Bobcats don’t like human noise
When human activity increases in protected wildlife areas, bobcats have been known to become more active at night. Even recordings of human conversation were found to decrease the diurnal activity of bobcats by 31% (Suraci et al., 2019). This is substantiated by a recent study aiming to better understand the impacts of low levels of human activity on bobcats in New England. The findings suggest closing off lands to recreation could better protect wildlife, since human activity in protected areas causes animals to divert attention from foraging, mating or raising young to avoid contact with humans. Recreation in protected areas generally detracts from the goal of preserving areas where wildlife can thrive.
History of phosphorous levels
Phosphorus levels in Lake Champlain haven’t always been a cause for concern, according to an article examining historical land-use changes and phosphorus levels in the lake. During the pre-settlement period (before 1770 C.E.) concentrations of all phosphorous species were low and stable. These levels slowly increased with the increase in human activity but were unaffected by deforestation and the development of small, family-scale farms in the 19th century. It wasn’t until the early 20th-century when marginal farms were abandoned causing afforestation of the watershed that accumulation rates increased.
Farmers markets and promotion
Quebec farmers’ markets pay more attention to curb appeal and employees’ personal appearance and New York/Vermont farmers’ markets are in more visible locations, attracting larger crowds, according to a recent comparative study. While Vermont/New York farmers’ markets could benefit by improving facilities and improving the presentation of the products. Both regions could benefit from increasing promotion, the study concludes.
Affordable housing in Vermont
With Vermont’s affordable housing shortage, will the tradition of the local Vermont home stand the test of time? A recent paper envisions a future for affordable housing in Vermont, which aims to blend these two ideals and make social insulation affordable for all Vermonters.
Homelessness in rural areas
Experiences of those facing homelessness in rural areas are very different from those in urban areas. A recent report from Dartmouth aims to better understand homelessness in the Upper Valley and identify solutions based on the continuation and expansion of current programs or the implementation of programs that have been used in other communities.