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Coordinates: 44°58′N 73°10′W / 44.967°N 73.167°W / 44.967; -73.167
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
| name = Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
| iucn_category = IV
| iucn_category = IV
| map = USA relief
| map = Vermont#USA
| map_caption = Map of the [[United States]]
| relief = 1
| map_caption = Map of the United States
| map_width = 300
| map_width = 300
| photo = Wetland at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge.jpg
| photo =
| photo_caption =
| photo_caption =
| photo_width =
| photo_width =
| location = [[Franklin County, Vermont]], [[United States]]
| location = [[Franklin County, Vermont]], United States
| nearest_city = [[Swanton (town), Vermont|Swanton]], [[Vermont]]
| nearest_city = [[Swanton (town), Vermont|Swanton, Vermont]]
| coordinates = {{coord|44|58|N|73|10|W|region:US-VT|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| lat_d = 44 | lat_m = 58 | lat_s = 00 | lat_NS = N
| long_d = 73 | long_m = 10 | long_s = 00 | long_EW = W
| region = US-VT
| coords_ref =
| coords_ref =
| area_acre = 7232
| area = {{Convert|6642|acre|km2|abbr=on}}
| established = 1943
| established = 1943
| visitation_num =
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| visitation_year =
| governing_body = [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service|U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]
| governing_body = [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]
| url = http://www.fws.gov/northeast/missisquoi/
| website = [https://www.fws.gov/refuge/missisquoi/ Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge]
| embedded = {{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1_offname = Missisquoi Delta and Bay Wetlands
| designation1_date = 20 November 2013
| designation1_number = 2200<ref>{{Cite web|title=Missisquoi Delta and Bay Wetlands|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2200|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref>}}
}}
}}
⚫
'''Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge''' is a [[National Wildlife Refuge]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Vermont]] located on the eastern shore of [[Lake Champlain]] and the southern side of [[Missisquoi Bay]]. The refuge is in [[Franklin County, Vermont|Franklin County]] in the northwest corner of the state near the [[Canada–United States border|International Boundary]] with [[Canada]].


The refuge was established on February 4, 1943, under the authority of the [[Migratory Bird Conservation Act]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mann |first=Brian |date=May 27, 2023 |title=Come along on a canoe trip through a flooded forest in a Vermont bird sanctuary |work=NOR News |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/05/27/1176183713/missisquoi-canoe-paddle-birds}}</ref> The initial acquisition was 1,582 acres (6.4&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of land in the [[Missisquoi River]] delta, including [[Shad Island]] and [[Big Marsh Slough]]. Additional land is acquired from willing sellers. The refuge's current size is 7,232 acres (27&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>). It was designated a [[Ramsar Wetland of International Importance]] in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Custodio |first=John |date=2023-03-23 |title=Few staff, many problems: Inside the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge’s funding crisis |url=https://www.samessenger.com/news/few-staff-many-problems-inside-the-missisquoi-national-wildlife-refuge-s-funding-crisis/article_dccd3f54-c9a4-11ed-934d-3bb1e3923be8.html |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Saint Albans Messenger |language=en}}</ref> It is the only National Wildlife Refuge located entirely in Vermont and is administered by the [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service]]. It is located in the towns of [[Swanton (town), Vermont|Swanton]] and [[Highgate, Vermont|Highgate]] with satellite units in Derby, Vermont and Westville, New York.
[[Image:Ross_s_Goose_Missisquoi_Wildlife_Refuge_Lake_Champlain.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Ross's goose colony in [[Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge]]]]


==Habitat management==
⚫
'''Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge''' is a [[National Wildlife Refuge]] located in the eastern shore of [[Lake Champlain]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Vermont]]. The refuge is in [[Franklin County, Vermont|Franklin County]] in the northwest corner of the state near the [[Canada–United States border|International Boundary]] with [[Canada]]. It is the only National Wildlife Refuge located entirely in Vermont ([[Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge]] is partly in Vermont and three other states), and is administered by the [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service]].


