Common Dragonflies of Green River Reservoir

BY RON KELLEY

Friends of reen River Reservoir State Park Another common large dragonfly is the contains a diversity of habitats, Black-shouldered Spineyleg. It is also Green River from the lake itself to adjacent seldom seen during the month of August. It Reservoir streams, bogs, kettle ponds and is a mostly black clubtail, meaning that the Gbeaver ponds. This results in a wide variety tip of the abdomen is swollen and club- Spring 2018 of dragonflies and damselflies. There are a like. Males like to fly about a foot over the Newsletter number of mostly medium sized and dull surface of the water, sometimes hovering for colored dragonflies that can be spotted in short periods. They often try to land on the early to mid-summer but the larger, showier front of your canoe or kayak. I’ve even had ones tend to become most abundant in Au- them dive-bomb my head when swimming. gust and September. This article will feature They appear to be totally black on the fly the three most common on the reservoir. but have some interesting blue markings and One of the most common and easily rec- widely separated eyes when seen up close. ognized dragonflies is the Slaty Skimmer. Continued page 2 It is commonly seen throughout August and can be recognized by its slate-gray color and black head when mature. Skimmers are so-called because the females skim along the surface of the water, periodically dipping the tip of their abdomen into the water to deposit eggs. The females are seldom seen but the males frequently perch on vegetation in sunny areas around the reservoir, where they are easily identified and photographed

In This Issue once they land near you. RON KELLEY Black-shouldered Spineyleg 3 Update on Slaty Skimmer Dam Relicensing By Michael Wickenden

4 Dog Paddling on the Reservoir by Sheila Goss

6 Last Season at GRRSP

5 Annual Lecture: Tom Rogers on Wildlife RON KELLEY 2 | Friends of Green River Reservior

Dragonflies cont’d from page 1 is probably a Canada Darner. Males Friends of Green River are typically seen patrolling the edge Reservoir, Inc. The largest and most beautiful of the reservoir, where they consume dragonflies commonly seen are the their prey in flight, but trying to get ­— SPRING 2018 — darners, with the most common spe- them to land for a picture can be very cies on the reservoir being the Canada challenging. Females tend to keep to PO Box 359, Hyde Park, VT 05655 Darner. It usually becomes abundant the forests except when mating and FGRRVT.org from mid-August through September. laying eggs. They insert their eggs into Email: [email protected] If you notice a large dragonfly with the stem of submerged or partially Editor: Sally Laughlin blue spots on the abdomen fly by, it submerged plants. Design: Brian P. Graphic Arts

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Sally Laughlin, President (802-355-2511) Milford Cushman, Vice President (888-3362) Emma Marvin, Secretary (888-9339) Ron Kelley, Treasurer (888-7466) Lisa Dimondstein (233-4179) Sheila Goss (253-0183) Terri Gregory (888-3362) Tom Kastner (279-1998) Eric Nuse (730-8111) Michael Wickenden (888-3365)

Honorary Director: Bill Bartlett RON KELLEY RON KELLEY Canada Darner Canada darner inserting eggs into a blue iris stem.

Using the new wildlife resistant food storage containers

BY SHEILA GOSS

hen you head to your the guidelines posted on top of padlock. And use caution with campsite at GRRSP this each locker. They are large enough your children – although there is summer, you may notice to keep your food, beverages, and a child safety release inside, don’t theW new large metal boxes on some scented or flavored toiletries safe let the kids climb in! The purpose of the sites, placed by Vermont De- partment of Forests and Parks with a from bears and other animals. Be is to keep odors from attracting matching grant from the FGRR! sure to latch the pocket style bear wildlife. Let us know what you They are designed to keep resistant latch when you leave the think! Our expectation is that they campers and wildlife safe from un- site. If you want to lock the locker, will prevent animal problems from wanted encounters. Please follow you will need to bring your own developing. Spring 2018 Newsletter | 3 Update on the Green River Dam Relicensing Appeal: 23 March 2018 BY MICHAEL WICKENDEN

