What’s allowed on public land?

ANR lands are generally open to the public without fee or formal authorization for various educational, recreational, and other outdoor activities for individuals or small groups.  However, while legally and environmentally permissible, such activities and events may alter a site or natural resources or exclude other public uses for varying periods of time. Therefore, formal written authorization is required for such activities and events so that the Agency may better monitor, control, and manage their impact and duration on ANR lands, natural resources, and the public. Formal written authorization is typically given by either Special Use Permit (SUP) or License.

The Agency of Natural Resources supports an integrated approach to planning and managing Agency lands through district stewardship teams. Learn more about the planning process and explore planning documents.

There are several ways you can make a donation to the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. The Department is allowed by statute to accept donations of all types to further our mission and service to the State of Vermont from volunteers, donations in general or land donations.

Many of the state forests and state parks around the state hold dear memories for the residents and visitors to Vermont. Rather than accept generous donations of memorials, our goal as landowners on behalf of Vermonters is that the commitment we make to steward these special places will serve as a meaningful honor to those memories and the lives this land has touched

Geocaching and letterboxing are popular treasure hunting games that can use public lands. If you'd like to create your own, please see our policy and application form.

We appreciate the public helping us manage the allowed uses of state lands. To report unauthorized use, please contact the district office where the land resides.

The State of Vermont does not issue permits for cutting Christmas Trees. The U.S. Forest Services issues permits for cutting Christmas Trees on sections of the Green Mountain National Forest only. For more information and to obtain a permit, please visit the U.S. Forest Service permit site.