Editor’s note: This commentary is by Pete Diminico, of Bristol, who is a founder of New Haven River Watch, a board member of the Addison County Riverwatch Collaborative, cofounder Bristol Conservation Commission and past president of the New Haven River Anglers.
[I] applaud the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Trout Unlimited efforts for organizing a much-needed meeting on March 3 regarding the future policies, conservation strategies and implementation of angling in this state. This initial meeting affords Vermont anglers a special opportunity to help shape the future of angling strategies and objectives for our trout and rivers.
The recently updated 2018 Vermont Management Plan for Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout is a consummate document and a must-read by anglers. “This plan serves to update and document the many advances in our understanding of the threats to and management of brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as changes in public opinion and desires which have occurred since the development of the 1993 Trout Plan,” as reads its introduction.
The effects of climate change has been devastating to many rivers in Vermont including my home water of 50 years, the New Haven River. Being founder of New Haven River Watch and past president of the New Haven River Anglers has afforded me a very intimate view of this river. Since 1991, this river has endured Tropical Storm Irene, a 100-year event, in 1998 a 500-year event and 23 two-year or higher events. You get the picture. In my opinion, this river has reached its tipping point and I suspect many of our medium- to smaller-sized streams need a closer look too.
In March 2012, the Fish & Wildlife Department fisheries biologist Rich Kirn published an excellent partial assessment report titled “Impacts to Stream Habitat and Wild Trout Populations in Vermont Following Tropical Storm Irene.” This partial conservative assessment report estimated 77 miles of stream with major degradation of aquatic habitat due to flood channel alterations. As stated in the report, the department will continue post-Irene in-stream habitat assessments. I feel strongly there is an opportunity here for angling groups to assist Fish & Wildlife with streamside assessments and, in the future, with restorative habitat work for small- to medium-sized rivers. More discussion is needed to find ways to improve our wild trout habitats.
This updated trout plan presents opportunity for changes in trout policy and management. Since the 1993 report, trout angler demographics have changed. Are today’s policies reflecting this demographic change? I hooked onto these two surveys quickly. One survey shows 20 percent instate and 50 percent out-of-state anglers are fly fishers. To date there are no fly-fishing-only sections on any river in Vermont. Another survey revealed (50 percent resident and nonresident anglers) as “very important” for the overall support of wild trout management (no stocking) in candidate streams. I passionately agree with these respondents in the second survey and even support catch and release. The New Haven River had the first in Vermont from 1983 to 1987.
Another survey question asked residents what were big problems facing our natural world? The respondents listed climate change (64 percent) and fish and wildlife habitat loss (46 percent). One objective and strategy stated in this trout plan is very encouraging: “Investigate the feasibility of establishing and funding separate staff positions and a separate unit to address the habitat protection, restoration and enhancement goals.” It costs time and money to fund new programs and positions. Many states have grappled with budget shortfalls and short-term financing of riverine projects and some have resorted to very creative ideas. New Hampshire established a fisheries habitat account. Maine has a wildlife scratch instant lottery. In 2007, a Vermont task force looked into potential revenue sources to shore up Fish & Wildlife budget shortfalls. They supported the authorization to create a five-year license (which may need legislative approval). The task group estimated revenues could increase up to $300,000. This revenue fund could help establish a dedicated trout and river habitat fund or the separate staff positions stated above.
Going forward, anglers and Vermonters have a golden opportunity to help our troubled rivers and shape the future of our trout angling policies. Let’s raise the bar for the future of trout management and heighten a call to action to all Vermont anglers.
