Kate Kampner, Community News Service

Vermont hawkwatch counting sites saw fewer numbers for the broad-winged hawk population this year.

“We’re not on the level of having gigantic fires in Vermont yet,” said forest fire supervisor Dan Dillner. But officials believe Vermonters should pay attention and prepare to protect their homes and health.

The institute, its partners and others in the sustainability industry see the practice — dubbed “peecycling” — as a cheap, easy and less-destructive method than synthetic fertilizer.