Healthy Forests & Wildlife

VNRC has a long history of protecting Vermont’s forests, natural areas, wildlife, and working landscapes. 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 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 Resilient Forests

Advocating for resilient, intact forests in Vermont through research, coalition work, education, and outreach.

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Technical Assistance and Education

Helping communities and landowners protect natural resources

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Background on Act 59

An act relating to community resilience and biodiversity protection

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Forest & Wildlife News

The Turning Point

We are at a major turning point when it comes to the vitality of our landscape. We are faced with multiple crises, but rather than working together, we are becoming…

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VNRC, Audubon Vermont, and Dr. William Keeton Applaud Adoption of Innovative Approach to Forest Management in Telephone Gap

Dec 4, 2024 Contact Info: VNRC, Audubon Vermont, and Dr. William Keeton Applaud Adoption of Innovative Approach to Forest Management in Telephone Gap Montpelier – Today, the U.S. Forest Service…

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The Importance of Vermont’s State Lands: Supporting Forests, Wildlife, and People

Vermont forests are under threat. This includes the plants and animals who call our forests home, as well as our communities that rely on healthy forests for clean drinking water,…

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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