|
The actions to be carried out by the Department of Forests, Parks and
Recreation in the upcoming decade are the key components of this plan.
Over 600 possible actions were generated from a variety of efforts,
beginning with the Steering Committee's work. Other sources included
citizen input from public meetings, forestry division staff input, personal
interviews, and previous planning activities. Actions selected for inclusion
in the plan include those that continue programs with measured need
and success; meet obligations under state statutes, rules, and procedures;
and select new initiatives that would allow progress toward desired
future conditions. Most importantly, the department attempted to reflect
the public input generated throughout the entire planning process, beginning
with the steering committee and extending through the focus groups to
the public meetings.
The actions are presented by desired future condition broad goal statements
in achieving the vision for the future of the forests of Vermont. Under
each desired condition, there are one or more objectives and a series
of actions which could collectively direct the state toward the desired
future. In some cases, there are several steps under a particular action
which could be accomplished.
The actions have been listed within objectives in order of priority.
Actions are also identified as ongoing efforts of the department or
new initiatives. The rationale of listing ongoing efforts is to show
the long standing role the department provides in forest stewardship
and the relationship to new initiatives. The appendix has a listing
of current department programs.
The program of action is ambitious. As with previous Forest Resource
Plans, this plan builds on the foundation of working with partners in
program implementation. Following each action, the lead organization
responsible for carrying out the action is identified, followed by a
listing of candidate organizations that might be involved. A key to
organization abbreviations follows.
You may wish to click this key which will open the abbreviations
list in a new window. You may then toggle between windows as you navigate
this section.
O Ongoing Program
N New Initiative
|
AED
AG
AIV
ANR
AOT
CFAV
CTA
DE
DEC
FPR
FW
GMC
GMDSAF
GMNF
NNHP
NRCS
NWF
PS
RCD
USDA
USFS
UVM
VAPDA
VAST
VFPA
VLT
VWMA
VTGC
VWA
|
Agency of Economic Development and Division of Travel and Tourism
Department of Agriculture, Foods, and Markets
Associated Industries of Vermont
Agency of Natural Resources
Agency of Transportation
Consulting Foresters Association of Vermont
Catamount Trail Association
Department of Education
Department of Environmental Conservation
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Green Mountain Club
Green Mountain Division, Society of American Foresters
Green Mountain National Forest
Non-Game and Natural Heritage Program, Department of Fish and Wildlife
Natural Resources Conservation Service
National Wildlife Federation
Department of Public Service
Resource Conservation and Development Councils
United States Department of Agriculture
USDA Forest Service
University of Vermont, School of Natural Resources, and UVM Extension System
Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies
Vermont Association of Snow Travelers
Vermont Forest Products Association
Vermont Land Trust
Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association
Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
Vermont Woodland Association |
 Forest
Ecosystem Health
Vermont's forests as a whole contain healthy and sustainable populations
of existing native plants and animals, along with different types and
ages of vegetation exhibiting bilogical diversity and properly functioning
ecosystems. Stresses are monitored, evaluated, and reported regularly
to effectively manage both pulic and private forest land.
Objective A Assess the state's biodiversity and integrity of
its natural communities and processes, and develop a process to conserve
and enhance both.
|
|
N
|
1A1. Support ANR in developing biodiversity program
guidelines for state owned lands to protect rare and endangered species
and a variety of ecological communities. [FPR, FW, ANR]
|
|
N
|
A2. Integrate biodiversity program guidelines into state land management
planning. [FPR, FW, ANR, and others]
|
|
O
|
1A3. Continue to inventory and identify areas of critical
habitat for threatened, endangered, and forest interior dependent species,
deer wintering areas, and key mast stands for bears, determine the conservation
status of those areas, and explore means of ensuring long term management
and protection where necessary. [FW, FPR, ANR ]
|
|
O
|
1A4. Identify and conserve unique and old growth forests on federal, state,
and municipally owned lands. [FPR, GMNF, NNHP, and others]
|
|
O
|
1A5. Annually produce the Forest Health Survey and ANR Environmental Report,
co publishing information when appropriate. [FPR, ANR]
|
|
N
|
1A6. Support revision of Vermont's soil survey to include soils by biophysical
regions to better link soil mapping to forest and plant communities. [USDA,
FPR, NRCS, and others]
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Objective B Monitor forest health and conditions, and
rates of growth and harvest levels in order to detect stresses on the
forest.
