News from Refuge Happenings
The Nulhegan Basin Division is one of 22 Divisions/Units of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Refuge Happenings is a newsletter published by Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, reporting what’s happening at its ten divisions and twelve units. Below are excerpts describing happenings at Nulhegan Basin Division . The full Refuge Happenings newsletters can be found on the Conte Refuge News Page. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Newsroom has a wealth of news articles organized by category: Endangered Species Act, Get Involved, Land Management, Migratory Species, Recreation, Wildlife Management, and Wildlife Wonders.
Refuge Happenings 2023:
Although the Friends of the Nulhegan are focused on the Nulhegan Basin Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Brunswick, Vermont, the staff at the Nulhegan headquarters are responsible not only for the Nulhegan Basin Refuge, but for all the Conte lands in VT and NH listed below. The excerpts below therefore also include reports about work the Nulhegan staff has been doing on other Conte lands.
Winter Recreation at the Nulhegan Basin
Photo Credit: USFWS
Winter Recreation At The Nulhegan Basin Division
Every year roughly 25 miles of gravel roads at the Nulhegan Basin are groomed by local snowmobile clubs to provide winter recreation opportunities. The groomed trails on the wildlife refuge are used for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Individuals using Snowmobiles on the trail system must have their machines registered, insured and obtain a VAST trail pass. Snowmobile season in Vermont is December 16th to April 15th. At the end of the season the refuge gates will be closed and locked until Memorial Day weekend.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Stay Tuned….World Migratory Bird Day May 2024
The Pondicherry Division will be hosting its 23rd annual Migratory Day Bird Walks for May 11 and 12, 2024. Plans are already in motion to coordinate another successful gathering of bird and nature enthusiasts in New Hampshire. This coming year’s theme for World Migratory Bird Day is “insects and their importance to migratory birds”. Events are scheduled throughout the Connecticut River watershed, to be on the look out for one near you.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
World Migratory Bird Day 2024
Photo Credit: USFWS
Yellow Branch Culvert
Photo Credit: Gabe Bolin
Engineer Design for the Yellow Branch Culvert
The Yellow Branch of the Nulhegan River passes under the Eagles Nest Road through a 6 foot steel ‘culvert’. The existing culvert appears to have previously been a steel tank that was converted into a culvert. The structure is ranked as a priority replacement, as it is undersized for the location (less than bank full width) and it doesn’t allow for adequate aquatic organism passage. The refuge is working with the Connecticut River Conservancy to design a replacement structure for the site. The culvert will be replaced in 2024. The project is being funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Engineer Design for the North Branch Bridge
The North Branch Bridge at the Nulhegan Basin Division, Vermont is one of two critical access points onto the refuge. The underrated bridge is showing signs of deterioration and is proposed for replacement in 2024. MJ Engineering has been contracted to design the replacement bridge for the site. The project is being funded by the Great American Outdoor Act.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
North Branch Bridge
Photo Credit: USFWS
Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Photo Credit: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Vermont Housing And Conservation Board Tour
Conte Refuge staff met with Vermont Housing and Conservation Board staff to discuss ongoing habitat management and restoration on the refuge, and land conservation in the state. The Refuge staff provided a tour of the refuge and highlighted ongoing spruce/fir restoration work in the basin.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Forest Stewards Guild Tour
In October, the Forest Stewards Guild toured the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change treatment areas at the Nulhegan Basin Division. The treatment areas are a series of experimental silvicultural trials across a network of different forest types. A variety of adaptation treatments have been implemented and are monitored by researchers with the University of Vermont. The treatments are designed to test various approaches intended to increase structural complexity and species diversity within the forest, with the ultimate goal of improving habitat for specific wildlife species. Partners include the University of Vermont, University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth, US Forest Service, and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Forest Stewards Guild Putting the Forest First
Photo Credit: Forest Stewards Guild
Refuge Staff Member on Site Visit at Mascoma River Division
Photo Credit: USFWS
Repairs To The Pondicherry Viewing Platform
