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:
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.
Monitoring Ash Trees
Refuge staff, volunteer citizen scientists, the State of NH, and the Ecological Research Institute (ERI) are monitoring black ash populations at the Pondicherry Division as part of the MaMA network. This effort offers a framework for monitoring ash trees before, during, and after invasion by the Emerald ash borer - a nonnative, invasive insect decimating ash populations in the Eastern US. ERI hopes to systematically identify so-called "lingering ash" that survive following invasion. This effort is crucial to perpetuating ash species into the future.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Ash Tree
Photo Credit: Native Plant Trust
Squirrel Being Monitored
Photo Credit: UFWS
Remote Wildlife Monitoring at the Nulhegan Basin
Twenty-one SiMPL cameras were checked and re-set this winter, and twenty-one audio moths were removed from plots within seven spruce-fir stands on the Nulhegan Basin Division. Data collected from these sites, as well as sites in the White Mountain National Forest are being used to inform a study evaluating whether biological diversity is higher in stands where young and mature forests coexist. The SiMPL cameras are monitoring small mammals, while the audio recorders are being used to survey migrating and breeding landbirds. This data, along with forest inventory data has been collected from these sites since 2021. The results will be used to inform forest managers on how they can increase biological diversity while maintaining economic benefit.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Native Willow Survey
A recent willow survey was conducted at the Pondicherry Division by Scott Bailey. The survey was funded by the Friends of Pondicherry. The survey found that “Pondicherry has an unusual diversity and density of willows, woody plants that are especially important to wildlife as habitat and food. Of the 13 lowland species native to New Hampshire, 7 are documented at Pondicherry. The populations on the refuge are relatively large and widespread, and include both male and female plants, suggesting that the refuge serves an important role in preserving species and genetic diversity of willows and as a seed source for the areas around the refuge.”
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Native Willow
Photo Credit: Scott Bailey
Mallard Duck (male)
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Christmas Bird Count at Nulhegan
Although the results were not as expected, we are thankful for all those who participated in the Christmas Bird Count this year at Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry Divisions. Six observers logged 27 different species of birds, including mallards, wild turkey, evening grosbeak, pine siskin, and dark-eyed juncos. The Christmas Bird Count is the nation’s longest running community science bird project that occurs each year between December 14 and January 5th.
For more information contact Steve_Agius@fws.gov
World Migratory Bird Day 2025 Poster
Photo Credit: Environment for the Americas
2025 World Migratory Bird Day
Environment For The Americas has announced the theme of the 2025 World Migratory Bird Day! The campaign, Shared Spaces: Creating Bird Friendly Cities and Communities will focus on creating environments that can better support migratory bird populations, from rural farmlands to bustling cityscapes. Conte Refuge has two designated Urban Bird Treaty Cities within its boundaries, Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA. Moving north along the watershed, The Friends of Pondicherry have already started planning for their annual WMBD event for May 2025. Stay tuned for updates and details of this worthy celebration.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Northern Shoveler Duck (male)
Photo Credit: D. Andersoni
18th Annual Pondicherry Big Sit
Twenty-six species of birds were recorded at the 18th annual Big Sit at the Pondicherry Division. Participants had a hard time hearing birds due to the strong winds. Of particular interest this year was a Northern shoveler. Since its beginning in 2007 at Pondicherry, Big Sit participants have recorded 91 species of birds.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Motus Tower
New Hampshire Audubon set up a mobile MOTUS tower for the fall migration at the Pondicherry Division. The MOTUS tower will be deployed throughout the fall to pick up the signals of tagged migrants passing by the White Mountains. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) is an international collaborative research network that uses coordinated automated radio telemetry to facilitate research and education on the ecology and conservation of migratory animals. Motus is a program of Birds Canada in partnership with collaborating researchers and organizations.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Setting Up the Motus Tower at Pondicherry Refuge
Photo Credit: David Govatski
National Wildlife Refuge System Leadership Team
Photo Credit: USFWS
National Wildlife Refuge System Leadership Visits Nulhegan Basin
Conte Refuge staff provided a tour of the Nulhegan Basin to members of the National Wildlife Refuge System Leadership Team, who represent National Wildlife Refuges both in the Northeast Region and across the country. The tour focused on the ongoing Adaptive
Silviculture for Climate Change research, Northern Forest Inflation Reduction Act aquatic and terrestrial restoration, and ongoing wildlife management/research. The beautiful weather this year did not disappoint, with the spectacular views of the mountains and vibrant fall colors.