he Friends of Green River approval, and seems unlikely to be mental standards consistent with the Reservoir Board (“the achieved. long-term preservation of the dam. To Board”) continues to The appeal trial date has been set advance that mission, the Board hired closely monitor Morrisville for April 2 – 13, 2018. On April 2, the Anthony Iarrapino, Esq. to be the TWater and Light’s (MWL) appeal to case will begin with a short discussion Friend’s legal counsel and enable our the Vermont Superior Court, Envi- to set a date for a site visit. Hearings participation in the Green River Dam ronmental Division (“the Court”) of will begin on April 3rd and will be held Relicensing and Appeal. The Board pe- a water quality certification issued by in the Costello Courthouse on Main riodically meets with counsel to review Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resourc- St. in Burlington. The parties will legal filings and plan strategy. In Feb- es (ANR). The water quality certificate present their evidence in the following ruary 2017, members of the Board met is required by the Federal Energy order: Morrisville Water and Light; with MWL Trustees and participated Regulations Commission (FERC) American Whitewater/Vermont Pad- in a MWL sponsored public hearing and is used by FERC to establish the dlers Club; Vermont Natural Resourc- at People’s Academy. In addition, the conditions for the renewal of a 30-year es Council/Trout Unlimited; Vermont Board reached out and met with Julie Green River Reservoir Dam license. Agency of Natural Resources. Moore, the Secretary of ANR; with FERC is the ultimate authority that Many issues raised in MWL orig- VNRC’s Jon Groveman, Esq., Public regulates both the construction and inal appeal have been the subject of Policy and Water Program Director, operational phases of hydro-projects. recent court orders. For example, on and B.T. Fitzgerald, Dam Project & MWL’s appeal raised over a dozen June 13, 2017, the Court ruled that Vermont Dam Task Force Coordina- issues in regards to the certificate. “state and federal water quality laws do tor; and with Christine Hallquist, for- Principally, MWL claims that ANR not authorize consideration of eco- mer CEO of Vermont Electric Coop. has not accurately applied Vermont’s nomic or social factors.” Consequently, Our discussions have centered around water quality standards. A conse- lost hydro-power production and the how we can collectively come together quence of ANR’s alleged inaccuracy is resultant decrease in MWL revenue as to reach a beneficial and reasonable their recommendation for a significant a result of decreased winter water level solution. What we can confirm is that decrease in the amount and timing of draw-downs is not a factor that the all parties share the long-term vision of water released that would be available Court will consider when it evaluates a safe, functioning dam and reservoir to produce winter hydro-power. MWL MWL’s appeal. What remains to be de- that meets or exceeds state and federal states that if they have to abide by the cided by the Court is whether ANR’s water quality standards. What is still conditions of ANR’s water quality water flow recommendations accurate- unclear is the appropriate application certification for Green River Reservoir, ly result in achieving Vermont’s water of those standards to the Green River the profitability and utility of the dam quality standards, or, as MWL and Reservoir and how their application will be compromised. If that is the American Whitewater’s and Vermont will affect the dam’s future operations. case, MWL has publicly stated that Paddlers Club’s expert witnesses will Rest assured that the Board will re- they may consider asking FERC for testify, ANR’s requirements limiting main active in keeping its membership permission to remove the dam and winter water draw-downs are overly informed and working with any and return the reservoir to its pre-reser- restrictive. The Court’s decision is all interested parties to achieve a solu- voir natural condition. A FERC dam expected by the fall of 2018. tion that preserves an environmentally removal legal proceeding is typically The Friend’s fundamental mission sound reservoir. an expensive, multiyear exercise, which remains the preservation of Green would also require Vermont ANR River Reservoir’s highest environ- 4 | Friends of Green River Reservior Dog Paddling on the Reservoir: Tips for safe and enjoyable canoeing and kayaking with dogs

