NULHEGAN DIVISION
Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife RefugeVisitor Use/Hunting Regulations
VISITOR CONTACT STATION
The theme of the exhibit hall at the Visitor contact station is “The Nulhegan Basin- Sculpted by Nature, Worked by Human Hands- A Unique Landscape Conserved for Habitat, Wildlife, and People.” Visitors will learn more about the cultural history of the basin, Division partners, Division research, geology and geography, habitat management, the watershed, the Refuge System, and northern forest habitats and species. The Visitor Contact Station is open Monday-Saturday 9-5pm when staff is available
ACTIVITIES
There are no regularly scheduled activities or programs at this time. Tours can be arranged for large groups by contacting us at (802)962-5240 prior to your scheduled arrival.
With little intrusion by human development, the Division offers some of the best opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation found in Northern Vermont. An extensive road system gives visitors the ability to experience the rugged quality of the Division and access to scenic vistas, perfect for wildlife dependent recreation. For the more actively inclined visitor, wooded pathways and stream courses can be used to hike off the roads for a deeper backwoods experience. With an abundance of fish and wildlife, extensive areas of the Division offer high-quality hunting, fishing, and trapping opportunities according to all state regulations and seasons. The Lewis pond overlook provides a scenic vista of the Nulhegan Basin and the surrounding mountains. The Mollie Beattie Bog interpretive boardwalk provides visitors with information on bog habitat and wildlife.
Be sure to download the Division road map and visitor use/hunting regulations before arriving.
FACILITIES
Mollie Beattie Bog (the Bog) is a destination for visitors because of its exceptional wildlife viewing, photography, and interpretive opportunities. The self-guided, newly renovated, 200-foot, fully accessible boardwalk trail includes signs illustrating bog formation, the interesting rare plants that inhabit the black spruce bog area, and the legacy of the late Mollie Beattie. Currently Mollie Beattie Bog is the only interpretive boardwalk on the Division.
The Division also offers a scenic vista from the Division headquarters and from the Lewis Pond Overlook trail. Both sites include interpretive panels describing what can be seen.
VOLUNTEERS AND FRIENDS
The Nulhegan Gateway Association (NGA) is a non-profit organization that strives to coordinate community and economic development that will support the region’s environmental stewardship and unique traditional character through education and advocacy activities. A sub-group of the NGA has formed to serve as the Friends of the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers are always welcome and needed at the Division. To learn more about the Friends of Nulhegan and how you can help, please visit their website: www.friendsofthenulhegan.com or email them at support@friendsofthenulhegan.com
DIRECTIONS
I-91 North to Exit 23 in Vermont. The exit will read Island Pond, Lyndon State College, Lyndonville, and Lake Willoughby. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Rt 5. Follow Rt.5 through Lyndonville and Lyndon. After Lyndon, you will veer to the right onto RT 114 (the turn will be next to a Modular home manufacturer). Follow Rt. 114 through E. Burke to Island Pond approx. 20 miles. You will come to a “T” intersection outside of Island Pond. Turn right at the “T” and follow into Island Pond approx. 2 miles. At the intersection, turn right onto RT 105 East. Don’t take the immediate right; that will take you into a parking lot. The intersection is a bit confusing. If you accidentally turn into the parking lot, just follow it around and turn right onto RT 105 in front of the Post office.
Follow RT 105 approx. 10 miles. You will see the big brown “Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge- Nulhegan Basin Division” sign. The office is located on the left or north side of the road.
ACCESS & ROAD CONDITIONS
The public is welcome to visit the Division year-round, however; the type of access (i.e., foot, automobile, snowmobile) permitted varies seasonally; please contact Division headquarters for details or call our hotline at 1(877) 811-5222 for more information on road conditions within the Division and surrounding areas.
HOURS AND FEES
The Division’s administrative office hours are generally 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Since we have a small staff, it is good to call first to make sure we are in the office. The Division is open 24 hours a day and there is no entrance fee.
CONTACT US
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Nulhegan Basin Division(mailing)
P.O. Box 427
Island Pond, VT 05846(shipping)
5396 Route 105
Brunswick (or Guildhall), VT 05905phone (802)962-5240
fax (802)962-5006
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