For more information contact: Andrew_French@fws.gov
Nulhegan Visitor Center Gets Facelift
A contract was awarded to Briar Marker to paint the Nulhegan Basin Office and Visitor Center. Due to the last two summers being abnormally wet, it was a challenge to schedule the exterior painting contract. Two employees from the company painted the entire building over the course of a week.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Nulhegan Visitor Center
Photo Credit: USFWS
Nulhegan Basin Refuge Photos Taken at the 9/21/2024 Celebration
Photo Credit: Judy Valente
Nulhegan Basin Unit Turns 25!
In 1999, twenty-six thousand acres of ecologically significant forests were acquired as part of the Silvio O. Conte Refuge in Essex County, Vermont. The complex deal spanned three states, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The acquisition was part of a 295,000 -acre package deal brokered by the Conservation Fund. The “Champion Land Deal” is still the largest private land transfer in United States history!
The 26,000 acres that became the Nulhegan Basin Refuge unit was part of a larger 132,000-acre sale in the remote Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The State of Vermont acquired 22,000 acres for the West Mountain Wildlife Management Area, adjacent to the Nulhegan Basin Unit. The Essex Timber Company acquired 84,000 acres for working forests, with easements protecting specific natural resources and guaranteeing perpetual public use. Essex Timber subsequently sold this forest to Plum Creek Timberlands, who sold it to Weyerhaeuser, an American owned sustainable timberland company.
The Friends of the Nulhegan Basin Refuge helped celebrate this historic anniversary on September 21, 2024 with an ice cream social featuring April’s maple ice cream from a local dairy. Speakers at the event included Jim Duncan, State Lands Manager for the Vermont Division of Forests, Parks, and Recreation; Steve Agius, Refuge Manager for the Nulhegan; and Rachel Cliché, Refuge Biologist for the Nulhegan.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Improving Timber Stands
A crew of thirty professionals used brush-saws to complete a 250-acre timber stand improvement project at the Nulhegan Basin Division. The project area had been clear- cut by the previous landowner between 1988 and 1996, which coincided with an exponential growth in the local moose population. Browse pressure from the moose on the new plant growth was severe and led to regeneration failure in portions of the stand. This created a distinct change in tree species resulting from the type of silviculture: Where once there was a mature mixed species stand with abundant softwood, now a visitor would encounter a stand of heavily browsed, sparsely stocked intolerant hardwoods. Next steps in the improvement project will be to plant softwood seedlings consisting of cedar, hemlock, pine and spruce in 2025.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Improving Timber Stands
Photo Credit: USFWS
Nulhegan Basin Road Repairs
Photo Credit: USFWS
Nulhegan Basin Road Repairs
In July, remnants of Hurricane Beryl severely impacted the road infrastructure at the Nulhegan Basin Division. For the last two months, refuge staff have worked tirelessly to repair the numerous washouts across the refuge. By the end of September, all the roads at the Nulhegan Basin were made passable with the exception of the North Branch bridge.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
A Growing Refuge
As more land is added to the Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, so is the need to post signs indicating the refuge boundaries. With the addition of land in Vermont on Glebe Mountain, Refuge staff found creative ways to access property boundaries that were not easy to get to on foot. With the help of Magic Mountain Ski area, getting to the top of the mountain to post boundary signs was made more efficient through the use of their chair lifts.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Refuge Staff Ride the Chairlift to Post Boundary Signs at the Top of Glebe Mountain
Photo Credit: USFWS
Equipment Upgrades to Conduct Aquatic and Terrestrial Restoration
Photo Credit: USFWS
Conte Refuge Equipment Upgrades
