Healthy Forests & Wildlife

VNRC has a long history of protecting Vermont’s forests, natural areas and working landscape. Since approximately 80% of Vermont’s forests are privately owned, we advocate for policies that help landowners and communities promote the long-term stewardship of their forestland and wildlife resources. On state, federal, and municipally owned forests, we encourage proactive and sustainable management and conservation practices. We also promote tax policies and creative approaches in the Vermont Legislature to keep our forests viable for the diverse values they provide.

For questions or inquiries:

Jamey Fidel, General Counsel and Forest & Wildlife Program Director

802-223-2328 x117

jfidel@vnrc.org

Healthy Forests & Wildlife Graphic

At A Glance

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Promoting Intact Forests

Fighting fragmentation and parcelization in Vermont through research, coalition work, and community outreach

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Policy Position: H.126

An act relating to community resilience and biodiversity protection

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Technical Assistance and Education

Helping communities and landowners protect natural resources

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Forest & Wildlife News

Three Things: Remembering Rep Curt McCormack, announcing the VNRC Annual Meeting, and weighing in on the management of our state & national forests

Three Things: This week, we’re remembering Representative Curt McCormack and his many contributions to our state, sharing details about our upcoming Annual Meeting, and weighing in on the management of…

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VNRC, Audubon Vermont, and Dr. Bill Keeton Submit Comments on National Forest Policy to Address Old-Growth Forests

On September 20th, 2024, we submitted comments to the United States Forest Service in partnership with Audubon Vermont and Dr. Bill Keeton regarding a national process to address old-growth forests…

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2024 Vermont Legislative Bulletin cover: Vermont State House seen from across the Winooski River

2024 Vermont Legislative Bulletin – Historic Progress for Vermont’s Climate, Communities, and Natural Resources

It’s been a historic year for climate action, communities, and natural resources! Read about the monumental progress made this year in our 2024 Legislative Bulletin. With the devastating impacts of…

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Forest Parcelization Website

Parcelization

The subdivision of land into smaller and smaller pieces and multiple ownerships is gaining momentum in Vermont.

When land is broken up into smaller parcels from parcelization and subdivision, the result is typically an increase in the number of parcels with housing and infrastructure such as roads, septic and utility lines. When this development occurs, it “fragments” the landscape and can affect plant and animal species, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational access. It can also affect the contiguous ownership and management of forest parcels, and the viability of large tracts of forestland to contribute to Vermont’s rural economy and working landscape.

Visit the Vermont Parcelization Website.

Forest Roundtable

Protecting Vermont's forests, together.

Developed and convened by VNRC in 2006, the Forest Roundtable is a venue for the exchange of information relating to forest policy, and keeping Vermont’s forests as forests, with particular attention focused on addressing parcelization and forest fragmentation. Participants have included conservation groups, consulting foresters, professional planners, government officials, landowner organizations, outdoor recreation and sporting interests, representatives from the forest products industry, legislators, staff from Vermont’s congressional delegation, and researchers and professors.

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Forest Round Table