits for each appointment, but only one LAMP (similar to…

Saturday, June 11 — STATEWIDE—Vermont’s annual, statewide summer free fishing day is Saturday, June 11 this year, and it will be highlighted by a free family fishing festival in Grand Isle as well as opening day of the state’s regular bass fishing season. “Vermont’s Free Fishing Day gives resident and nonresident anglers the opportunity to…

By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott has signed two important bills affecting schools statewide. One create a one-year pilot program of free breakfast and lunch for Vermont students and the other bans offensive school mascots. The governor’s signatures represent victories for anti-hunger advocates and for activists who have pushed to retire mascots that stereotype marginalized…

Wednesday, June 15 at 6 p.m. — RUTLAND — Next Wednesday watch back-to-back Republican and Democratic debates starting at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. With incumbent Lt. Gov. Molly Gray stepping aside to run for Congress, Vermont’s No. 2 job is wide open. Republican candidates include Sen. Joe Benning, R-Caledonia, and former Rutland…

With the beginning of summer and anglers fishing from shore, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminds people that open fires and swimming are prohibited at all Vermont state fishing access areas. Open fires and their remnants, create unsafe areas for other anglers and boaters to use and enjoy. The remnants of these fires are…

Vermont’s turtles will be on the move this spring, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking for the public’s help in keeping them safe. Female turtles will be looking for places to deposit their eggs, sometimes choosing to lay them along the shoulders of roads, which can bring them into the path of…

Facing an urgent need to recruit more foster parents to provide safe and loving homes for children and youth, the Vermont Dept. for Children and Families (DCF) is expanding its recruitment efforts by partnering with the Pride Center of Vermont and RaiseAChild, the nationwide leader in the recruitment and support of LGBTQ+ and all prospective…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department alerts residents and visitors alike that deer fawns are being born this time of year and asks that people avoid disturbing or picking them up — for their safety and wellbeing. Most deer fawns are born in late May and the first and second weeks of June, according to…

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called avian flu, continues to spread among Vermont’s wild bird population since its initial detection in a pair of bald eagles on April 8. HPAI has now been detected in four bald eagles, one red-tailed hawk, three Canada geese, one wood duck, and one turkey vulture in Vermont. Infected…