The Cherry Pond viewing platform at the Pondicherry Division is a popular destination at the refuge. Thousands of visitors use the viewing platform on an annual basis, and as such, the wood decking receives considerable wear and tear. Keeping visitor experience and safety in mind, in October refuge staff replaced deck boards on the viewing platform.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Winter Trail Access Meeting
Bi-annually, land managers in northeastern Vermont, local snowmobile clubs and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers meet to discuss winter access across more than 250,000 acres in state. In September, a meeting was held to discuss the upcoming winter season. With roughly 25 miles of groomed trails at the Nulhegan Basin Division, the Conte Refuge provides winter recreational opportunities for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Because of the geography of the Nulhegan Basin, the basin’s cold temperatures typically provide optimum snow conditions throughout the winter months.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Looking Out Over the Refuge from Their Snowmobiles on a Hilltop
Photo Credit: VAST
Refuge Staff Member on Site Visit at Mascoma River Division
Photo Credit: USFWS
Conte Refuge Takes Part In Multi-Year Pollinator Study
Pollinators are declining globally due to climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss. Recent and rapid bumblebee species declines has generated conservation concerns resulting in petitions for listing of several species under the Endangered Species Act. The Conte Refuge is participating in a regional pollinator sampling survey on divisions in New Hampshire and Vermont.In September, refuge staff completed the two year sampling at the Blueberry Swamp, Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry Divisions of the Conte Refuge to assess pollinator species diversity on the refuge.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Annual Road Maintenance Keeps Visitors Safe
The Conte Refuge manages more than 40 miles of public roads at the Nulhegan Basin Division in Vermont. The extensive road system requires maintenance on an annual basis. From replacing culverts to cutting encroaching brush along roadsides, the majority of the maintenance work is conducted in the fall after the breeding bird season has ended. This year, road maintenance was conducted along the Four Mile, Lewis Pond, and Tim Carroll Brook Roads.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Annual Road Maintenance Equipment
Photo Credit: USFWS
White River National Fish Hatchery
Photo Credit: USFWS
Vermont Congressional Staff Meeting
In September, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managers in Vermont met with staff from Congresswoman Balint’s, and Senators Sanders’s and Welch’s offices at the White River National Fish Hatchery. Managers from each of the USFWS offices in Vermont provided project updates to the congressional staff.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Upper Black Branch Bridge In Vermont Gets A Facelift
The Conte Refuge maintains five public access bridges at the Nulhegan Basin Division in Vermont. The bridges provide year-round access for motorized and non-motorized recreation. The decks of the bridges are constructed of wood, and depending on their age, the deck timbers are replaced when they lose their structural integrity. In September, refuge staff replaced some of the deck timbers on the Upper Black Branch Bridge.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Upper Black Branch Bridge Gets a Facelift
Photo Credit: USFWS
Refuge Staff with Representative Balint at Nulhegan Basin Refuge
Photo Credit: USFWS
Congresswoman Balint Visits the Nulhegan Basin
Congresswoman Becca Balint visited the Nulhegan Basin Division in August. Refuge staff met with Representative Balint and her staff to discuss ongoing wildlife research, habitat restoration, climate change research, public access, infrastructure, and recreation on the refuge.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Canaan Conservation Commission Meeting
Conte Refuge staff were invited by the Canaan Conservation Commission to speak about the Mascoma River Division at a recent conservation commission meeting. The Mascoma River Division is a unique conservation partnership that includes the Bearhill Conservancy and WildLandscapes International. The Mascoma River Division has grown by more than 2,500 this year.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Canaan Conservation Commission Meeting
Photo Credit: USFWS
Photo Credit: USFWS
Controlling Invasive Species In Vermont and New Hampshire
Refuge staff are actively working to reduce the distribution of non-native invasive plants across the northern part of the Connecticut River watershed. In August, invasive plants at the Blueberry Swamp, Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry Divisions were removed through chemical and mechanical treatments.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Deferred Maintenance Projects Accomplished At Pondicherry Division
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff hired through the Great American Outdoors Act worked at the Pondicherry Division this month to repair the exterior of the crew quarters. The work included pressure washing the exterior of the building and rebuilding the wooden exterior staircases.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Deferred Maintenance Project
Photo Credit: USFWS