⚫
Refuge lands support a variety of wildlife species and habitats including [[floodplain]] forest, [[wetlands]], shrub, [[bog]], [[grassland]]s, and upland areas. Lands are managed to provide and protect habitat for migratory birds, to preserve the natural diversity and abundance of plants and animals, to assist with recovery of threatened and endangered species. Federal wildlife laws and regulations are enforced to ensure the protection of habitat and wildlife.


⚫
[[Maquam Bog]] is a {{convert|900|acre||adj=mid| [[pitch pine]] woodland bog}} located on the northeastern margin of Lake Champlain, Vermont. It contains Vermont's largest populations of pitch pine, [[rhodora]], and [[Woodwardia|chain fern]], a state-threatened species. The bog serves as an important wintering area for [[white-tailed deer]] and provides feeding and breeding areas for a variety of birds.


⚫
Parcels of early successional hardwoods are rotationally clear cut in 8 - 10 year intervals in an effort to provide a variety of age class hardwood habitat for [[woodcock]]. Small clearcuts, usually 100 feet wide, are used on the refuge to create feeding, nesting and brood-rearing covers. Permanently mowed pieces of land adjacent to the clearcuts provide singing grounds and roosting areas for American woodcock. Woodcock, like [[ruffed grouse]], [[Wild turkey|turkey]], white-tailed deer and a variety of songbirds all require forest habitat that is disturbed periodically to stimulate regeneration of dense hardwood stands that support declining woodcock populations throughout the east.
The refuge was established on February 4, 1943, under the authority of the [[Migratory Bird Conservation Act]]. The initial acquisition was 1,582 acres (6.4&nbsp;km²) of land in the [[Missisquoi River]] delta, including [[Shad Island]] and [[Big Marsh Slough]]. Additional land was acquired over the next 60 years. The refuge's current size is 6,642 acres (27&nbsp;km²). It is located in the Towns of [[Swanton (town), Vermont|Swanton]] and [[Highgate, Vermont|Highgate]].


⚫
Grasslands are periodically hayed, mowed or burned to keep open field from changing back to forest. Many wildlife species benefit from these open field habitats. Waterfowl, [[bobolink]]s, and many other songbirds, pollinators and small mammals use open fields to nest and rear young. Birds of prey such as [[American kestrel|kestrel]], [[northern harrier]]s and [[rough-legged hawk]]s glide over these same grasslands in search of prey such as mice, voles and other small mammals.
==Wildlife and Habitat==
Refuge lands support a variety of wildlife species and habitats including [[floodplain]] forest, [[wetlands]], shrub, [[bog]], [[grassland]]s, and upland areas.


⚫
In addition to {{convert|5000| acres}} of natural marsh, the refuge includes {{convert|1200 |acres}} of managed wetlands formed by three impoundments. Water levels in these areas are manipulated to encourage the growth of waterfowl food and cover plants such as [[wild rice]] and buttonbush, while also exposing hummocks of soil and vegetation that support nesting by [[mallard]]s, [[American black duck]]s and other wetland birds.
⚫
Lands are managed to provide and protect habitat for migratory birds, to preserve the natural diversity and abundance of plants and animals, to assist with recovery of threatened and endangered species.


==Fauna==
Federal wildlife laws and regulations are enforced to ensure the protection of habitat and wildlife.
The largest [[great blue heron]] rookery in Vermont has been on the refuge's Shad Island. This rookery fluctuates from about 250 to almost 600 nests each year. This rookery has been reduced in since 2015, due to an increasing [[bald eagle]] population.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Olivia |date=2024-04-23 |title=Bald eagles are back, but great blue herons paid the price |url=http://vtdigger.org/2024/04/23/bald-eagles-are-back-but-great-blue-herons-paid-the-price/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=VTDigger |language=en-US}}</ref> More than 20,000 ducks converge on the refuge each fall and find habitat for feeding and resting. In the spring, a small percentage of those use the refuge habitats for nesting. All of Vermont's endangered [[black tern]]s nest on the refuge. A significant percentage of Vermont's nesting [[osprey]]s are found on the refuge. [[Spiny softshell turtle]]s, a state threatened species, use the refuge to feed and bask from April through September. Mammals that inhabit this refuge include [[raccoon]], [[American black bear|black bear]], [[eastern coyote|coyote]], [[striped skunk|skunk]], [[North American beaver|beaver]], [[red fox]], [[North American river otter|river otter]], [[bobcat]], [[North American porcupine|porcupine]], [[muskrat]], and [[American mink|mink]].