|
|
O
|
1B1. Cooperate with USDA Forest Service to develop protocol on new Forest
Inventory and Monitoring annualized system and continue monitoring number
of acres and percentage of forest land by species, forest types, and changes
over time. [FPR, USFS]
|
|
O
|
1B2. Continue aerial surveys to determine annual damage by forest insects
and disease, weather, and air pollution, and conduct ground surveys to monitor
trends and impacts. [FPR, USFS, and others]
|
|
O
|
1B3. Participate in the National Forest Health Monitoring Program, North
American Maple Project, Vermont Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative,
and Vermont Hardwood Health Survey. [FPR, UVM, ANR, USFS]
|
|
O
|
1B4. Evaluate the effects of silvicultural practices on stands stressed
by defoliation, ice damage, and other factors and report findings. [FPR,
USFS, and others]
|
|
O
|
1B5. Continue role on Vermont Pesticide Advisory Council, including review
of technical literature on pesticide manufacture and application, and scientific
studies assessing the health and environmental effects of pesticide use.
[FPR, AG, and others]
|
|
N
|
1B6. Support accelerated ortho photo program in digital and paper formats,
to assist land managers. [FPR, Division of Property Valuation and Review]
|
|
O
|
1B7. Provide insect and disease shade tree inspection assistance and diagnostic
lab services for landowners and homeowners. [FPR, AG]
|
|
O
|
1B8. Maintain ongoing rural fire defense program and the local fire warden
system, including urban wildland interface issues. [FPR, USFS, RCD, Vermont
Rural Fire Task Force, and others]
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Objective C Manage public forest land to ensure ecosystem functions
and health, and encourage private landowners to do the same.
|
|
O
|
1C1. Distribute current guidelines to encourage vegetated buffers along
streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, and ponds in order to protect wildlife
and fisheries habitat, and maintain water quality. [FPR, ANR]
|
|
O
|
1C2. Promote programs which encourage maintenance and improvement of wildlife
habitat and natural communities. [FPR, FW]
|
|
O
|
1C2a. Support programs which locate, identify, and protect threatened
and endangered species. [FRP, NNHP, and others]
|
|
O
|
1C2b. Implement management based on natural communities, which promotes
wildlife habitat protection and enhancement . [FRP, FW, VWA, and others]
|
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O
|
1C2c. Encourage creation of habitat of special concern, including early
successional species and forest interior dependent species. [FPR, FW,
and others]
|
|
O
|
1C3. Stress integrated pest management on public land and educate private
landowners on practices to similarly reduce use of chemicals. [FPR, AG]
|
|
N
|
1C4. Develop policy and procedures to monitor and control exotic and invasive
plant species, while maintaining existing native and desired non native
species. [FPR, FW, AG]
|
|
N
|
1C5. Implement vegetation management strategies based on natural communities
and appropriate agricultural guidelines.
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Land Ownership and Conservation
Vermonters value all types of forest land including working forests,
large unbroken forest tracts, and urban and community forests and the
uses they support. Large forest tracts are encouraged through programs
and policies that foster responsible, long term private ownership and
assist forest landowners in realizing their forest management goals.
Public forest lands are managed to provide sustainable ecosystems, protect
unique and fragile areas, showcase sound forest management, and provide
recreational opportunities for all citizens to enjoy. Urban and community
forests are managed to enhance the quality of life in Vermont communities.
