Vermont Fish And Wildlife Working To Bring Bear Population Into Sync With Habitat
It was once unusual to see a bear but now they seem to be everywhere. People regularly compare stories of bears on their property or encountered in places bears should not be.
Vermont’s black bear population is estimated at 7,500 to 8,900 bears based on 2025 data, the most recent available, according to the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the bear population estimate is above the state’s objective of 3,500 to 5,500 bears.
Explore The Conte National Wildlife Refuge’s Nulhegan Basin And Pondicherry Divisions
I interviewed Wildlife Refuge Manager Steve Agius for my program on WYKR and for this column. I have known Steve since he first took over as manager and have appreciated his dedication to the refuge and to providing public access. The Wheelock resident is a research biologist by training who has worked in many parts of the U.S. and even in Antartica during his career.
Kula Yoga Fest
I learned a lot about yoga from watching various sessions and talking with instructors and participants who came from all over the U.S.
I was especially interested in the Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga class which was offered several times during the weekend. The session I watched was taught by Jana Olen of Sup Yo Adventures.
Vermont Huts & Trails And Velomont
Mountain bike enthusiasts have been working for years on the trail that when finished, will knit together existing trail networks, connect 27 communities, and include 30 new huts and five downtown hostels for overnight stays.
New trail construction is now ramping up after years spent on permits, plans and public input.
Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance
In 2023, outdoor recreation created $2.1 billion in value added for Vermont, accounting for 4.8% of Vermont’s GDP. This makes Vermont second in the country, behind Hawaii, for highest contribution to State gross domestic product (GDP).
Connecticut River Paddlers Trail
In the early 1990s, the Upper Valley Land Trust was instrumental in establishing formal river campsites in Vermont and New Hampshire.