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Message From Steve Sinclair, Director of Forests

The landscape of Vermont has experienced many changes during our history. While in the middle of the 19th century only a third of Vermont remained forested, today we find nearly eight out of every ten acres of land covered with trees. Current forest statistics describe a forest that is increasing in acreage, number of trees, annual growth, volume, and maturity, and exhibits improved overall health. As favorable as these statistics are, decisions and actions we make today will influence our forests in years to come. The resiliency of the state’s forestland should not be taken for granted.

Established in 1909, the Vermont Forest Service has an impressive record of promoting the stewardship of Vermont’s forest. Now titled the Division of Forests, our mission is to assure that the forest resources of Vermont serve the long-term needs of society by promoting a balanced and diverse approach to the management, use and protection of the state’s woodlands.

Division programs focus on assessing and constantly monitoring the health of forest ecosystems, practicing and promoting the concepts of sustainable, integrated natural resource management on both public and private forest land, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources that strengthen and support Vermont’s working landscape. Services also support Vermont’s competitive, growing, and adaptive forest products industry. Of most importance is providing people of all ages with information and education of the principles of forest stewardship.

I invite you to learn more about the Forestry Division and the services we provide by visiting the pages of our Web site. As we begin the 21st century, Vermont’s forests have the ability and resiliency to meet future demands, through the stewardship and support of all who cherish and respect this tremendous resource.