The Conte Refuge received funding through the Climate Resiliency component of the Inflation Reduction Act to restore Northern Forest aquatic and terrestrial habitats. A portion of the funding is being used to purchase heavy equipment to conduct the aquatic and terrestrial restoration work. The refuge recently purchased a new dump truck and an excavator to complete the work.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Aquatic Engineering Survey
In partnership with the Connecticut River Conservancy and BaseFlow LLC, the Conte refuge is working to identify and replace undersized culverts to improve aquatic organism passage. During the summer of 2025, CRC, BaseFlow, and the Conte Refuge will replace two undersized culverts with larger, more structurally resilient structures. The new structures will be designed to handle larger volumes of water and will provide better aquatic connectivity for brook trout that are native to the Nulhegan Basin.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Aquatic Engineering Survey
Photo Credit: Connecticut River Conservancy
Planting For Pollinators
Photo Credit: The Plant Native
Planting For Pollinators
Over 200 native wildflowers were planted in front of the Nulhegan Basin Division Visitor Center parking area this summer to provide nectar sources and nesting areas for pollinators and other insects. Wildflower species planted include ironweed, black-eyed susan, mountain mint, wild sunflower, cardinal flower, New York aster, heart-leaved aster, joe-pye-weed, and common and butterfly milkweeds. This native pollinator meadow also provides an opportunity to educate visitors about the importance of incorporating unmaintained native areas, if possible, into their landscapes at home. These wild areas not only provide habitat for pollinators but can be beautiful too! The native wildflowers planted in this unmaintained meadow will increase the diversity of species for pollinating insects and provide a beautiful space in front of the Nulhegan Basin Division Visitor Center.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Invasive Plant Control
Management of invasive plants was a challenge to schedule this year due to the wet weather this summer. Despite having fewer days to work with, the contractor was able to treat most sites with herbicide at Nulhegan and Pondicherry Divisions. Our focus at Nulhegan Basin Division was glossy buckthorn, an invasive shrub that we’ve been treating these past few years along Nulhegan roadsides, and tansy, crown vetch and Phragmites that were encroaching onto Division lands from Vermont Route 105. Treatments at Pondicherry Division targeted tansy, honeysuckle, and purple loosestrife along the Rail Trail and on crown vetch and reed canary grass within Division grasslands.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Invasive Plant Control
Photo Credit: USFWS
Fixing Bridges at Nulhegan
USFWS staff, working in conjunction with the Connecticut River Conservancy, constructed a 35 foot bridge over the Yellow Branch of the Nulhegan River. The bridge replaced an undersized culvert that was impacting the hydrology of the stream. The bridge is located on the Eagles Nest Road, which is a primary public access corridor at the Nulhegan Basin Division. Permitting and project design began in 2023. The steel frame of the bridge was custom made for the site, and was designed to handle transporting heavy equipment and log trucks. The new bridge was designed to be structurally resilient to large storm events that have been impacting Northern Vermont in greater frequency in recent years. The project was funded through the Inflation Reduction Act as part of the climate resilience funds allocated to Northern Forest National Wildlife Refuges.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Thirty-five foot bridge over the Yellow Branch of the Nulhegan
Photo Credit: USFWS
Heavy Rain Damage
Photo Credit: USFWS
Heavy Rains Cause Severe Damage In Vermont And New Hampshire Divisions
A heavy rain storm on July 11, 2024 and another a few weeks later, severely impacted many of the roads and trails located at our Nulhegan Basin and Pondicherry Divisions in Vermont and New Hampshire. The severe weather event washed out several bridges and roads, impacting access to the Refuge in many locations. Refuge staff and volunteers are working diligently to remedy the damage as soon as possible, but it is estimated that some of the work may not be complete until the end of August. The Refuge staff greatly appreciate everyone’s patience during this time of rebuild and repair.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Conte North YCC Crew To The Rescue!