Objective A Manage state owned land to provide for sustainable
forest ecosystems, timber products, and recreational opportunities.
|
|
N
|
2A1. Develop clear mission and policy on the values and importance of
state owned land. [FPR, ANR, and others]
|
|
O
|
2A2. Continue to maintain and manage selected large blocks of public land
presently classed as natural areas. [FPR, FW, GMNF]
|
|
O
|
2A2a. Identify areas of unique forests, old growth, and unbroken forest
tracts on public land and manage as such. [FPR, ANR, GMNF, and others]
|
|
O
|
2A3. Conduct model silvicultural and ecosystem management techniques when
carrying out vegetation management activities on state owned land. [FPR]
|
|
O
|
2A3a. Where timber management is emphasized, place emphasis on growing
high value sawtimber with longer rotations and cutting cycles. [FPR]
|
|
O
|
2A3b. Continue to use and improve upon visual management practices
for all management activities on public land. [FPR, FW, GMNF, and others]
|
|
N
|
2A4. Investigate green certification of state owned land. [FPR, NWF, and
others]
|
|
O
|
2A5. Cooperate with commercial interests using public land, administering
leases to ensure protection of public resources. [FPR, GMNF, and others]
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Objective B Acquire additional public lands to meet state land
ownership and conservation goals
|
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N
|
2B1. Provide staff support to implement ANR Land Conservation Plan. [ANR,
FPR, and others]
|
|
O
|
2B1a. Through budget requests address needs to meet the costs of administering
conservation easements held by state agencies. [ANR, state legislature]
|
|
O
|
2B1b. Facilitate coordination with regional planning commissions, affected
municipal governments and federal agencies in the acquisition of public
land. [FPR, GMNF, VAPDA, and others]
|
|
O
|
2B1c. Work in collaboration with land trusts and other organizations interested
in land conservation and the concept of "working forestsē to acquire
land or development rights. [ANR, VAPDA, VLT, other conservation organizations]
|
|
O
|
2B2. Continue to administer Forest Legacy Program and Land and Water
Conservation Fund Program, and seek sufficient funding to administer those
programs. [FPR]
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Objective C Encourage and assist private landowners to manage forest
land to produce essential economic products and services, and provide
other societal benefits.
|
|
O
|
2C1. Coordinate efforts that improve public awareness of the benefits
of private forest land ownership and assist private landowners in developing
and realizing their management goals. [FPR, VWA, and others]
|
|
O
|
2C2. Through the County Forester Program, provide education to landowners,
to maintain land as productive timberland under sustainable management,
including a focus on second home owners. [FPR, UVM, VWA ]
|
|
O
|
2C3. Promote Use Value Appraisal to private landowners as one means to
maintain large parcels of forest land for appropriate productive use and
thereby increase enrolled acreage. [FPR and others]
|
|
O
|
2C4. Encourage and support landowner associations/mutual interest groups
to maintain traditional ownership patterns and long term management programs.
[FPR, FW, VWA, VLT, UVM, and others]
|
|
N
|
2C4a. Encourage volunteer partnerships and associations between landowners
to achieve broader goals of management at a landscape level. [FPR, VWA,
and others]
|
|
N
|
2C5. Develop demonstration sites on state land, by biophysical region,
that show appropriate vegetation management strategies for timber and
wildlife management, and hold workshops to educate private landowners.
[FPR and others]
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Objective D Promote the stewardship of urban and rural forest
landscapes to enhance the quality of life in Vermont communities.
|
|
O
|
2D1. Provide assistance to Vermont cities, towns, and villages in managing
urban and community forests. [FPR and others]
|
|
O
|
2D2. Encourage community volunteerism in the active management of urban
and community forests through training, workshops, and educational materials.
[FPR and others]
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Forest Stewartship
Forest management is practiced on private forest land, exemplifying
a stewardship ethic and providing air, soil, water, forest products,
and biological resources essential to maintaining our quality of life.
Forest owners' rights are protected, as are the public's interest
in water quality, scenic beauty, soil productivity, biodiversity,
and protection of critical habitats, through the appropriate use of
education, technical assistance, financial incentives or compensation,
tax policies, and, when necessary, regulation.