Youth Conservation Corps
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Youth Conservation Corps In The North Country
The Conte Refuge partnered with Northwoods Stewardship Center this summer to hire a Youth Conservation Corps crew to work at the Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry Divisions. The five-person crew focused on trail maintenance and upgrades, biological projects, and facilities maintenance. The Conte Refuge has been working with Northwoods Stewardship Center for over two decades to hire local youth and young adults to conduct trail maintenance and public use projects in northern New Hampshire and Vermont.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Presidential Range Rail Trail Maintenance
In early August, Conte Refuge staff mowed the shoulders of the Presidential Range Recreational Trail. Mowing is conducted to remove woody vegetation and to reduce the encroachment of vegetation onto the gravel trail. Mowing was delayed until after the first of August, to avoid negatively impacting nesting birds and other breeding wildlife.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
The Presidential Rail Trail
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Road Maintenance At Nulhegan Basin
Photo Credit: USFWS
Road Maintenance At Nulhegan Basin
The road network at the Nulhegan Basin Division continues to be improved to maintain and expand public access. Throughout the summer, the roads received a considerable amount of needed attention. Gravel was added to higher elevation sections of the Lewis Pond Road, while all of the primary public access roads were graded. In an effort to avoid negatively impacting nesting birds and other breeding wildlife, roadside mowing and brushing were delayed until after the first of August. Despite all of the rain that Vermont received this summer, all of the roads at the Nulhegan Basin Division remained open and accessible to motor vehicles.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Northern Conte Youth Conservation Corps
The Northern Youth Conservation Corps crew spent time this summer working to upgrade and maintain trails along the Pondicherry Division. Crews work on Little Cherry Pond Trail, Slide Brook Trail, and other locations throughout the refuge, making trails safer and more accessible to visitors. The high school ages crew members are hired from the local community and work for six weeks on a variety of refuge projects.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Northern Conte Youth Conservation Corps at Work
by David Govatski
State Director Rebecca Ellis, Tom Berry of Great Lakes Fishery Council, and Refuge Manager Steve Agius Tour the Refuge
Photo Credit: Rebecca Ellis
Senator Welch State Director Tour
In late June, refuge staff provided Rebecca Ellis (Senator Welch’s state director) and Tom Berry (Great Lakes Fishery Council) a tour of the Nulhegan Basin Division. The tour included a discussion of ongoing wildlife research, forest management and aquatic connectivity restoration work on the refuge. Refuge staff highlighted how the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act funds will be used for aquatic and terrestrial habitat management and restoration on the refuge.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Kingdom Heritage Lands Managers Meeting
The annual Kingdom Heritage Lands meeting was held at the Nulhegan Basin Division in June. The meeting allows State partners, private timber interests, and the Refuge to come together and discuss management challenges across their shared conservation landscape. Public access challenges were a consistent theme at this year's meeting, as landowners work to secure safe and compatible access to more than 100,000 acres of conserved land.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
A View Across the Nulhegan Basin Refuge
by Caleb Kenna
A View of the Forest on the Nulhegan Basin Refuge
Photo Credit: Caleb Kenna
Forest Ecology Working Group Tour
The US Fish and Wildlife Forest Ecology Group - an entity formed to advocate on behalf of forests within the Service - visited the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge last month. The visit allowed them to tour a number of novel forest management projects occurring on the Division, including forest degradation research and a large-scale climate change study.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Northern Conte Pollinator Surveys
Refuge staff deployed pollinator traps within forested, wetland and grassland habitats of the Blueberry Swamp, Pondicherry and Nulhegan Basin Divisions. These blue-vane traps visually attract insects for capture in a bucket of soapy water for identification at a later date. The traps are checked every two weeks to collect the insects and record information on flowering plant species and habitat conditions. This is part of a region wide effort to inventory pollinator species on refuges, with a focus on at-risk-bees. An inventory of at-risk-bees and other pollinator species will be used to inform management of habitats to benefit these species.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Pollinator Trap Used in Survey
Photo Credit: USFWS
Loon Preservation Committee Biologist Michele Adams readies a kayak
at Cherry Pond in Jefferson, NH
