The comment period for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife's controversial plan ended Saturday. Ken Cox, a biologist with the department, said there was a good deal of public feedback.

Overwhelming opposition

"I have a binder of feedback that's about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, and I'm in the process of going through it now," Cox said. "I would say, as a general characterization of the input, the public is overwhelmingly in opposition to the plan to stock the river and in favor of going the route of improving the fish habitats."

The plan was proposed as a way to draw recreational fishermen to the river, which saw a drastic decline in trout population in the 1990s. Biologists with the department have concluded that the disappearance of suitable habitat for the brown trout, caused in part by a lack of wood in the water, was the major factor in the loss of population. Critics of the plan have questioned whether adding more trout to a river lacking proper habitat would make the problem worse.

"When you're doing plans, the first thing to consider is natural resource management," said Director of Fisheries Eric Palmer. "Sometimes that dictates what we have to do. Other times, there are several options — several paths we could choose. That's when we like to get public input, and in those cases, public input is a strong factor in making a decision."

The public comments will be reviewed before a decision is made.

"The process for making a decision is there will be a Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department meeting after rifle deer season but before the holiday season," Cox said. "So, in late November, we will discuss public input and make recommendations."

Palmer said the recommendations would likely be issued in early December, and then Commissioner Wayne Laroche would decide the proper course of action.

"It generally depends on how much else the commissioner has on his plate — the document has to be read through to see if it squares with his philosophy," said Palmer. "In this case, though, as the commissioner has already read through the draft proposal, made a presentation at a meeting in Manchester and heard some of the public comments himself, he should be able to move very quickly once the recommendations are made."

The plan drew criticism during a September public meeting to discuss the potential stocking. The Orvis Company, a noted manufacturer of fly-fishing equipment, is part of a coalition of partners that has threatened to withdraw funding from the Batten Kill restoration efforts if the river is stocked.