Objective A Encourage long term stewardship of Vermont's forest
land by providing programs and opportunities which empower landowners
to realize their expectations and achieve sustainable management objectives.
|
|
O
|
3A1. Continue to support, promote, and encourage the long term stewardship
of private forest land through the Use Value Appraisal Program, Stewardship
Program, and others. [FPR, VWA, and others]
|
|
N
|
3A2. Conduct scientifically based assessments of the impacts of existing
forest practices, environmental policies, programs, and regulations, and
evaluate their adequacy in achieving the principles of sustainability as
defined in 1996 by the Forest Resources Advisory Council. [FPR, UVM, and
others]
|
|
O
|
3A3. Support the Forest Stewardship Program by encouraging voluntary participation
by landowners. [FPR, USFS, CFAV, GMDSAF , and others]
|
|
O
|
3A3a. Continue administration of the Stewardship Incentive Program.
[FPR]
|
|
N
|
3A3b. Increase program acreage by 100,000 acres by encouraging
private consulting foresters to increase level of participation by landowners.
[FPR, CFAV, and others]
|
|
N
|
3A3c. Expand distribution of a stewardship newsletter to forest
landowners. [FPR]
|
|
O
|
3A4. Support the American Tree Farm System by assisting as inspecting
foresters and in educational efforts. [FPR, VWA, GMDSAF, CFAV]
|
|
O
|
3A5. Support neighborhood wildlife cooperatives and woodland owner associations
such as Coverts and wildlife habitat improvement groups. [FPR, UVM, VWA,
FW, and others] |
|
O
|
3A6. Provide technical assistance to regional and local planning and conservation
commissions on land use planning that guides development to appropriate
areas, and support forest management and land stewardship. [FPR, VAPDA,
and others]
|
|
O
|
3A7. Encourage management and care of trees and forests within town and
state highway rights of way. [FPR, AOT, and others]
|
|
N
|
3A8. Develop a backyard stewardship program for landowners with less
than 25 acres to promote forest management, wildlife habitat, and the
environmental and social values of land ownership. [FPR, NRCS, and others]
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Objective B Promote sustainable forest management on private land.
|
|
O
|
3B1. Promote the forestry services available to landowners, including
those through the County Forester Program, and encourage landowners to use
consulting foresters. [FPR, UVM, GMDSAF, CFAV]
|
|
O
|
3B2. Continue to lead in the technical administration of the Acceptable
Management Practices Program for maintaining water quality on logging operations.
[FPR, VFPA, ANR, GMDSAF, CFAV, VWA]
|
|
O
|
3B3. Support programs to educate loggers. [FPR, VFPA, VWA , Vermont Forestry
Foundation]
|
|
O
|
3B4. Encourage voluntary adoption and field application of best management
practice guidelines for timber harvesting in wildlife habitat by loggers
and landowners. [FPR, FW, and others]
|
|
N
|
3B5. Support annual continuing education programs and field workshops
to meet the needs of all foresters working in Vermont. [FPR, CFAV, GMDSAF,
UVM]
|
|
N
|
3B6. Advise the forest products industry and landowners associations on
green certification and the sources of information on this subject. [FPR
and others]
|
|
O
|
3B7. Develop and demonstrate innovative timber management techniques
on state owned land, which provide educational opportunities for private
forest landowners. [FPR]
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Forest Based Economy/Sustained Economic Prosperity
Vermont has a sustainable and increasingly diverse forest resource which
serves the individual landowner, state, region, and the country, providing
quality forest products and supporting tourism and recreation. The forest
based economy supports employment and provides forest landowners with
solid financial returns through planned timber harvesting. A forest based
economy promotes value added manufacturing and tourism, and leads to long
term prosperity.
Objective A Promote and market forest products, recreation,
and tourism industries.
|
|
O
|
4A1. Maintain marketing, utilization, and development function, assisting
in establishment of marketing cooperatives or networks for wood products
firms within Vermont. [USFS, FPR, AED, AIV, VFPA, VWMA]
|
|
O
|
4A2. Report data on hardwood and softwood sawtimber harvested and processed
through annual sawmill census. [FPR, AIV]
|
|
O
|
4A3. Participate in tourism and marketing programs that promote Vermont's
forests and forest products, collecting information and providing technical
support. [FPR, AED, AIV, and others]
|
|
O
|
4A4. Promote use of the wood in transportation infrastructure, such as
timber bridges and guardrails. [FPR, USFS, AOT, AIV, and others]
|
|
N
|
4A5. Cooperate with regional manufacturers and marketing centers to coordinate
technology transfer, marketing, and financial assistance on wood products.