BY SHEILA GOSS

y husband and I quiet, calm body of water, are avid paddlers with an easy access launch site. at Green River Choose a time of day when Reservoir and are there are fewer other boaters Madvocates for safe and fun outdoor or dogs around; the fewer dis- adventures with dogs. We paddle tractions, the more successful over 100 days a year (always with your initial trips will be. our rescue mutts) from the end of For all dogs we suggest the April until November. We enjoy use of a dog life jacket. This multi-day canoe camping trips, day jacket can provide thermal trips, picnic paddles, and love ex- protection, provides a nice

ploring new waterways. We usually SHEILA GOSS handle should you need to lift paddle the beautiful lakes of north- your dog, and it makes your ern New England and the Adiron- When checking out canoes or dog visible to other boaters. Even a dacks, but have paddled as far west as kayaks prior to purchasing, bring your strong swimming dog can get fatigued Banff National Park in Canada. Even dog to have the pup try out the boat in a long swim. after all those excursions, Green River for size. Go for a test paddle and bring Do not forget to wear your PFD! Reservoir remains a favorite, close to your dog along – both of you wearing No matter how strong a swimmer you our hearts! a life jacket, of course. may be, not wearing a PFD could We enjoy helping others develop a You should have a non-slip cover- hinder your efforts to help your dog love of paddling with dogs, so we offer ing on the floor of the boat. Your dog should you capsize. Have your dog to you a few pointers to help your dog will be uncomfortable and insecure practice swimming in his life jacket, to become a happy paddling pup. We if he slips. You may use yoga mats, get him familiar with swimming in it. are extremely fortunate to have Green backpacking pads, and foam, but with Have your dog well versed in basic River Reservoir available for sharing many of these, once water gets under obedience commands, such as sit, adventures with our four-legged com- them, they will slide. Our preferred stay, down, and “hup” (you select a panions! We have found that the dogs solution – a section of indoor-outdoor command for getting in and out of love the peaceful movement of a canoe carpeting which is cut to fit – protects the boat). Work on these skills, in the or kayak. They get to see wildlife, the interior from the dogs’ claws and boat, on dry land before going on the explore islands and beaches, camp out is easy to clean and roll up for storage. water. Rock and wiggle the boat, and with us, and splash around to cool off. For kayaks, we have high praise for praise him for remaining in position. We use a 161/2-foot tandem canoe adhesive traction mats sold for Stand Each of our dogs began his canoe- for some trips, but most of our outings Up Paddleboards. ing career by sitting in the same canoe involve the use of a 13-foot solo canoe Be a confident paddler before compartment with the stern paddler. and a 12-foot kayak. For canoes, we you take your dog out in the canoe The dog was secure, easy to hold, and suggest you start with a stable, fami- or kayak! You do not have to be an there was less chance of unexpected ly-suitable canoe. Because aluminum expert, but even on quiet waters, you motion from the dog. The dog then canoes can get very hot and noisy, are going to have a miserable (and “graduated” into riding in his own best to avoid those for use with dogs. dangerous) time if you and your dog section, once he had demonstrated When selecting a boat, you should be are both uncertain and inexperienced. reliable canoe behavior. sure that there is adequate room you When introducing your dog to Practice good paddling etiquette to paddle, and for your dog to safely paddling, a lake such as Green River with your dog. Do not allow the dog and comfortably sit and lie down. Reservoir is perfect. It is a usually to bark while in the canoe or kayak. Spring 2018 Newsletter | 5

