COVID-19 Information for Vermont’s Forest Economy

In an effort to keep Vermont’s forest economy as up to date as possible on health and safety issues with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) will be maintaining the most recent information and guidance from the Vermont Department of Health and other sources here. FPR continues to ensure functions critical to the industry’s needs are met and that they are carried out in the interest of public safety and public health. Please visit this page frequently as information will be updated.

We want to hear from you so we can better support you.

Take the COVID-19 forest economy survey 

This survey will help us identify emerging issues and develop a response plan.

Email us

Let us help answer your questions and help us understand your concerns.

Stay Informed

For the latest news and updates, sign up for our COVID-19 Forest Economy Listserv.

Business Operations Under the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order

As confirmed infections from the coronavirus are quickly increasing, Governor Scott issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, requiring certain businesses to suspend in-person business operations as another strategy to reduce the instances of COVID-19 spreading through our communities. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development developed guidance about how to interpret the Executive Order. Importantly, some forest economy sectors and businesses have been deemed critical to economic and national security. Please read the guidance and FAQ document carefully, including the NAICS codes that are linked to specific industry sectors, because some aspects of forest product processing are included, and some are not. If your business is deemed critical and you will continue operations, you must follow the workplace safety protocols for social distancing and sanitation listed in the Executive Order to protect the health of workers and maintain workplace safety. If your business is not included in the list of critical businesses, you can request a waiver for continuation. If you have any questions, let us know.

Protecting Workers in Essential Businesses

• Public Health Guidelines
• Forest economy COVID-19 workplace safety guidance - updated 4/29/20

Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order

Learn if you are an essential business or if you need to cease operations.

• The Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order
• Sector Guidance

Forest Economy Business COVID-19 Information

There are several other initiatives being implemented to support businesses during the pandemic. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and update the list below.

​Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

• Forest Economy Webinars: On 4/30, FPR started bi-weekly webinars to engage with VT's forestry community in response to COVID-19. 
  • Next Webinar: We have postponed our 5/14 webinar and will schedule another one soon. Stay tuned for details. 
  • Recorded Webinars
    • 4/30/2020: April Market Assessment, UVA Updates, and State Lands Timber Offerings.

• Regional Market Assessment: The information provided here is a summary of input provided by forest product industry contacts and public sources in mid-April 2020 and represents conditions at that time.

  • April 2020 Assessment

• Use Value Appraisal - Current Use: The following adjustments have been made to help consulting foresters and landowners through the submission of required forest management plan updates during this time. Reach out to your county forester with questions.

  • Overall Guidance

  • April 1st Deadline Extensions

  • Modifications to Signature Requirements

• Heavy Cutting (Intent to Cut Notifications): FPR is continuing to field questions and respond to Intent to Cut Notifications at this time. Because FPR employees are currently teleworking, until further notice, Intent To Cut Notifications should be filed with the appropriate forester by email until we return to our offices. Review of applications that are mailed in hardcopy during this time may be delayed due to limited mail access.

• Acceptable Management Practices: For the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, FPR will not be able to respond to requests for technical assistance in the field. However, we will do our best to provide guidance by phone, email, or methods such as video calls or sharing geospatial maps. Please contact the appropriate forester with any inquiries.

• Heavy Cut and AMP Enforcement: FPR will continue to support the Department of Environmental Conservation Enforcement Division in investigations and enforcement actions. Questions or concerns can be directed to the appropriate forester.

Office of Professional Regulation

• Continuing Education and Impacts of COVID-19: Information related to an allowance for a continuing education renewal extension of up to 180 days.

Department of Financial Regulation

• Guidance regarding the calculation of workers’ compensation insurance premiums

Department of Motor Vehicles

• DMV’s COVID-19 page: Information related to extensions, waivers and renewals of Commercial Drivers License, Registrations, IFTA and IRP requirements and other transportation related resources

Department of Taxes

• State Taxes Extension – July 15, 2020

Department of Labor

• Vermont Unemployment Insurance Claims

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Information for self-employed and independent contractors

Agency of Commerce and Community Development

• Vermont's COVID-19 Business Resource Center

• Sign up for ACCD's COVID-19 Newsletter

United States Department of Transportation

• Emergency Declaration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• FAQs regarding pulpwood and the FMCSA Emergency Declaration

Internal Revenue Service

• IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief

Questions?

Send us an email or call our offices.