Technical Assistance to Communities

VNRC is working to develop creative new planning and zoning strategies in Vermont to promote forestland conservation and reduce forest fragmentation and parcelization. We are reviewing forestland conservation planning strategies that exist in the state and developing new planning templates for municipalities. VNRC is available to assist communities on this issue in several ways.

Forests, Wildlife Communities Project: Working Locally to Conserve Habitat

Habitat loss, due to degradation, conversion and, fragmentation, is one of the leading threats to Vermont's wildlife. To address this problem, VNRC, Audubon Vermont, the Northern Forest Alliance, Vermont Coverts and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department have partnered together in a project aimed at helping landowners and communities reduce fragmentation, parcelization, and wildlife habitat loss – all central strategies in Vermont's Wildlife Action Plan. This partnership – called the Forests, Wildlife, Communities Project is interested in partnering with local and regional planning commissions, conservation commissions, and interested parties in key regional areas to share information and comprehensive conservation strategies at the town level.

Decision in Halifax Case Important Precedent, Conservation Win

A recent ruling by a state court that two backcountry trails in the Town of Halifax could not be reclassified to public roads will have important implications for the rural southern Vermont community and other towns working to control sprawl. The decision will help make rural lands along trails, which include significant wildlife habitat, working forests and recreational opportunities, less vulnerable to development.