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VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 23, 2007 Contacts: Thomas Decker, VTF&W, 802-241-3700 Eric Nuse, VT Federation of Sportsmens Clubs 802-881-8502 New “Friends of the Wildlife Management Areas” Agreement Signed Waterbury, VT – Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche and Vermont Federation of Sportmen’s Clubs President Roy Marble have signed a memorandum of agreement creating a new partnership between the two organizations. The “Friends of Wildlife Management Areas” project will leverage the strengths of both organizations for the good of wildlife and wild places statewide. Eric Nuse, retired game warden and hunter education training coordinator, has been assigned as project coordinator for the Federation, and Operations Director Tom Decker will chair the steering committee of biologists and land managers for the Fish & Wildlife Department. This agreement opens the door for hunters and anglers to help improve the land for the benefit of wildlife and everyone who enjoys Vermont’s state wildlife management areas (WMAs). The Fish & Wildlife Department manages 81 WMAs totaling more than 118,000 acres throughout Vermont. The goal of the project is to improve fish and wildlife habitat and the future of hunting, fishing and trapping in Vermont by: Building cooperation and enthusiasm among sportsmen, the department, landowners, conservationists and other outdoor enthusiasts by working together for the stewardship of WMAs and streamside department lands. Strengthening the conservation interests of the Federation and the department by leveraging resources through partnerships to benefit wildlife, sportsmen and the citizens of Vermont. Providing additional shooting range opportunities in Vermont. Fish & Wildlife’s Lands Team has identified many projects in its annual Stewardship Plans that outline needed work on WMAs and streamside lands. Potential Friends projects will be highlighted for consideration by participating clubs. Project coordinators will work with Eric Nuse to get the work done on their selected projects. Some of the work may be ongoing, such as maintaining current signage on kiosks, clean up, trail maintenance, species surveys, and nest box maintenance. Other projects could include replacing bridge planking, apple and mast tree release, patch timber cuts, nest box installation, and installing signs and gates. All of these projects will enhance the outdoor experience for hunters, anglers, bird watchers and wildlife viewers. Many of the projects will directly benefit wildlife. Other projects may involve hosting private landowner appreciation events, assisting with the distribution of landowner welcome packages, supporting or adopting educational programs such as hunter, trapper and bowhunter education field days, successful hunting seminars, and “Archery in the Schools” programs. Some areas of the state have very few shooting ranges. The Federation, as a leader in firearms and hunters rights, and the department would like to develop new safe ranges in areas that need them. This cooperative venture is a great opportunity for sportsmen and clubs who would like to work directly for the good of wildlife and people who enjoy Vermont’s State Wildlife Management Areas. ###