[FPR, UVM, AED, VWMA, and others]
|
|
N
|
4A5a. Develop and implement a wood marketing program for wood
within the state of Vermont, including new processing methods, value added
products, and medium density hardwoods. [FPR, UVM, VWMA, and others]
|
|
N
|
4A6. Promote continued consolidation and streamlining of the state permitting
process for primary and secondary forest products industry. [FPR, ANR, VAPDA]
|
|
O
|
4A7. Continue cooperative effort of fall foliage evaluation and reporting
to promote tourism within Vermont. [FPR, AED, and others]
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Objective B Develop educational programs and economic strategies
to assist forest products industries, as well as private landowners.
|
|
O
|
4B1. Support economic development in forest based industries through coordination
of programs and education on value of Vermont's forests. [AED, FPR, AIV,
VAPDA]
|
|
O
|
4B2. Periodically update and publish economic information on forests and
forest products industries. [FPR, AED, AIV, USFS]
|
|
O
|
4B3. Maintain support for the Use Value Appraisal Program, participating
on the Current Use Advisory Board and fulfilling administrative functions.
[FPR and others]
|
|
O
|
4B4. Cooperate in training programs to improve logger safety and reduce
workers' compensation claims. [Dept. of Labor and Industry, USFS, FPR, RCD,
VFPA, AIV]
|
|
N
|
4B5. Educate loggers, landowners, and others on techniques, processes,
and equipment utilized in timber processing and harvesting. [USFS, FPR,
VFPA, and others]
|
|
O
|
4B6. Provide assistance to industry through the Sawmill Improvement Program,
Felling and Bucking Program, and quality control programs intended to increase
the value and yield of the forest resource. [FPR, USFS, and others]
|
|
O
|
4B7. Encourage development of new markets for low value forest products
and support renewable sources of energy by promoting wood fired electrical
and heating generation for the general public, schools, and industry. [FPR,
PS]
|
|
O
|
4B8. Provide technical assistance to Christmas tree growers, sugarmakers,
and other producers of specialty products. [FPR, AG, and others]
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Recreation
Vermont's forests serve the needs of Vermonters and visitors for recreation,
while conserving natural resources and other land uses. Opportunities
include traditional forms such as hiking, hunting, fishing, camping,
skiing, scenery viewing, and motorized activities, as well as emerging
activities such as ecotourism and wildlife watching. Recreational opportunities
recognize the diverse personal needs and expectations for exercise,
connection to nature, spiritual renewal, solitude, and social interactions.
Objective A Provide opportunities through the management of
public lands and acquisition and development of sites that meet the
demands and needs for a variety of recreational experiences and activities.
|
|
N
|
5A1. Develop a policy through statewide recreation planning that addresses
the environmental and economic impact of recreation on the natural environment.
[FPR, ANR, UVM]
|
|
O
|
5A1a. Support the continuation and update of Vermont's Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, including a recreation resource
inventory and related Geographic Inventory System data layers. [FPR, ANR,
Tourism and Marketing, and others]
|
|
O
|
5A1b. Continue to examine and develop policies, rules, and regulations
for public land regarding commercial and noncommercial ventures for recreation.
[ANR, FW, FPR, and others]
|
|
O
|
5A2. Acquire public land or easements for outdoor recreation and resource
protection with emphasis on access to water resources, trail corridors,
needed additions to existing forests or parks, wildlife habitat, and special
or unique resources. [ANR, FPR]
|
|
O
|
5A3. Manage and maintain existing state owned lands and recreation facilities
for public use and enhance public health and safety at existing facilities.
