Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) has launched an ambitious initiative along with key partners to engage new private forest landowners to help them make informed stewardship decisions about their forests. Through this initiative, we aim to develop and disseminate effective educational materials and offer direct technical assistance to landowners in partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR), Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA), Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife, and many others.

Please note: We are transitioning away from this website. More up-to-date information on the project and available landowner resources can be found at www.vnrc.org/forestlandowners.

Background

Private forest landowners are key to maintaining the health and integrity of our forests. Since approximately 85% of Vermont’s forests are privately owned, the management choices that landowners make today will shape the future of our forests, and the wildlife that rely on them. With this in mind, this initiative will equip landowners with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to be the best possible stewards of their forestland.

Whether you've been here for a while or are new to Vermont, you hold a vital piece of what makes this place so special. Your forestland is more than just trees and soil; it is a living, functioning part of our natural heritage – and future. The forest you own contributes to the scenic beauty that we all cherish, provides important habitat for wildlife, and plays a key role in keeping our air and water clean while maintaining broader landscape and community resilience. 

With this land comes a great opportunity – and responsibility – to be a steward of the forest. The choices you make today can help ensure that your forest remains intact, vibrant and healthy for generations. Whether you’re interested in enhancing wildlife habitat, managing for recreation, creating a stewardship plan, supporting sustainable timber management, alleviating property taxes by enrolling in Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal Program, or learning about land protection opportunities, there are many ways to steward your land in ways that align with your values and Vermont’s rich traditions of land stewardship.

Vermont Forest Landowners Survey

In 2024, a survey was distributed to new forest landowners identified from publicly available information in Vermont's property tax return data base for the years 2019-2022.  The survey was sent to a subset of landowners with unique considerations and features on their land.  The responses provide information about the preferences, background, concerns, and motivations of new forest landowners in Vermont, but given the modest response rate and intentionally targeted audience and questions, the survey results are not meant to represent the viewpoints of all forest landowners in Vermont.  Click here to view the survey results.

Stewardship Assistance Information

If you’re interested in technical assistance for your parcel, please fill out this short Google Form.  Landowners that meet certain criteria will be contacted for an additional no-cost consultation; others will be referred to partners based on their stated goals and interests. The assistance offered through this project is provided by Michael Snyder of Greenfire Enterprises, whose expertise is in consulting and advising on forests, forestry, conservation, outdoor recreation and communications. Previously, he served for 12 years as Commissioner of Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation and Vermont State Forester, having been appointed by two governors from different political parties. Prior to that he served for 14 years as Chittenden County Forester, providing land stewardship assistance to private landowners and municipalities. He also taught, for 12 years, two courses in Forestry at the University of Vermont and wrote the Woods Whys column for Northern Woodlands Magazine for two decades. He is author of the book, Woods Whys — An Exploration of Forests and Forestry.

The support offered through this project is intended to help you access the full range of available tools—not to replace your relationship with a consulting forester. For more information, please contact Alex Connizzo, Special Projects Coordinator, at 802-223-2328 ext. 126.