For Immediate Release: December 27, 2004
Media Contact: Jon Kart 802-241-3652

Vermont's Wildlife Get a Check-Up

An unprecedented evaluation of Vermont's wildlife is underway. Led by the

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, biologists, ecologists, conservationists and

sportsmen representing more than 60 agencies and organizations have

teamed-up to give Vermont's wildlife a check-up.

From black bear to golden-winged warbler, silver redhorse to blue-spotted

salamander, experts are assessing the status of wildlife populations and

developing strategies for assuring healthy wildlife futures.

Next fall, when the work is complete, Vermont will have its first Comprehensive

 Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). "The CWCS will be a strategic vision for conserving the state's wildlife, one that we hope all conservation-minded agencies

 and organizations can get behind," according to Jon Kart, CWCS Coordinator for

 the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Development of the CWCS is driven by the federal State Wildlife Grants program

(SWG). Preventing wildlife from becoming endangered is SWG's goal. Vermont

 has received more than $2.5 million from SWG since the program's inception in

2001. " In these tight budget times, the State Wildlife Grants program provides

an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at the future of wildlife management,

" said Wayne Laroche, Commissioner of the Fish & Wildlife Dept.

Vermont is home to 42 species of reptiles and amphibians, 58 mammals, 94 fish,

235 birds, more than 2,000 plants and many, many more insects, mollusks and

crawfish. Assessing the status of each of these species is a huge task requiring

 an effort of unmatched cooperation.

To help conduct the assessments and provide oversight the Vermont Fish &

Wildlife Department has teamed up with local, state and federal agencies and

non-profit organizations.

Vermont's "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" will be identified using criteria

 such as habitat quality and quantity, species rarity, vulnerability to habitat changes,

 and ongoing or imminent threats. Then strategies will be developed to conserve

these species and their habitats.

A review draft of the CWCS and public comment period will available during the

 spring of 2005. Wildlife enthusiasts, landowners, businesses and the general

public are encouraged to track and take part in CWCS development. More

information can be found on the Vermont CWCS website: www.vtfishandwidlife/swg_home.cfm.

The CWCS will be a comprehensive road map to building efficient conservation

 programs for all partners.
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For Further Information please contact: Jon Kart at 802-241-3652 or email to jon.kart@anr.state.vt.us