Statement from Jamey Fidel, Forest and Wildlife Program Director for Vermont Natural Resources Council:

“VNRC applauds the Legislature for passing forest integrity legislation (H.857) today. We thank the Shumlin administration for prioritizing our invaluable forests this year, and we thank leadership from numerous legislators in both the Vermont House and Senate for crafting legislation that takes meaningful steps to help maintain our forests and working landscape into the future.

The forest integrity bill, H.857 helps maintain intact forests, clean water, and wildlife habitat through:

• better local and regional planning,
• maintaining working forests at the municipal level,
• helping landowners donate land for conservation purposes, and
• promoting strategies to help landowners plan for the long-term ownership of their forests.

Healthy forests play an important role in mitigating climate change, maintaining clean water, fueling our local economy, supporting recreation, tourism, and so much more. The legislation passed today continues the legislature and administration’s work to elevate the importance of Vermont’s forests.”