PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Greenough, Stewardship Forester, District 4
Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation | Agency of Natural Resources
802-595-3143 | brad.greenough@vermont.gov
Agency of Natural Resources Releases Long Range Management Plan for Worcester Range Management Unit
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has finalized the long range management plan for the Worcester Range Management Unit (WRMU), 18,772-acres of state-owned land in central Vermont. This unit includes popular landmarks such as Mt. Hunger, Elmore State Park, Perry Hill Trails, Stowe Pinnacle, Middlesex Notch Wildlife Management Area, and Brownsville Forest.
The WRMU plan establishes the management direction for these lands, based on expert assessments by ANR and extensive public feedback. Community engagement was strong, with over 1,350 comments received during public scoping and the draft plan’s comment period. This highlights widespread interest in the future stewardship of this ecologically significant and beloved landscape.
As one of Vermont's largest contiguous habitat blocks, the WRMU plays a vital role in maintaining critical ecological and wildlife connections between the Northern Green Mountains and the Northeast Kingdom. The management plan aims to protect and enhance the area’s ecological functions while promoting forest health and climate resilience, offering diverse recreational opportunities, supporting the sustainable harvest of forest products, and maintaining high-quality habitats to bolster biodiversity.
Key management strategies include designating 9,961 acres (54% of the WRMU) for mostly passive management, allowing natural processes to shape the landscape. The plan also expands recreational access, formalizing winter mountain biking at Perry Hill, improving trail connectivity, identifying areas for managed backcountry skiing, and enhancing accessibility for a wider range of users. Additionally, 1,928 acres are designated for timber harvesting using sustainable forest management principles over the next twenty years, with strategies aimed at increasing forest complexity, improving wildlife habitat, and enhancing forest resilience and health.
“This plan is a demonstration to our commitment to responsible stewardship of public lands, balancing the needs of both people and nature. By protecting sensitive habitats, enhancing public access, and promoting sustainable, ecological management, we are ensuring these lands remain resilient and productive for all Vermonters for generations to come,” said Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
The planning process began with public scoping in 2020, followed by an eight-week public comment period on the draft plan in 2023.
The final Worcester Range LRMP, along with a summary of public comments and ANR’s responses, is now available.
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