[FPR]
|
|
O
|
5A3a. Support Park Division programs to increase visitation to Vermont
State Parks. [FPR and others]
|
|
O
|
5A3b. Cooperate with ANR Enforcement Division and law enforcement
agencies to reduce illegal uses and encroachments on public land. [FPR,
ANR, Department of Public Safety]
|
|
O
|
5A4. Cooperate with partnering organizations in the maintenance, replacement,
and/or rehabilitation of recreational trails on state owned land. [FPR,
VTGC, GMC, VAST, and others]
|
|
O
|
5A4a. Examine recreation use conflicts on state owned land and determine
ways to mitigate or reduce them. [FPR, VTGC]
|
|
N
|
5A4b. Design a process for developing a regional trail plan
for each type of use on public land. [FPR, ANR, VTGC, and others]
|
|
N
|
5A4c. Develop and implement a statewide system of coordinated
information and signage that directs recreationists and visitors to public
recreation lands, facilities, and cultural/historical resources. [ANR,
AED, AOT, VTGC]
|
|
O
|
5A5. Continue to designate formal access points and provide information
and signage on recreation opportunities on state lands, including those
handicapped accessible, and on policies governing use of state land. [FPR]
|
|
O
|
5A6. Continue to conduct hazard tree evaluations in state parks and provide
information to private recreational facilities on hazard tree mitigation.
[FPR and others]
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|
Objective B Develop, support, and promote programs and partnerships
on public lands with user groups and individuals for trails and recreational
paths to meet public demands and needs.
|
|
N
|
5B1. Cooperate with partnering organizations to encourage citizens to
assist the department to maintain a network of trails on state owned lands
for a wide variety of recreational uses. [FPR, GMC, CTA, VAST]
|
|
O
|
5B2. Manage existing granting programs (Vermont Recreational Trails Fund,
Land & Water Conservation Fund, etc.) to ensure that each receives a diversity
of requests and that funds are allocated to various needs throughout the
state. [ANR, FPR, VTGC]
|
|
O
|
5B3. Identify and designate appropriate recreational trails and uses
on state lands based on planning and public outreach which consider resource
impacts. [FPR, ANR, trail organizations]
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|
Objective C Encourage and support policies, programs, and initiatives
that assist private landowners to provide recreational opportunities
on their land.
|
|
O
|
5C1. Educate Vermonters, visitors, and user groups on private property
rights; the appropriate behaviors, uses, and ethics for using private and
public lands for recreation; and the importance of Vermont's working landscape
with particular attention to farm and forest industries. [ANR, AED, VTGC,
and others]
|
|
N
|
5C1a. Coordinate the formation of a task group that includes
landowners and land user organizations to develop a comprehensive information
and education program to educate users about public use of private land.
[FPR, VTGC, and others]
|
|
O
|
5C2. Continue to work with landowner groups in order to understand their
needs and address their concerns for public recreational use of their lands.
[ANR, VWA, VLT, VTGC, and others]
|
|
N
|
5C3. Develop a recognition/awards programs with trail organizations for
private landowners who demonstrate their commitment to keeping their land
open for recreational use. [FPR, VTGC]
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|
Planning and Policy
Cooperation among forest landowners, the public, and government fosters
confidence and ongoing, productive involvement by all of society in
developing and implementing public policy. Long term comprehensive planning
for state owned land occurs in collaboration with Vermont citizens and
local government.
Objective A State policies promote sustainability of Vermont's
forests, reflect the needs of all forest owners, and encourage cooperation
between all citizens of the state.
|
|
N
|
6A1. Support role and responsibilities of Forest Resource Advisory Council
where major forestry issues facing Vermont are discussed. [FPR and others]
|
|
N
|
6A2. Support comprehensive local and regional forest resource planning
that fosters maintenance of large forest land parcels and encourages uniform
interpretation of regulations at the local level. [FPR, VAPDA, ANR, AED]
|
|
O
|
6A3. Promote cooperation among conservation organizations, cooperatives,
and municipalities in planning activities which bring together forest owners
and professionals. [FRP, ANR, VAPDA, and others]
|
|
O
|
6A4. Participate in Act 250 review to ensure that projects affecting forests
receive interdisciplinary review. [ANR, FPR, AED]
|
|
O
|
6A5. Support policies which promote value added forest products and encourage
job opportunities in forest based industries. [FPR, AED, AIV, and others]
|
|
N
|
6A6. Develop a statewide emergency response plan for preparing for natural
disasters such as hurricanes, floods, ice storms, and insect/disease outbreaks.
