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Melissa Hoffman
Member since Aug 19, 2015
Recent Comments
Re: “One Controversial Coyote Hunt Is Canceled, and Another Crops Up”
Coyote-killing contests have no place in Vermont's hunting or conservation culture. I look forward to the time when they aren't an option to begin with. True hunters and conservationists value these predators and embrace their vital role in Vermont's fields and forests. I also look forward to the day when the myths living within some in Vermont's hunting community ("coyote populations must be managed by thinning the population", "coyotes reduce the deer population"--both patently false) are uprooted in favor of far more effective coexistence strategies. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board already has dispelled these two myths on their website, but policy needs to follow suit.
Posted by
Melissa Hoffman
on 01/12/2018 at 10:34 AM
Re: “A 'Wildlife Social' Comes to Norwich”
Protect our Wildlife conducts significant work with integrity and accuracy, in the face of cherished cultural beliefs. We couldn't recommend this event more, as the timely issue of smartly planning for our significant State resources, for our beloved working and wild-lands using the best ecological information with the highest benefit to all--this is our work and our privilege now.
Posted by
Melissa Hoffman
on 04/06/2016 at 2:28 PM
Re: “WhistlePig Prepares to Distill Onsite”
Just a quick question regarding making barrels from 'Vermont wood': I noted on the Independent Stave Company's site, they make barrels from white oak. Vermont doesn't really grow white oak, but does grow some red oak, though not a lot in the more northern areas. Is Whistle Pig using other kinds of 'local wood' for its barrels? If not, where is it sourcing it's oak?
Thanks for the article.
Posted by
Melissa Hoffman
on 08/19/2015 at 6:41 AM
Re: “Vermont Plans to Step Up Logging on Public Land Around Camel's Hump”
We observe a huge mudslide scar on the eastern shoulder the mountain--with larger rain events, winter freeze-thaw cycles, and the plan to cut sensitive glades that out to be left alone, the plan should be moderated. Small patch cuts are one thing (and I am not opposed to cutting in some areas), but larger clear-cuts aren't smart. Wood prices are so low now as well--and little of the timber will be processed in-State for value add businesses. This mostly benefits loggers and foresters who need work! The cost of the impact isn't worth it compared to the benefits of maintaining stable tree cover in some areas. Battell also gave the mountain to the State on condition that it and the forests surrounding it remained in a pristine state. We also have no shortage of deer in the area.