Environment (Wildlife)

passed both · Vermont · House May 20, 2026

HCR 298: House concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish culture program for the continued success of aquatic-resource sustainability and the availability of abundant recreational fishing opportunities in Vermont

This bill is a formal recognition by the Vermont legislature of the value of the Department of Fish and Wildlife's fish culture program. It highlights how the state's five fish hatcheries produce over 1.5 million fish annually to support sustainable populations and provide recreational fishing opportunities. The resolution notes that these efforts also benefit local economies, promote public health, and encourage conservation education. Ultimately, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the department.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes and supports fish culture programs that conserve aquatic resources and promote sustainability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 21, 2026

S 289: An act relating to reimbursing the Department of Fish and Wildlife for lost license fee revenue

This bill requires the state to reimburse the Department of Fish and Wildlife for lost license fee revenue starting July 1, 2026, due to legally mandated free, discounted, or exempt hunting, fishing, trapping, or combination licenses. It mandates annual accounting of lost revenue by the department and payment from the General Fund by June 30 each year, equal to the exact amount of revenue lost. The reimbursement ensures the department maintains its funding level despite required fee exemptions, directly affecting the state treasury and the department’s budget. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to all statutorily required license exemptions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReimburses Department of Fish and Wildlife for lost license revenue, maintaining budget level via General Fund payments, ensuring continued funding for essential programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReimburses Fish and Wildlife for lost license fees, maintaining funding for conservation programs and ensuring continued environmental protection efforts without revenue loss.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing State Budget Wildlife

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passed both · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

HCR 184: House concurrent resolution celebrating the restoration of a wild turkey population in Vermont

This concurrent resolution (HCR 184) celebrates the successful restoration of wild turkeys in Vermont, commemorating the 1969 effort led by wildlife biologist Bill Drake. It specifically honors the release of 17 turkeys (5 toms, 12 hens) in Pawlet, which established the population now thriving statewide. The resolution recognizes this as a conservation milestone made possible through federal wildlife funding and local landowner cooperation, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Pawlet Historical Society. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect and does not alter laws or directly affect any individuals or groups.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCommends successful wildlife restoration via federal funding and landowner cooperation, a conservation milestone directly tied to environmental protection efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2026

H 758: An act relating to banning the use of rodenticides

H.758 would ban the use and sale of all rodenticides in Vermont, including first- and second-generation anticoagulants (like warfarin) and nonanticoagulants (like bromethalin). This prohibition applies to all residents and commercial applicators, covering both physical and online sales. The bill allows limited exemptions for agricultural emergencies, environmental crises, or public health risks when no alternative pest control methods exist. It directly affects anyone who uses or sells rodenticides in Vermont, aiming to protect humans, pets, and wildlife from poisoning risks documented in the bill’s findings.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans rodenticides to reduce chemical pollution, protect non-target wildlife, and strengthen environmental regulations without significant exemptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 216: An act relating to ecological restoration projects on waters of the State

S 216 requires Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources to create a general permit for ecological restoration projects on state waters by December 1, 2027. This streamlined permit would replace the current complex, multi-agency review process that delays projects like dam removals, river rehabilitation, and floodplain restoration. The bill directly affects water restoration projects and state agencies (Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation, and Fish and Wildlife) by establishing a faster, more efficient approval system. It aims to reduce costs and accelerate projects that address degraded river systems, flood risks, and habitat loss, as noted in the bill's findings. The permit process will be developed in coordination with stakeholders to prioritize ecological restoration needs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill streamlines permitting for ecological restoration projects (dam removal, river rehab), directly advancing environmental protection and conservation of state waters.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 314: An act relating to a fee for posting land enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal Program

This bill (S 314) adds a $1.00 annual fee per acre for land enrolled in Vermont's Use Value Appraisal Program that is posted against hunting, fishing, or trapping. It directly affects landowners who participate in the program and choose to restrict public access for recreation. The fee, collected when land is posted under 10 V.S.A. § 5201, must be deposited into the Fish and Wildlife Fund. The bill amends existing law to require this surcharge and clarifies reporting requirements for landowners who post their land after enrollment. The change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds $1.00 annual fee per acre to fund Fish and Wildlife Fund, directly increasing state revenue allocation for conservation programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill imposes $1/acre fee on land restricting recreation access, deposits funds into Fish and Wildlife Fund, directly funding conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 31, 2025

S 38: An act relating to conserving habitat corridors and wildlife crossings

Vermont's S.38 requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to create a program funding habitat corridors (land connecting wildlife areas) and wildlife crossings (infrastructure like overpasses to safely move animals across roads). It directly affects land conservation efforts across Vermont, including state, federal, municipal, and private lands, aiming to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and support biodiversity. Key mechanisms include creating a biennial inventory of suitable lands, developing a conservation plan by 2028 using Vermont Conservation Design, and updating this inventory to track progress. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes: funding land acquisition, protecting aquatic systems, and implementing connectivity strategies as defined in existing climate and conservation plans.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates funding for habitat corridors program, directly allocating state budget resources to conservation initiatives, advancing government spending on environmental management.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds habitat corridors and wildlife crossings to reduce collisions and support biodiversity, directly advancing habitat conservation and wildlife protection per summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds wildlife crossings (road infrastructure) to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, directly enhancing transportation safety and aligning with transportation infrastructure improvements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 326: An act relating to the regulation of the use of rodenticides

This bill prohibits all use and sale (including online) of first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides across Vermont, affecting residents, businesses, and commercial pest control applicators. It allows limited exemptions for the Department of Fish and Wildlife when pest control is necessary or no alternatives exist. Additionally, the bill restricts other rodenticides like bromethalin near wildlife refuges, state parks, and ecologically sensitive areas. The law aims to reduce risks to wildlife and ecosystems from these chemicals.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans harmful rodenticides and restricts use near wildlife refuges/parks, directly reducing environmental risks to ecosystems and non-target species.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 19, 2025

H 276: An act relating to the designation of State wildlands

This bill designates specific state parks, forests, and wildlife areas (including Camel's Hump State Park and multiple state forests) as "State wildlands" under new protections. It requires the Agency of Natural Resources to permanently protect these lands from development and human interference, allowing natural processes to prevail without vegetation management, logging, or water alteration. The designation applies to existing ecological reserves and lands meeting Vermont Conservation Design criteria, including all State-managed natural areas and core areas. This policy change directly affects how Vermont manages approximately 20% of its state forest lands for biodiversity and climate resilience.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDesignates state lands as protected wildlands, banning development, logging, and human interference to preserve ecosystems per Vermont Conservation Design standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife

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passed · Vermont · House Jan 6, 2026

H 230: An act relating to the management of fish and wildlife

H 230 updates Vermont's fish and wildlife management laws, making it easier for some to fish by establishing "free fishing days" and a "free mentored fishing weekend" while also requiring permits and fees for fishing tournaments. The bill increases fines and potential imprisonment for serious violations, such as big game offenses and those involving threatened or endangered species. Additionally, it introduces new regulations prohibiting the intentional taking of most reptiles and amphibians and restricts the import, possession, and sale of pond slider turtles, with an exception for those legally acquired as pets before July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits taking reptiles/amphibians, increases fines for endangering species, and strengthens wildlife management regulations, directly advancing conservation protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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