Healthy Forests
In Brief
Over 100 years ago, approximately 75 percent of Vermont’s landscape was clear-cut for pasture, timber and fuel. Since that time, the land has healed, the forest returned and many individuals, organizations and governmental agencies have worked together to protect and manage our forests in a sustainable manner. Today, many communities are struggling to maintain intact forests due to the growing rate of scattered development that is fragmenting forests and disrupting natural ecosystems.
The Issue
Vermont’s forest covered hills and mountains are a key component of Vermont’s landscape. Forests provide a variety of resources, including wildlife habitat, clean water, recreation opportunities, and timber and forest products. The state’s forest products industry employs nearly 12,000 Vermonters according to the Vermont Woods Manufacturers Association. Offering products such as lumber, Christmas trees, furniture, cabinetry and maple syrup, these companies account for over $1 billion in annual sales.
Our state forests are under threat today for many reasons, including market conditions, federal price support policies and scattered housing development. The loss of our forests often happens so incrementally that it is not even noticed at first. When the leaves fall in winter, more and more homes dot our hillsides as once large, well-managed tracts of forest have been subdivided into small, unmanaged house lots. Many communities are seeking ways to ensure their forests remain intact and continue to provide local jobs and recreational opportunities. For example, you can now purchase products with forest certification that ensures responsible harvesting.
Our Forests: More Than Just Trees
Our forests are more than just beautiful places to walk or habitat for other creatures. They are an economic force and a key part of a landscape that shapes Vermont's brand, helping to sell our products worldwide. Highlights include:
- The annual contribution of forest-based manufacturing and forest-related tourism and recreation to the Vermont economy is over $1.4 billion.
- Forest-related recreation and tourism expenditures contribute $425 million annually to Vermont’s economy.
- Forest-based manufacturing economy provides employment for over 7,800 people and generates payrolls of $216 million. Forest-related recreation and tourism provides employment for 6,000 and generates payrolls of $81 million.
- The annual sales of Christmas trees, wreaths, and maple syrup contributes approximately $18.6 million. Wood provides 6% of total energy in Vermont.
Source: North East State Foresters Association. December 2004. The Economic Importance of Vermont’s Forests
Smart growth principles encourage a settlement pattern defined by the contrast between, compact, mixed-use villages and centers and the surrounding rural landscape. Our forests are a key part of our rural landscape. By encouraging smart growth and supporting Vermont businesses that work and respect the land, Vermont can ensure a healthy future for our forests. Maintaining our forests and rural landscape has many local and state-wide benefits. These include:
- Rural working landscapes diversify the region’s economy by selling products that expand income potential and create additional employment opportunities.
- Forests serve a critical role in addressing global warming, by absorbing and utilizing carbon dioxide.
- Forests provide beautiful views, as well as educational and recreational opportunities. Preservation of these lands also promotes traditional rural activities such as hunting, fishing and hiking.
- Forests contribute less water and air pollution per acre compared to urban or suburban development.
- If managed properly, they protect upland streams, prevent erosion and provide critical habitats.
The Tools
Municipal land use plans, policies, regulations and zoning play a key role in ensuring that our forests remain intact. There are many tools that a community can utilize, including the following:
