Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 4

Refuge History ..............................................................................................4

Purpose of Visitor Services Plan ....................................................................... 8

Regional Setting ........................................................................................................... 10

Regional Economics ........................................................................................ 10

Regional Recreation/Interpretive Opportunities .............................................. 10

State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan ............................................... 14

Description of Refuge Resources ................................................................................ 15

Biological Resources ....................................................................................... 15

Cultural Resources ........................................................................................... 17

Existing Visitor Services ................................................................................. 17

Visitor Services Programs ........................................................................................... 24

Welcome and Orient Visitors .......................................................................... 26

Provide Quality Hunting Opportunities ........................................................... 27

Provide Quality Fishing Opportunities ............................................................ 27

Provide Quality Wildlife Observation and Photography ................................. 28

Develop and Implement Quality Environmental Education Program ............. 29

Interpret Key Resources and Issues ................................................................. 29

Manage Recreational Opportunities ................................................................ 30

Communicate Key Issues Off-Site .................................................................. 35

Build Volunteer and Partnership Support ....................................................... 36

Implementing the Plan ................................................................................................ 37

Staffing Needs ................................................................................................. 37

Projects ............................................................................................................ 37

Bibliography ................................................................................................................ 38

Appendices

A. Legislated Purposes of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge

B. Interim Goals of Nulhegan Basin Division

C. Regional Economics

D. Regional Demographics

E. Summary of Vermont State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

F. Cultural Resources

G. Sample of Southern Vermont College Windshield Card Visitor Surveys

H. Interpretive Objectives and Messages Derived from the Silvio O. Conte Draft Interim Outreach Master Plan

I. Privately-owned Camps Compatibility Determination (CD)

J. Vehicular Access CD

K. Pedestrian Access CD

L. Snowmobile Access CD

M. Wildlife Observation, Photography, Environmental Education and Photography CD

N. Construction of Headquarters/Visitor Contact Station, Quarters, and Maintenance Facility CD

O. Summary Response to Public Comments