You may paddle near some amazing drinking from the water you may be and keep him under control and with- wildlife, and would not want dogs paddling across. It also can become in sight, so that he does not wander to harass the loons, beaver, herons, quite the “tippy-canoe or puppy, too” and get into nearby campsites. Please moose, or other animals or paddlers. experience if your dog suddenly de- do not leave a dog unattended at your Have a standard routine for getting cides to drink the lake. campsite, and be sure that the dog in and out of the boat. Our dogs are It is also smart to carry a dog first does not engage in frequent barking. taught that we decide when they enter aid kit. Unfortunately, even in remote One of the most important ele- and exit the boat. Most capsizings canoeing areas we have found bottle ments to having a successful dog pad- happen within 10 feet of shore and caps and broken glass on launching dling expedition is your attitude! Have keeping a strict routine for entry/exit and landing sites. In addition to your fun, and remember that this activity can help prevent this. The dogs only own first aid supplies, add some Vet may be a bit unsettling to your dog. get in and out of the boat when we Wrap, helpful for bandaging an in- Go slowly…start with short trips, so decide it is safe for all of us. jured paw. your dogs can earn your praise while If your dog has trouble settling If you are fortunate enough to be he practices his canoeing skills. Take down in the canoe or kayak, you may camping with your dog at, be sure to Photos! You will want to look back want to take him for a run, or a short follow GRRSP rules, follow Leave No some day and realize how far you and exercise session first. Let him take Trace principles; clean up after your your dog have come and laugh at your care of any potty business before he dog, do not let him bother wildlife, adventures (and misadventures)! gets into the boat! Be sure to clean up after your dogs, as we are responsible for them, and for keeping our waters clean. Always have a leash handy, since in many areas, such as the access area at Green River Reservoir, your dog is required to be leashed. We suggest you not use a leash on your dog while it is in the boat, since any hanging lines could cause entanglement if the boat goes over. NEVER tie your dog to the boat! It is a good idea to carry drinking water for dogs because they can get quite hot in the boats. Yes, they can lean over the gunwales to access water,

but you do not always want the dogs SHEILA GOSS

– Friends of Green River Reservoir – Annual Meeting of Membership

Thursday July 26, 2018 • 6:30 pm Butternut Mountain Farm, 37 Industrial Park Drive, Morrisville Join the FGRR Board for a potluck supper (bring a dish to share and your own plate & utensils), good con- versation, the latest on the Morrisville Water and Light appeal of the VT Agency of Natural Resources dam permit, a summary of the past year, and a brief business meeting. Thanks to all our members for their support! –The FGRR Board 6 | Friends of Green River Reservior Last Season at Green River State Park usan Bulmer (VDFPR Northeast Reservation System: People can Other Projects: Parks Regional Manager) and book their reservations year-round • Two Kiosks installed at Zack Nick Caputo (VDFPR Region- through the call center; the only reser- Woods. Sal Operations Manager) came to the vations that must go through GRRSP • One red worm toilet was installed FGRR February Board meeting to directly is the group site. People can at one of the campsites. update us on the past season and the still call the Park directly for reserva- • Ongoing ADA trail maintenance plans for the coming summer. Their tions during the summer season. • Protection foresters marked hazard- annual “state park year in review” is a ous trees and those were cut (~30). highlight for our Board, and we very Firewood Policy: Staff ask if guests First cutting is usually done in much appreciate their taking the time have brought firewood with them, September. to meet with us. as only wood from Vermont can be • Generator shed was installed by the brought in. Any out of state firewood maintenance staff towards the end is bagged and given to forestry to of the season. incinerate. Acceptable firewood is stocked. Kiln dried wood is mostly Map: On the revised map, sites 10/11 what is being used now. Currently were combined. A date has been added about 71/2 cords ($3,000) of wood is to the bottom of the map to allow re- used a season at GRRSP. vision tracking. Group campsites now have a symbol. — Projects — 2018 Woodshed Workshed Plans: Bear Lockers: The largest project was The timeline and scheduling will be the installation of the seven food lock- reviewed in the coming weeks and will ers – that was a challenging project. go out to bid at some point this win- Each locker weighs 360 pounds and ter. There is permitting that still needs getting them out on sites was a chal- to be done. The project should be lenge. VYCC Parks and Restoration under construction this summer/fall. Crew assisted with the placement of Funding should come from the capital the lockers. Possible consideration 2017 Park Attendance was excel- infrastructure fund – it’s a shovel ready of smaller units for the sites with the lent. Day use was 5,089 people, the project. Very exciting! smaller number of occupants. Susan highest since 2009. Campsite atten- is okay with a FGRR sticker that says dance was the highest on record, with 2018 Pricing adjustments: There – partially funded by a grant from the 8,224 campers. Revenue for the Park is a change in fees proposed for Green Friends of Green River Reservoir. Most was $86,534 and operating expenses River Reservoir, shifting more towards of the reports last year were racoon. for were $85,478. State Parks subsist the standard pricing. The minimum There were bear at site 9 and a mother on the park fees and a percentage of fee is currently $18 per site and a per and couple of cubs at the entrance ski lift tickets – generally the revenue person fee on top of that if over three road, so preventing problems from and expenses run relatively close, people. Adjusted, the fee is going to developing with the bear-proof lockers although for years this park did not $20 per site and up to four people. is wise. break even. The six or seven-person site will be The percentage of campsite occu- charged $5 per person above the base. pancy is high at GRRSP – weekends Pet Fee stays the same – $2 per dog. are booked months in advance. This Day use remains unchanged. The was one of the best staffing years the change will likely happen mid-season. Park has had, with a cohesive team. Ross Bryant will be Park Director again this coming summer. Spring 2018 Newsletter | 7

