VNRC and Fish & Wildlife Issue Report - A Decade of Progress: Wildlife Considerations in Local Planning

Vermonters overwhelmingly want to conserve wildlife habitat such as deeryards, trout streams, and bear habitat. Cities and towns have made noticeable strides in improving attention to wildlife habitat and natural resource conservation, and nearly every municipality recognizes wildlife habitat as an important local resource, according to a recent report issued by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the Vermont Natural Resources Council.

The report, Wildlife Considerations in Local Planning – An Evaluation of a Decade of Progress in Vermont, was based on a detailed assessment of all municipal plans and related zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations adopted by Vermont communities.

VNRC Releases Report on Vermont Subdivision Trends

Subdivision, fragmentation and the conversion of forestland are threatening the economic and ecological integrity of the Northern Forests. Subdivision and land conversion can negatively affect plant and animal species, wildlife habitat, water quality, recreational access, and the ability of forests to sequester and store carbon. They can also affect the contiguous ownership, management, and viability of forest parcels to contribute to the region’s rural economy. While subdivision and conversion pressures have been identified as problems for decades, there has been no systematic tracking of trends to inform planning or resource management.

The research in this report is intended to inform land use planning, focus forest stewardship and wildlife conservation efforts, assist with the administration of the Use Value Appraisal Program, and aid in the development of baseline data for various smart growth, climate change, and forest management policies.