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Vermont gets
permit to control cormorants
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife
Department received a federal permit from the US Fish and
Wildlife Service to begin spraying oil on Young Island's
cormorant eggs to help curb the bird's exploding population
on Lake Champlain.
There are almost 2000 nests
on Young Island in Grand Isle and the department has already
oiled 650 of those nests.
Although the department did
not get permission to kill any birds, the plan is to
continue oiling the eggs in hopes that this will begin to
control the population. The permit also allows the
department to oil eggs on Rock and Mud islands in Panton.
The cormorant is protected by
the migratory Bird Treaty act, which makes it illegal to
kill or harass them without a federal permit.
However, Lake Champlain
anglers have complained about the diving birds increased
numbers and their impact on fishing. The birds have
defoliated Young Island with their copious, acidic feces.
The permit is issued
annually, which will allow for modifications if needed. |
