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Federation Position on NEK Federal Property July 18, 2007 Mr. Andrew French Project Leader Silvio O. Conte, NFWR 103 East Plum Tree Road Sunderland, MA. 01035 RE: Management Plan for Nulhegan Basin Division Silvio O. Conte NFWR: Dear Mr. French: The Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Club's, Inc, appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Management Plan for the Nulhegan Basin Division Silvio O. Conte NFWR. The Federation holds that the Management Plan for the Nulhegan Basin Division Silvio O. Conte NFWR should assure that all of it's regulations regarding training of hunting dogs, hunting, trapping and fishing be consistent with the laws, regulations and policies of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. A management plan establishing regulations and practices that are uniform throughout Vermont will provide consistent standards, which provide the best means for the outdoor sporting and recreation community to attain the laudable goal of full compliance with laws and regulations. Consistent standards of law, regulation and policy make more likely the achievement of citizen compliance. Sportsmen and women of Vermont and the Nation have provided significant financial contributions for the purchase of the national refuges. The outdoor sporting community enjoys using these lands, and willingly supports the many other recreational uses of these lands. These invaluable public resources exist to be enjoyed by all our citizens, youngsters, elderly and those with physical disabilities. All our citizens have an equal right to access and use these lands. Therefore the Federation supports keeping all roadways open to motorized vehicles. Care should be taken to provide designated corridors for various transportation modes, motorized vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, foot travel, etc. to provide for the best possible experience for all citizen users. The management plan should authorize hunting, trapping and fishing, as well as other traditional outdoor recreational and land use activities, benefit the public and support the local economy so long as these activities and practices support sound conservation and land use practices. In those areas where it is necessary and advisable to restrict motorized vehicle access, the retrieval of big game animals by horses or other draft animals should be allowed. The Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Club's, Inc. has a long history of supporting federal, state and local conservation programs. The Federation recognizes the tremendous resource that these federal lands provide to Vermont and we wish to promote the continued conservation of this natural endowment for future generations. Sincerely Roy H. Marble, President Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Club's, Inc. 14 Stafford Ave. Morrisville, VT. 05661 802-888-3418 mmarrealty@aol.com