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Loon Biologist Visits Pondicherry Division
Loon Preservation Committee Biologist Michele Adams readies a kayak at Cherry Pond in Jefferson, NH before heading out to survey for nesting loons. Cherry Pond is a 120-acre natural pond in the heart of the 6,500-acre Pondicherry Division. A loon chick hatched on June 11th and was seen riding on the back of an adult. The tamarack tree behind Michele in the photo is growing on a floating bog mat. The Presidential Range of the White Mountains is in the background.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
New Hampshire Fish and Game Commissioners Meeting- Presentation
On June 13th, Conte Refuge project leader Andrew French and Refuge Manager Steve Agius provided a presentation to the NH Fish and Game Commissioners about the Conte Refuge at the NH Fish and Game office in Concord, NH. The public presentation focused on Conte’s divisions in the state, the refuge’s focal habitats and species, and land conservation opportunities in the state of New Hampshire.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
New Hampshire Fish and Game Office in Concord
Photo Credit: NH Fish and Game
Nulhegan Basin Fish and Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Photo Credit: USFWS
Northern Conte Youth Conservation Corps
The Refuge’s Northern Conte Youth Conservation Corps started in June. The five-person Northwoods trail crew will be working at the Blueberry Swamp, Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry divisions. Their work will primarily focus on trail improvements and visitor access. In addition, refuge staff will teach the YCC crew about wildlife research, silvicultural practices, natural resource management on public lands, orienteering, and plant and animal identification.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Refuge Biologist Co-Publishes Journal Article About Snowshoe Hare
Conte Refuge wildlife biologist Rachel Cliché recently co-published a journal article about snowshoe hare. A Great Escape: resource availability and density-dependence shape population dynamics along trailing range edges was published in Ecography. Understanding the causes of range limits is a fundamental theme in ecology and evolution. Populations along geographical range limits are often exposed to unsuitable climate and low resource availability relative to core populations. As such, there has been a renewed focus on understanding the factors that determine range limits to better predict how species will respond to global change. Using recent theory on range limits and classical understanding of density dependence, the study evaluated the influence of resource availability on the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) along its trailing range edge.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Snowshoe Hare
Photo Credit: USFWS
Experiential Learning At Pondicherry Division
Instructor Matt Tarr from the UNH Extension Wildlife Program used the Pondicherry Division in New Hampshire as part of a 12-week bird identification, ecology and habitat course. The course included weekly online sessions, as well as weekly field trips held throughout the state of New Hampshire. The course enrolled 250 students, with 85 different field trips to choose from. Field trips were limited to 12-15 students. Three field trips were held at the Pondicherry Division. The course is very popular, and next year’s course enrollment will open in January 2024, with online classes starting in early April.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
UNH Extension Wildlife Program Students at Pondicherry
Photo Credit: : David Govatski
Parking Expanded At Pondicherry
The Town of Whitefield Public Works Department completed a 10 car expansion to the Airport Road Trailhead on the Pondicherry Division. The expansion was to alleviate parking along Airport Road when the regular trailhead fills up. The trailhead is also used by bicyclists on the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, and occasional horseback riders who take up multiple parking spots for their horse trailers.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Expanded Pondicherry Parking
Photo Credit: David Govatski
USFWS Wildlife Biologist Rachel Cliche teaches local homeschool group
Photo Credit: J. Rancourt
Nulhegan Basin As An Outdoor Classroom
A local homeschool group enjoyed learning about refuge habitats and wildlife at the Nulhegan Basin Division in Vermont, on a rainy spring morning. They explored the exhibits and walked the Nulhegan River Trail to learn about ephemerals and birds, and had a chance to ask a biologist questions.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Conservation Planning Meeting With State of Vermont
Ezra Goss, a student at the Lyndon Institute, won the Vermont Best of Show for the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. On March 29th, the judging for the art contest took place at the Fairbanks Museum in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. Ezra’s painting of a common merganser will compete in the National Junior Duck Stamp art contest later this year.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Female Common Merganser
by Ezra Goss
Refuge Staff Member on Site Visit at Mascoma River Division
Photo Credit: USFWS
Mascoma Site Assessment