A huge shout out goes to our Conte North YCC Crew, who swiftly moved into action, and quickly repaired the Mud Pond Trail accessible trail, after it was severely damaged by a heavy rain event on July 11, 2024. The team of 5, and their leaders, hauled ledge pack, filled in holes, and replaced damaged boards in order to open the trail for visitors, less than two weeks after the storm occurred. We are thankful and grateful to these hard working youth who stood up to the challenge after this unexpected weather mishap. In addition, we are thankful to Friends of Pondicherry for helping to purchase some of the needed materials to get the job done so quickly.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Conte North YCC Crew
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Environmental Education Students
Photo Credit: M. Sheehy
Environmental Education in the Upper CT River Watershed
Conte Refuge staff spoke with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students from a local school in northern Vermont. Discussion topics focused on the USFWS, Silvio O. Conte Refuge, and the importance of conservation, which were all relevant to the current curriculum standards and lesson plans the students were learning in the classroom.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Heavy Equipment Training for Employees
Heavy Equipment Trainer Chad Roderick provided Conte Refuge staff with two days of heavy equipment training at the Nulhegan Basin Division. Types of equipment that employees were trained to use included skid steer, dozer, backhoe, and Ag tractor.For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Heavy Equipment for Training
Photo Credit: USFWS
VT Fish & Wildlife Logo
Photo Credit: VT Fish & Wildlife
Chronic Wasting Disease Pre-planning Meeting
A two-day meeting was held by the VermontFish and Wildlife Department to discuss the potential spread of Chronic Wasting Disease into the State of Vermont. Participants included state and federal land/wildlife management employees. The pre-planning meeting was held to discuss what is currently known about the disease. At this time, there is no indication that Chronic Wasting Disease is in Vermont.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Winter Storm-Damaged Tree Removal
The winter storms of 2023/2024 severely impacted the infrastructure at the Northern Conte Divisions. Dozens of miles of trails and roads were impacted by downed trees. The access road to the Pondicherry crew quarters was impassible for a period of two,te due to oe of the winter storm events. Refuge staff and volunteers have been systematically removing downed trees and reopening roads and trails across the refuge division in New Hampshire and Vermont.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Winter Storm-Damaged Tree
Photo Credit: USFWS
Putney Mountain Kiosk
Photo Credit: USFWS
Putney Mountain
The legs on the trailhead kiosk at the Putney Mountain Unit deteriorated to the point where the kiosk fell over. Refuge staff replaced the rotten legs with new timbers. The kiosk and interpretive map provide visitors with information about the wildlife, habitat, and trail system at the property.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Annual Migratory Bird Day Events In New Hampshire
The 23rd Annual Migratory Bird Day event was held at the Pondicherry Division of the Silvio Conte NFWR on Saturday May 11th. An enthusiastic group of over 50 birders including several knowledgeable guides started at 6 am for a day of birding. The group saw 89 species including this male black-backed woodpecker (seen in photo) that was a “life bird” for many. This year’s theme was “protect insects, protect birds”, which highlights the important connection of insects to life on this planet. Free migratory bird day posters featuring this theme were handed out to participants to further their understanding of insects and birds.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Black-backed Woodpecker
Photo Credit: John Keator
Birders View Mud Pond at Pondicherry
A group of 12 birders enjoyed an early May morning looking and listening for birds at Mud Pond on the Pondicherry Division. The birders were part of a 12 week on-line course in bird identification and conservation offered by UNH Extension. This popular course has 348 students enrolled and has 98 different field trips around the state of New Hampshire. The field trip size is limited to a dozen students. Instructor Matt Tarr is shown pointing out a Nashville warbler. The group saw 38 species including a sandhill crane in their two hour walk.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Bird Watchers at Pondicherry
Photo Credit: : USFWS
Viewing the Eclipse
The Friends of Nulhegan hosted a solar eclipse event at the Nulhegan Basin Division Visitor Center on April 8th. The location and weather forecast provided ideal viewing conditions for the full solar eclipse. Just under 100 people from every New England state came together to view this special occasion. Refuge staff received many compliments about the event, especially regarding the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere provided by the Friends and the local community.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Eclipse seen from Nulhegan Basin Refuge
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Red-breasted Merganser
Acrylic painting by Ezra Goss
32nd Annual Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program in Vermont
The 32nd annual Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program art contest was held at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science on Thursday, March 28th. Ezra Goss won Best of Show for his acrylic painting of a red-breasted merganser. Later this year, Ezra’s artwork will compete nationally against the Best of Shows from every state in the Nation. Good luck, Ezra!