Friends of Green River Reservoir Annual Lecture

TOM ROGERS ON GRRSP WILDLIFE Wildlife of Green River Reservoir in a Time of Changing Climate”

Friday 12 October 2018 • 7:00 pm Green Mountain Technology and Career Center at Lamoille Union High School/Middle School, Hyde Park

om Rogers is a biologist who has worked on conserve biodiversity in a variety of conservation projects, researching Vermont in the face of zebras in Kenya, Golden-winged Warblers in these new threats. TNew York, Sage Grouse and Bald Eagles in ­Wyoming, “From warmer, wet- and grizzly bears in Montana. Tom currently ter winters to increasing- works in outreach for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife ly severe storms, wildlife faces a variety of challenges ­Department, connecting the public with fish and from a changing climate,” said Rogers. “We’ll discuss wildlife through writing, speaking, and photography. how different species might continue to respond to Through colorful photos and captivating stories, many of these challenges and what conservationists are the audience will come away with a new understand- doing to address them.” ing of how climate change is affecting wildlife in Don’t miss this exciting program! Free and open to Vermont and specifically in the Green River Reservoir the public. area. Rogers will talk about what people can do to help 8 | Friends of Green River Reservior

FGRR NEWS

Wood Duck Boxes Successful BY RON KELLEY

he two wood duck boxes that Bob Malbon and Ron Kelley installed on Zack Woods Pond three winters ago were finally occupied this past year. A recent inspection revealed that both boxes had a mix of hatched Tand unhatched wood duck eggs from 2017 inside. This suggests that the cold wet spring of 2017 was not very favorable for total nesting success. The boxes Eric with the volume have been refreshed with cedar chips so they are all set for the hopeful return of at Morrisville Library the ducks this spring. LISA DIMONDSTEIN

Amy Olsen receiving the news- letters for the Lanpher Memorial Library. LISA DIMONDSTEIN FGRR Newsletters ­Archives 1999-2016

hanks to the excellent work of Board Member Sheila Goss and her husband Duncan all Tthe FGRR Newsletters for the past RON KELLEY eighteen years (1999–2016) have been scanned and are now available on the Gift Membership Offer website! This is a wonderful record of Membership Renewals all our organization has accomplished. or the next year – Oct. 2017 The Board had four bound copies made through Sept 2018 – the Memberships run for a year as well (one of which was awarded to Friends of Green River Reser- from the month that you join. Volunteers (us Board members) Bill Bartlett at last year’s annual meet- Fvoir Board is offering each renewing send reminders – first electron- ing, as well-deserved recognition for his member the opportunity to give a ically and then by snail mail a key role in the organization). This win- free gift membership, and will include few months before your renewal ter the FGRR Board presented bound that notice in each membership is due (and again and again, if copies to our local libraries – Morris- ­renewal. If you choose to enter some- members don’t respond to the first ville Centennial Library and Lanpher one as a member, the gift member- notice). Renewing immediately Memorial Library in Hyde Park – so ship will run for one year. It will then saves stamps, time and energy and that permanent records will be there as be up to that person to renew or not. we thank those that renew on the well. The presentations were made by We hope to increase our membership first notice. Board members Lisa ­Dimondstein and this way and have more support for Eric Nuse last month. all the work ahead!