Brattleboro skiers filled the rosters of the Southern Vermont League's 2021 Nordic ski all-star teams.
Named to the SVL boys' team were Luke Rizio, Twin Valley; Riley Thurber, Peter McKenna, Finn Payne, and Silas Rella-Neill, Mount Anthony; Nolan Holmes, Tenzin Mathes, Sam Freitas-Egan, and Magnus vonKrusenstiern, Brattleboro; and Brady Geisler, Rutland.
Named to the SVL girls team were Eden White, Maggie Payne, Sadie Korzec, Chloe Stitcher, and Elyse Altland, Mount Anthony; and Katherine Normandeau, Ava Whitney, Sylvie Normandeau, Hazel Wagner, and Alina Secrest, Brattleboro.
New walking groups form
• Green Mountain Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (GMRSVP) is starting up a new Arthritis Foundation exercise program called “Walk With Ease.” This is an evidence-based program that has been proven to help people with arthritis or other related conditions reduce pain, increase balance, strength and walking pace, and improve overall health.
A group is already organized for the Brattleboro Senior Center and plans for additional sites are in progress. GMRSVP will recruit and train volunteer leaders for each walking group and cover all the training costs, including CPR certification.
The groups will meet three times a week for one hour for six weeks and then a new group will form when ready. This is primarily outdoor walking but the group could suspend during winter or perhaps locate an indoor space. Leaders will set the meeting times, register attendees, guide the walks and cover some short topics, and report their volunteer hours. Multiple leaders can split the class responsibilities.
If you are age 55 or older and are interested in taking the training and volunteering to lead a local group, contact Steve at the GMRSVP Volunteer Center, 974 Western Ave., at 802-254-7515. More information about the walking program is available at www.cdc.gov/arthritis/interventions/programs/wwe-group.htm.
Trout season in Vermont starts April 10
• Vermont's traditional trout fishing season opens Saturday, April 10, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says anglers can still have fun and be successful early in the season while following COVID-19 safety precautions.
“Just like any other time of year, anglers fishing early in the spring should adjust their tactics based on conditions,” State Fisheries Biologist Shawn Good said in a news release. “Trout will become more active with warmer water temperatures and, despite an early spring, most streams and rivers are still quite cold. But if you can find a good location and present your bait or lure without spooking the trout, you can enjoy getting outside and you have a good chance of catching a few fish.”
Good said that finding a small to medium low-elevation river or stream that is not too murky from spring runoff can be key, and larger baits can often be more effective for enticing early-season trout into biting.
Spin-anglers should try nightcrawlers, egg imitations, or bright colored spoons and spinners. Fly anglers may find success in the early season by drifting large, more visible flies such as wooly buggers, streamers, or San Juan worms along the bottom in slower pools and runs.
Trout will often hold close to the bottom in the deeper areas of streams during high flow conditions to conserve energy. Choose locations and tactics that allow you to fish using a slow retrieval right along the bottom. Focus on deep holes behind current breaks created by big boulders, downed trees or log-jams where trout may be resting. If possible, approach the hole from downstream as trout will often orient themselves facing the current.
The 2021 Vermont Fishing Guide is available from license agents as well as online at www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing. The Guide is a helpful tool for planning a fishing trip as it includes maps showing rivers and lakes, as well as fishing access areas and public lands for fishing. It also lists the fish species found in each body of water.
The Fish & Wildlife Department urges anglers to use good judgement to keep everyone safe and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Social distancing is still important, even outdoors. Don't share fishing gear with others, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after fishing.
For more information about staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities, visit vtfishandwildlife.com/covid-19-related-information.
Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association announces seasonal trail closures
• The Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association says the Holden Trail and parking lot are now closed through Saturday, April 10 to limit trail damage and reduce mud season damage to Windmill Hill Road North.
The Cascade and Radford-Smith Trails remain closed to hikers and bikers until April 15 as part of the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association's habitat management plan.
Most other trails on Pinnacle lands are open for visitors - hikers are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing. The Pinnacle cabin and outhouse are closed due to COVID-19 concerns.