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Writing the Land: The Connecticut River
“Writing the Land: The Connecticut River” is a book of poems and other writings that connect the reader with the history and the natural wonders of the Connecticut River watershed. This book is a collaboration between conservation partners and poets who have an interest in raising awareness ago ut the importance of conservation in the watershed. Proceeds from this book will be used by partners to support conservation efforts. Partners include Silvio O. Conte NFWR Friends Groups, Northwoods Stewardship Center, Connecticut River Conservancy, Park Watershed, and many others. You can find more information about this book and other Writing the Lands Anthologies at: https://www.nature-culture.net/writing-the-land-the-connecticut-river
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
The Cover Page of Writing the Land: The Connecticut River
The Northern Forest
Photo Credit: Caleb Kenna
Northern Forest Restoration Funds
The Conte Refuge has been awarded over $1.3 million dollars to restore and improve aquatic and terrestrial habitats in Vermont and New Hampshire. The projects are funded as part of a $10 million allocation through the Inflation Reduction Act - the largest climate investment in history - for resiliency and restoration in the northern forest. The northern forest projects represent a unique opportunity to address important ecosystem restoration needs and are designed to reduce the impacts of climate change to an ecosystem which is home to essential wetland and flood plain habitats, and to people who live there.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Bird Ecology Presentation
Conte Refuge staff provided a presentation to the first-grade class at Miller’s Run School about bird ecology . The students learned how birds forage and survive in winter conditions.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
A Common Redpoll in Winter
Photo Credit: Paul Cyr
Fairbanks Museum - Science Annex Ribbon Cutting
The Fairbanks Museum and the Conte Refuge collectively work together to educate the public about the importance of conserving natural resources. In February, the museum held a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of its new Science Annex. The Science Annex is the first structure in Vermont to use the ‘mass timber’ building technique and is the first major addition to the natural science museum since the late 1890s. U.S. Senator Peter Welch, U. S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Farah Ahmad, local community leaders, and refuge staff were present for the grand opening of the Science Annex.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Grand Opening of the Fairbanks Museum Science Annex
Photo Credit: Fairbanks Museum
Storm Damage at Nulhegan Basin
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Tree Cleanup
Refuge divisions in the northern part of the Connecticut River watershed continued to experience strong winter storm events. Throughout February, refuge staff removed trees that had fallen on trails and infrastructure across the Refuge. Thanks to the Friends of Pondicherry for removing the majority of the debris from the trail system at the Pondicherry Division.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov
Mascoma River Division Law Enforcement Meeting
In late February, Conte Refuge management, Refuge System law enforcement, N.H. Fish and Game, and the Canaan (NH) police department met to discuss the Mascoma River Division. The meeting was an opportunity for local, state, and federal law enforcement to meet to discuss the mission of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the purpose of the Refuge, authorized recreational uses, and cooperation/communication between the various departments.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
Mascoma River
Photo Credit: USFWS
Conte Refuge Hires New Maintenance Employee
The Conte Refuge is pleased to have hired John Weber as a permanent maintenance employee at the Nulhegan Basin office. John transferred from the National Park Service and started with the Conte Refuge in January.
For more information contact: John_Weber@fws.gov
John Weber, Maintenance at Nulhegan Basin Refuge
Photo Credit: USFWS
Northeast Wildlife Monitoring Network Meeting
State, federal, academic, and NGO conservation partners met at the Nulhegan Basin office for a meeting to discuss collaborative approaches to continue to conduct research projects under the Northeast Wildlife Monitoring Network. This network is a collaboration of partners across New England and New York who are interested in short and long term research, looking at impacts from habitat management and climate on wildlife populations. Past and current research has looked at effectiveness of using remote cameras for monitoring wildlife and snow depth, biotic and abiotic influences on range limits, and impacts of climate on winter ticks and moose.
For more information contact: Rachel_Cliche@fws.gov
Deer Photo by Remote Camera
Photo Credit: USFWS
Lydon Institute
Photo Credit: Lyndon Institute
Lyndon Institute Bird Class
In January, refuge staff gave a presentation at the Lyndon Institute about bird ecology. The presentation was provided to a group of students taking a winter term bird class.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
VT Warden Winter Training
In January, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department held a winter training for newly hired wardens. The Conte Refuge provided housing and a conference room for the weeklong training that focused on winter survival, ice safety, and snowmobile safety and operations. USFWS refuge and law enforcement staff participated in the winter training.
For more information contact: Steve_Agius@fws.gov
VT Fish and Wildlife Logo
Photo Credit: VTFW
Downed Tree at Nulhegan Basin
Photo Credit: David Govatski
Tree Cleanup
Throughout the month of January, New England received multiple winter storms that brought strong winds, ice, snow, and rain. The Northern Conte Divisions were not spared by the storms, and all the trails required the removal of downed trees and limbs. Thankfully, none of the trail infrastructure was heavily damaged by the storms or fallen trees,.
For more information contact: Jeremy_Goetz@fws.gov