Thanks on ATVs; Energy Conference on Tap

Two big items:

First, thanks are in order to the Shumlin Administration for restoring responsible public land management policy in Vermont by reversing a Douglas-administration rule that had opened state lands to ATV use. We need your help to be sure the Administration hears that Vermonters appreciate this leadership!


Second, there is a big energy conference coming up this Saturday in Fairlee.There is still time to register, and be part of shaping the future of energy in Vermont.



ATVs: For almost a decade, VNRC has taken the position that opening state lands is not a panacea for making ATV recreation work in Vermont. VNRC, with strong membership support, has advocated for a holistic approach to ATV management that includes promoting adequate enforcement and illegal trespass penalties. Last week, the Shumlin administration announced that it would rescind a rule that would have opened state lands to ATV riding. In the announcement, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz pointed out that a bipartisan committee of legislators found that ANR did not have authority to open state lands to ATV riding. ANR is currently using license agreements to allow limited access across state lands, and VNRC will be following the development of this option, but in general the rule change is a huge improvement - and we want to thank Gov. Shumlin and Secretary Markowitz for their leadership on this issue.

We hope you will call or email the governor’s office and thank both Gov. Shumlin and Secretary Markowitz for reversing the ATV-on-state-lands rule. You can call 802-828-3333 and leave a message for them, or thank them in an email. Please act now to express your thanks to Gov. Shumlin and Secretary Markowitz for reversing the ATV rule.



Energy Conference: This Saturday, December 3, at the Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee, energy and climate will be front and center. This daylong Vermont Community Energy and Climate Action Conference offers a unique opportunity for town energy committee leaders, municipal officials, local and regional planners, and concerned citizens to learn new strategies and identify opportunities to reduce energy costs and tackle climate change. Key state officials will address the conference: Public Service Commissioner Elizabeth Miller will talk about the new Comprehensive Energy Plan and what it means for communities, and Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deborah Markowitz will discuss the work of the state’s new Climate Cabinet. The day also includes 14 different workshops focused on promoting efficiency and renewable energy at the local level, along with a number of different roundtable discussions topics designed to promote dialogue on the most pressing energy topics.    

To register for the event, which is hosted by the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network and the UVM Extension Service, click here.

Registration, which includes lunch, is $30.

For more information, contact: Jessie Schmidt, UVM Extension at: 866-860-1382 extension 203.

Don’t miss this important event – help shape Vermont’s energy future!



As always, thanks for all you do,



The VNRC Team