==References==
⚫
[[Maquam Bog]] is a 900 acre [[pitch pine]] woodland bog located on the northeastern margin of Lake Champlain, Vermont. It contains Vermont's largest populations of pitch pine, [[rhodora]], and [[Woodwardia|chain fern]], a state-threatened species. The bog serves as an important wintering area for [[white-tailed deer]] and provides feeding and breeding areas for a variety of birds.
{{Reflist}}

⚫
{{Include-USGov |agency=United States Fish and Wildlife Service}}
⚫
Parcels of early successional hardwoods are rotationally clear cut in 8 - 10 year intervals in an effort to provide a variety of age class hardwood habitat for [[woodcock]]. Small clearcuts, usually 100 feet wide, are used on the refuge to create feeding, nesting and brood-rearing covers. Permanently mowed pieces of land adjacent to the clearcuts provide singing grounds and roosting areas for American woodcock. Woodcock, like [[ruffed grouse]], [[Wild Turkey|turkey]], white-tailed deer and a variety of songbirds all require forest habitat that is disturbed periodically to stimulate regeneration of dense hardwood stands that support declining woodcock populations throughout the east.

⚫
Grasslands are periodically hayed, mowed or burned to keep open field from changing back to forest. Many wildlife species benefit from these open field habitats. Waterfowl, [[bobolink]]s, and many other songbirds and small mammals use open fields to nest and rear young. Birds of prey such as [[American kestrel]], [[northern harrier]]s and [[rough-legged hawk]]s glide over these same grasslands in search of prey such as mice, voles and other small mammals.

⚫
In addition to 5000 acres of natural marsh, the refuge includes 1200 acres of managed wetlands formed by three impoundments. Water levels in these areas are manipulated to encourage the growth of waterfowl food and cover plants such as [[wild rice]] and buttonbush, while also exposing hummocks of soil and vegetation that support nesting by [[mallard]]s, [[American Black Duck]]s and other wetland birds.

Refuge habitats support the following wildlife highlights:

The largest [[great blue heron]] rookery in Vermont is located on the refuge's Shad Island. This rookery fluctuates from about 250 to almost 600 nests each year.
More than 20,000 ducks converge on the refuge each Fall and find habitat for feeding and resting. In the Spring, a small percentage of those use the refuge habitats for nesting.
Most of Vermont's [[black tern]]s (up to 99%) nest on the refuge.
A significant percentage of Vermont's nesting [[osprey]]s are found on the refuge.
[[Spiny softshell turtle]]s, a state threatened species, use the refuge to feed and bask from April through September.


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge}}
*[http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=53520 Refuge profile]
*[http://www.fws.gov/northeast/missisquoi/ Refuge website]
* [https://www.fws.gov/refuge/missisquoi/ Refuge website]
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.fws.aws.3.3|name=Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (2006)}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.fws.aws.3.3|name=Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (2006)}}


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{{Protected areas of Vermont}}
⚫
{{Include-USGov |agency=United States Fish and Wildlife Service}}
{{National Wildlife Refuges of the United States}}
{{Ramsar sites in the United States}}


{{authority control}}
⚫
{{Protected Areas of Vermont}}


[[Category:Highgate, Vermont]]
[[Category:Highgate, Vermont]]
Line 69: Line 68:
[[Category:Wetlands of Vermont]]
[[Category:Wetlands of Vermont]]
[[Category:Landforms of Franklin County, Vermont]]
[[Category:Landforms of Franklin County, Vermont]]
[[Category:Ramsar sites in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 13:57, 24 April 2024

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the United States
Map showing the location of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (the United States)
LocationFranklin County, Vermont, United States
Nearest citySwanton, Vermont
Coordinates44°58′N 73°10′W / 44.967°N 73.167°W / 44.967; -73.167
Area7,232 acres (29.27 km2)
Established1943
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WebsiteMissisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Official nameMissisquoi Delta and Bay Wetlands
Designated20 November 2013
Reference no.2200[1]

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S. state of Vermont located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and the southern side of Missisquoi Bay. The refuge is in Franklin County in the northwest corner of the state near the International Boundary with Canada.

