Ultimately, fish and wildlife conservation begins with proper management and stewardship of land and habitat.
As most land in Vermont is privately owned, fish and wildlife conservation is inextricably tied to the decisions of private landowners and how they manage their lands.
This manual was developed by department staff to provide useful information and guidance to landowners, foresters, wildlife biologists and others interested in managing land for the benefit of fish and wildlife.
Part One: Habitat Planning Process: An Overview
1. Considerations Before You Develop a Plan
2. Biophysical Regions and a Landscape Perspective for Conservation and Management
3. Habitat Concepts and Features
Part Two: Forest Habitat Management
4. Forest Management: An Overview
5. Managing with a Focus on Natural Communities
6. Management for Forest Songbirds
7. Shrubland and Young Forest Management
8. Deer Wintering Area Management
Part Three: Managing for Production of Wildlife Food Resources
9. Beech Mast Production Management
10. Apple Tree and Soft Mast Shrub Management
11. Wildlife Food Plot Management
Part Four: Wetland, Pond, and Riparian Area Habitat Management
12. Wetland Habitat Management
13. Pond Habitat Management
14. Riparian Habitat Management
Part Five: Grassland and Field Habitat Management
15. Grassland Habitat Management
16. Old Field Management
Part Six: Invasive Species Management
17. Corrective Strategies for Invasive Species
Part Seven: Habitat Management for Game Species
18. White-tailed Deer
19. Moose
20. Black Bear
21. Gray Squirrel
22. Snowshoe Hare
23. Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
24. Beaver
25. Waterfowl
26. Ruffed Grouse
27. American Woodcock
28. Wild Turkey
Part Eight: Habitat Management for Nongame Species
29. Bats
30. Reptiles and Amphibians
31. Bees and Other Plant Pollinators