[FPR and others]
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|
Objective B Planning for state owned lands is comprehensive,
interdisciplinary, and open to and representative of all Vermont citizens.
|
|
N
|
6B1. Public input to long range management plans for state land is through
a clear process based on established standards, procedures, and policies.
[FPR, FW, and others]
|
|
O
|
6B2. Complete long range management plans on an established schedule for
state owned land managed by the Agency of Natural Resources. [FPR, FW, ANR]
|
|
N
|
6B2a. Adopt a land classification system for management of state owned
lands that supports Vermont's natural communities, timber management,
and recreation goals. [FPR, ANR]
|
|
N
|
6B2b. Revise existing inventory systems for state land to provide
the best overall data on forest health conditions, water quality, wildlife
habitat, natural heritage sites, unique ecological communities and areas,
and forest stand conditions for planning and timber management activities.
[FPR, ANR]
|
|
O
|
6B3. Identify the overall mission and purpose of future state land conservation
projects as outlined in the ANR Land Conservation Plan. [ANR, FPR]
|
|
O
|
6B4. Cooperate with efforts to systematically plan the siting and relocation
of telecommunication facilities which are located on public land, which
protect public interest. [ANR and others]
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Education and Outreach
Educational opportunities enable forest landowners, forest industry
professionals, state residents, and visitors to understand and respect
Vermont's forests and their uses. Education in both school and public
settings promotes awareness and appreciation of Vermont's rural nature,
working landscape, forest industry, biological diversity, and the
historical and cultural values of the forest.
Objective A Education and outreach programs reach a wide
variety of audiences and promote the implementation and actions of
this plan.
|
|
O
|
7A1. Develop a comprehensive education and outreach plan for the general
public, from youth to adult, which focuses on the entire range of forest
uses and values. [FPR, DE, ANR, and others]
|
|
O
|
7A2. Strengthen and expand current programs to inform loggers, foresters,
landowners, and the general public about forest management practices and
the principles of sustainability. [FPR, UVM, VFPA, and others]
|
|
O
|
7A3. Promote importance of the local forest resource by educating regional
and town planners and town officials. [FPR, VAPDA, and others ]
|
|
N
|
7A3a. Publicize information from the Forest Inventory and Assessment
in a format that assists local and regional planning. [FPR, VAPDA, and
others]
|
|
O
|
7A3b. Support programs and activities of the Vermont Urban and
Community Forestry Program, as outlined in the 5 Year Action Plan. [FPR,
ANR]
|
|
N
|
7A3c. Promote wildlife tracking surveys and other citizen participation
tools to further develop public interest and concern in maintaining biodiversity
.[FPR, FW, and others]
|
|
O
|
7A4. Encourage partnerships with organizations such as the Marsh Billings
Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont Institute of Natural Science,
Shelburne Farms, and others by providing natural resource education assistance.
[FPR, ANR, and others]
|
|
N
|
7A5. Develop interpretive materials and programs describing the unique
character and wide array of values and uses on public land. [FPR, NNHP,
and others]
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Objective B Youth education is expanded and promoted, and programs
supporting vocational and secondary education are developed.
|
|
O
|
7B1. Promote education for elementary grades which is based on the central
themes of forest ecosystems, a land stewardship ethic, and the benefits
of active forest management and timber harvesting. [FPR, DE]
|
|
O
|
7B2. Stregthen opportunities for vocational and secondary forestry education
programs. [FPR, DE]
|
|
O
|
7B3. Support teacher training in Project Learning Tree and other programs,
including career education and Envirothon. Revise or develop specific outreach
materials. [FRP, FW, and others]
|
|
O
|
7B4. Promote and continue to support the Youth Conservation Corps. [FPR]
|
|
O
|
7B5. Support the existing conservation camp program that explores resource
management issues. [FPR, FW, and others]
|
|
O
|
7B6. Department employees participate in career days to promote employment
opportunities in natural resources. [FPR, ANR]
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Objective C Landowner and logger education programs are ongoing
and provide opportunities for the presentation and exchange of new information.
|
|
O
|
7C1. Continue to support an annual continuing education program for loggers.