The refuge was established on February 4, 1943, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act.[2] The initial acquisition was 1,582 acres (6.4 km2) of land in the Missisquoi River delta, including Shad Island and Big Marsh Slough. Additional land is acquired from willing sellers. The refuge's current size is 7,232 acres (27 km2). It was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2013.[3] It is the only National Wildlife Refuge located entirely in Vermont and is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is located in the towns of Swanton and Highgate with satellite units in Derby, Vermont and Westville, New York.

Habitat management

[edit]

Refuge lands support a variety of wildlife species and habitats including floodplain forest, wetlands, shrub, bog, grasslands, and upland areas. Lands are managed to provide and protect habitat for migratory birds, to preserve the natural diversity and abundance of plants and animals, to assist with recovery of threatened and endangered species. Federal wildlife laws and regulations are enforced to ensure the protection of habitat and wildlife.

Maquam Bog is a 900-acre pitch pine woodland bog (360 ha) located on the northeastern margin of Lake Champlain, Vermont. It contains Vermont's largest populations of pitch pine, rhodora, and chain fern, a state-threatened species. The bog serves as an important wintering area for white-tailed deer and provides feeding and breeding areas for a variety of birds.

Parcels of early successional hardwoods are rotationally clear cut in 8 - 10 year intervals in an effort to provide a variety of age class hardwood habitat for woodcock. Small clearcuts, usually 100 feet wide, are used on the refuge to create feeding, nesting and brood-rearing covers. Permanently mowed pieces of land adjacent to the clearcuts provide singing grounds and roosting areas for American woodcock. Woodcock, like ruffed grouse, turkey, white-tailed deer and a variety of songbirds all require forest habitat that is disturbed periodically to stimulate regeneration of dense hardwood stands that support declining woodcock populations throughout the east.

Grasslands are periodically hayed, mowed or burned to keep open field from changing back to forest. Many wildlife species benefit from these open field habitats. Waterfowl, bobolinks, and many other songbirds, pollinators and small mammals use open fields to nest and rear young. Birds of prey such as kestrel, northern harriers and rough-legged hawks glide over these same grasslands in search of prey such as mice, voles and other small mammals.

In addition to 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) of natural marsh, the refuge includes 1,200 acres (490 ha) of managed wetlands formed by three impoundments. Water levels in these areas are manipulated to encourage the growth of waterfowl food and cover plants such as wild rice and buttonbush, while also exposing hummocks of soil and vegetation that support nesting by mallards, American black ducks and other wetland birds.

Fauna

[edit]

The largest great blue heron rookery in Vermont has been on the refuge's Shad Island. This rookery fluctuates from about 250 to almost 600 nests each year. This rookery has been reduced in since 2015, due to an increasing bald eagle population.[4] More than 20,000 ducks converge on the refuge each fall and find habitat for feeding and resting. In the spring, a small percentage of those use the refuge habitats for nesting. All of Vermont's endangered black terns nest on the refuge. A significant percentage of Vermont's nesting ospreys are found on the refuge. Spiny softshell turtles, a state threatened species, use the refuge to feed and bask from April through September. Mammals that inhabit this refuge include raccoon, black bear, coyote, skunk, beaver, red fox, river otter, bobcat, porcupine, muskrat, and mink.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Missisquoi Delta and Bay Wetlands". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  2. ^ Mann, Brian (May 27, 2023). "Come along on a canoe trip through a flooded forest in a Vermont bird sanctuary". NOR News.
  3. ^ Custodio, John (March 23, 2023). "Few staff, many problems: Inside the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge's funding crisis". Saint Albans Messenger. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  4. ^ Wilson, Olivia (April 23, 2024). "Bald eagles are back, but great blue herons paid the price". VTDigger. Retrieved April 24, 2024.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

[edit]
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