Vermont’s Forest Action Plan

2017 Vermont Forest Action Plan

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has the statutory authority to assess the state’s forest resources and guide the department in fulfilling program responsibilities. In addition, the 2008 US Farm Bill required each state to complete a state assessment and develop resource strategies in order to receive funds from the US Forest Service under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (CFAA). Funded programs include the Forest Stewardship program, Urban and Community Forestry program, Forest Legacy Administration, Fire Assistance program, and Forest Health Monitoring.

The 2017 Forest Action Plan outlines goals and planned actions designed to meet the desired future forest conditions listed below. The 2017 Plan succeeds the 2010 Vermont Forest Resources Plan - State Assessment and Resource Strategies submitted to the U.S. Forest Service.

2017 Vermont Forest Action Plan

• Entire Document

Plan Components

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Desired Future Conditions:
  • Conserve native biological diversity across all landscapes
  • Maintain and enhance forest ecosystem health and ecological productivity
  • Maintain and enhance forest contribution to ecosystem services
  • Maintain and enhance an ethic of respect for the land, sustainable use, and exemplary management
  • Vermont has a legal, institutional, and economic framework in place for forest conservation and sustainability
• Multi-State Priority Landscapes
• Multi-State Focus Areas
• Appendix A: Resource Strategies
• Appendix B: National Priorities in Action
• Appendix C: Forest Legacy: 2010 Assessment of Need

In addition to the written action plan, we have created an interactive Story Map to further explore the 2017 Plan's components. 

Vermont's 2017 Forest Action Plan's Story Map