PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – March 24, 2025
Contact:
Louis Bushey, Stewardship Forester
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Louis.Bushey@vermont.gov, 802- 357-5100
Willoughby State Forest Long-Range Management Plan Amendment Expands Equestrian Access
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) has amended the Willoughby State Forest Long-Range Management Plan to allow expanded equestrian use in Willoughby State Forest.
Developed collaboratively with the Vermont Horse Council (VHC), the amendment is intended to enhance equestrian opportunities while ensuring sustainable land management and recreation practices. The amendment authorizes equestrian use of approximately 14.5 miles of existing roads and trails and establishes a new overnight parking area in the southern portion of Willoughby State Forest.
“The equestrian community is a small but active recreation group in Vermont,” says Luke O’Brien, Outdoor Recreation Specialist for the Northeast Kingdom Region. “We are pleased to work with them to expand riding opportunities at Willoughby State Forest in a thoughtful way.’
The amendment was officially approved by Julie Moore, Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, on February 10, 2025.
Moving forward, FPR will work with VHC to implement an equestrian use plan. FPR will monitor use levels, impacts, and work with VHC to address any concerns.
“We are pleased to bring to fruition the expansion of equestrian trails in Willoughby State Forest,” said Jeannette Cole, President of the Vermont Horse Council. “We look forward to putting the final touches on these new trails by collaborating on wet area trail improvements, mapping, and equestrian trail marking this spring.”
View the amendment, map, and route description, on the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation website.
###
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a discrimination complaint, for questions, free language services, or requests for reasonable accommodations, please contact ANR’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator at ANR.CivilRights@vermont.gov or visit ANR’s online Notice of Nondiscrimination.