In March, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Realty Specialist and Conte Refuge staff conducted a site visit of Mascoma River Division and the Bearhill Conservancy in New Hampshire. The seasonable weather conditions allowed for covering a considerable amount of the refuge with a snowmobile. The Mascoma River Division grew by more than 300 acres in March. The current acreage of the Mascoma River Division is 2,800 acres.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Saying Goodbye: Paul Thibodeau Retires
In March, after 14 years of federal employment, Paul Thibodeau retired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For the last four years Paul split his time between Umbagog NWR (NH) and the Nulhegan Basin Division (VT) of the Conte Refuge. Paul is a skilled heavy equipment operator and was instrumental in maintaining the refuge’s equipment, buildings and road infrastructure. Paul was a reliable member of the Conte team and will be missed.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Paul Thibodeau, Retiring from USFWS
Photo Credit: USFWS
Conservation Planning Meeting With State of Vermont
In February, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff met with Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife staff to discuss land conservation and ongoing partnerships in the state. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Nulhegan Basin Division in Northern Vermont. Topics of the meeting included aquatic organism passage and restoration of brook trout habitat, Canada lynx monitoring, American woodcock habitat utilization/migration research, moose population research, and spruce grouse and ground nesting bird habitat restoration and management. The USFWS and VTDFW have partnered on numerous wildlife conservation projects that have occurred over the course of the past quarter century.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Seal
Photo Credit: USFWS
Snowmobiling at the Refuge
Photo Credit: VAST
Snowmobile Season in the North Country
Due to unusually warm weather for the month of December and into early January, most of the Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry had limited amounts of snow cover. In late January more seasonal weather arrived, which provided enough snow for the refuge’s roads and trails at the Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry to be groomed for snowmobiles. Roughly 30 miles of the roads and trails at the Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry are groomed as part of the Vermont and New Hampshire’s snowmobile trail system. The refuge receives a considerable amount of visitation in the winter months from winter enthusiasts.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Lyndon Institute Bird Conservation Presentation
Refuge staff met with students in the January Term Bird Class at Lyndon Institute and spoke about wildlife management and careers in natural resource conservation. The students in the class learned about ongoing wildlife research at the Conte Refuge that ranged from wood turtle habitat utilization, American woodcock migration, Canada lynx surveys and moose/winter tick monitoring.
For more information contact: Steve_Aguis@fws.gov
Lyndon Institute
Photo Credit: USFWS
Energy Efficiency Upgrade: An Electric Mini-split Heat Pump
Photo Credit: USFWS
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
In an effort to reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve the efficiency of the refuge’s infrastructure, an electric mini-split heat pump and hybrid electric hot water heater were installed at the Nulhegan Basin crew quarters. The two high efficiency electric units will dramatically reduce the refuge’s reliance on fuel oil and reduce the operating costs associated with heating the crew quarters.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Aquatic Plant Inventory
In 2022, an aquatic plant inventory was conducted at two Divisions of the Conte Refuge. The final report, maps and spatial data that was completed for the aquatic inventory of various ponds within Pondicherry and Nulhegan Basin Divisions highlights the high ecological condition and value of these habitats. The inventory documented approximately 47 species of aquatic vascular plants across all sites, plus a few aquatic mosses and macroalgae. Bladderwort diversity was highest within Lewis Pond of the Nulhegan Division, while pondweeds, sedges and cattails were the most species rich within water bodies of the Pondicherry Division. The report notes that Lewis Pond supports 9 species of aquatic flora that are absent from the Pondicherry Division, including several abundant state-listed rare species. The authors suggest that this is due to Lewis Pond’s sandy bottom and oligotrophic, non-tannic waters compared to Pondicherry’s predominantly organic substrate and dystrophic, highly tannic waters. Fortunately, no aquatic invasive species were documented in any of the surveyed water bodies. An introduction of an aquatic invasive plant would be a detriment to these ecosystems. This report illustrates the ecological integrity of these habitats, and the importance of being proactive to limit the spread of invasive species.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Lewis Pond in the Nulhegan Basin
Photo Credit: John Rowe