[FPR, VFPA, VWA, and others]
|
|
O
|
7C2. Provide loggers and landowners with technical assistance regarding
compliance with regulations to ensure sustainability of forest resources.
[FPR and others]
|
|
N
|
7C3. Produce wood utilization fact sheets for landowners on topics such
as drying, uses of various species, defects and grading, and wood identification.
[FPR, USFS, and others]
|
|
N
|
7C4. Develop an active educational program on state lands by district,
demonstrating how management and timber harvesting affect wildlife, recreation,
and timber. [FPR]
|
|
O
|
7C5. Educate public about the importance of forest industry at local
fairs and schools. [FPR, DE, AIV, VFPA]
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Research
An integrated approach, drawing from many disciplines, guides research
that addresses major issues and supports learning and dialogue about
Vermont's forests and our relationships with them. Results of research
are clearly and regularly disseminated and citizens are actively involved
in community based monitoring.
Objective A Support a Vermont based forest research program.
|
|
N
|
8A1. Convene a forum of forestry specialists to continue dialogue on terminology
to develop definitions for commonly used forestry terms. [FPR, UVM, and
others]
|
|
N
|
8A2. Develop process for disseminating research results to the general
public. [UVM, FPR, and others]
|
|
O
|
8A3. Continue support for the research and data management done by Vermont
Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative. [FPR, ANR, UVM, and others]
|
|
O
|
8A4. Support research on the stresses to important native commercial forest
species. [FPR, UVM]
|
|
N
|
8A5. Research and document the benefits and values of urban and community
forests, and distribute this information to municipal officials and planners.
[FPR and others]
|
|
N
|
8A6. Research impacts of introduced and invasive species on forest management,
including the European buckthorn and honeysuckle. [FPR, NNHP, and others]
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Objective B Cooperate with regional and national research of
benefit to Vermont's forest resource research needs.
|
|
O
|
8B1. Continue evaluation of tree health as a result of residual stand
damage from logging and expand to include issues of soil compaction. [FPR
and others]
|
|
O
|
8B2. Assist in the research of biological controls of diseases and pests
which may become a threat to Vermont's forest resource. [UVM, FPR]
|
|
N
|
8B3. Conduct research into the conflicts between recreation and wildlife,
and the relationship with forest interior dependent species. [FPR, NNHP,
and others]
|
|
N
|
8B4. Periodically review the scientific and technical literature on advances
made in herbicide manufacture and application, and the scientific studies
promoting the health and environmental effects of these chemicals. [FPR,
AG, ANR]
|
|
O
|
8B5. Evaluate the impact of deer and moose populations on diversity of
forest regeneration and make recommendations to Department of Fish and
Wildlife. [FW, FPR]
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|
Objective C Continue to support research into increased forest productivity,
more efficient wood product utilization, and sustainable timber harvesting
methods.
|
|
N
|
8C1. Conduct research into growth rates and forest productivity as it
affects the state's timber resources. [USFS, FPR, UVM, and others]
|
|
N
|
8C2. Cooperate in cost/benefit analysis on the value of maintaining forest
land vs. conversion to other uses. [FPR, VLT, and others]
|
|
N
|
8C3. Conduct research on timber harvesting costs by operation size, harvesting
method, and forest stand variables. [USFS, FPR, and others]
|
|
N
|
8C3a. Research low impact harvesting machinery and techniques,
and encourage demonstration on state land timber sales. [USFS, FPR]
|
|
O
|
8C4. Continue research on the use of all species in an effort to improve
the opportunities for value added processes. [USFS, FPR]
|
|
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