VRN: Most forests in private hands, Pleistocene climate change, vote-by-mail popular

Late Pleistocene era climate change

In the period between the late Pleistocene era and the early Holocene era (around 12,500 years ago) the Younger Dryas cooling event occurred, resulting in very cold winter conditions and increased seasonality. A recent study used information from analyses of pollen samples, fossils, and other principal components in Vermont’s Twin Ponds to model climate changes, finding that the late Pleistocene era had generally cold and dry conditions with low aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. The early Holocene era brought on rapid warming followed by more gradual warming and increased moisture.

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

The new funding is expected to provide several billion dollars to Vermont in direct aid to the state and also directly to Vermont’s cities and towns. A detailed breakdown of per town funding is available on the website of U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee, of which Vermont Congressman Peter Welch is a member. How this funding will be spent and the rules governing it continue to be worked out. It will likely come in two parts, some sooner and some one year from now, and it will have to be spent by 2024. Some guidelines and further information can be seen here and here.

Bill Schubart writes that the funds should be used strategically. Richard Watts and Meg Little Reilly argue for an investment in civic infrastructure. The critical role federal funds are already playing for some sectors of Vermont is described by Public Assets here.

Urbanization adding to Bobcat stress levels

Bobcat population is on the rise in the northeast, despite habitable land disappearing because of urbanization. A recent study in Vermont and New Hampshire sought to measure stress levels among bobcats by determining cortisol levels in their hair. Cortisol is a hormone produced in creatures under stress and can be measured directly from hair samples. High cortisol levels can lead to lower disease resistance and reproductive rates. This study found that cortisol levels are highest among bobcats who live in regions with significant agriculture and local development.

Exploding maple trees

This story on National Public Radio examines concerns around exploding maple trees in Vermont. Reporters visit several farms in the state to tell the story. For the detailed report see this source. (And yes it is April 1).

End of life

In 2013, Act 39 (the Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act) was signed into Vermont law. A recent survey described in the Journal of Palliative Medicine found that although the vast majority of physicians were in support of Act 39, many felt that they could use more resources and information to counsel a patient. Many physicians also reported that they rarely discuss the option. The authors conclude that in order for physicians to feel more comfortable prescribing the medication, additional training in communication skills and decision-making should be included for those physicians who may be involved with Act 39.

School shootings

Researcher Michelle Kiely investigates the creation of safer schools looking at the laws related to guns in several states, including Vermont. Many schools prohibit guns in schools, but some states, Vermont included, have exceptions to these laws. Vermont’s state law requires permission of school authorities in order to carry a gun. Kiely examines statistics of school shooters: in the 62 school shootings that she examined between 1966 and 2015, 95.3% of shooters were male. Keily also investigates the role of cultural violence in school shootings calling for increased programs to train students and staff to recognize warning signs.

Alexander Twilight

Friends of the Vermont State House recently announced that Middlebury artist Katie Runde has been selected to paint a large portrait of Middlebury College graduate Alexander Twilight. Recent stories and podcasts through the Community News Service have profiled Twilight, believed to be the first man of African American descent to serve in a State House -- spending part of his career in the Vermont State Legislature.