FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2019
Contact: Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County Forester
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation | Agency of Natural Resources
(802) 585-9099, Ethan.tapper@vermont.gov
New Forest Management Plan for Andrews Community Forest in Richmond Stresses Education, Inclusivity, and Ecology
Forest Tour October 5, Public Meeting October 28
The Andrews Community Forest Committee is seeking comments on a new Forest Management Plan proposed for the Andrews Community Forest, a 428-acre conserved property in Richmond. Acquired by the Town of Richmond in 2018 with assistance from the Vermont Land Trust, this is one of Vermont’s newest town forests. The property, a beautiful and important piece of forested land with unique forest types and wildlife habitat, is now protected with a conservation easement held by the Vermont Land Trust and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
The Forest Management Plan was prepared by Ethan Tapper, the Chittenden County Forester with VT Forests, Parks, and Recreation, and provides detailed recommendations on the stewardship of forests, from invasive plant control to carbon sequestration and storage, wildlife habitat, and management for local, renewable resources. This plan will supplement the Management Plan developed by the Town of Richmond for the Andrews Community Forest in 2018.
Before the plan is brought before the Richmond Selectboard for approval, the public is invited to read and provide input on it. There will also be two public events, where you can ask questions and provide comments in person:
Forest Walk Saturday, October 5, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm with Ethan Tapper and members of the Andrews Community Forest Committee.
Location: Andrews Community Forest trailhead, Route 2 just east of Richmond Village (across from Maple Wind Farm)
Walk takes place on and off trail through variable terrain.
Public Meeting Monday, October 28 at 7:00 pm
Location: Richmond Town Hall, 203 Bridge Street in Richmond.
These events are free, and all are welcome to attend. Comments can also be sent via email to richmondtownforest@gmail.com, or submitted in person at an Andrews Community Forest Committee meeting on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 pm, at the Richmond Town Offices.
The focus of this forest management plan is both to encourage the growth and development of a healthy, vibrant forest through responsible, modern forest management, and to use this management to demonstrate high-quality forest stewardship. By presenting the management of this forest in an open, transparent, and inclusive way, it is hoped that this property can improve the understanding and management of forests far beyond its boundaries.
To read the forest management plan, visit: http://www.richmondvt.gov/boards-minutes/conservation-commission/richmond-town-forest/