Protect Forests submit comments on Vermont Forest Management Plans

The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is inviting public comment on a proposed rule that would guide how state lands are managed for the future, and how the public is engaged in the process. You can read the full text of the proposed rule here. See below to submit a comment to ANR and/or attend one of the public hearings.

Nationally, we have seen public lands come under attack in an unprecedented way, and in Vermont, although we have a strong conservation ethic, the state seems poised to weaken rules protecting state lands. As we have unfortunately seen over the last few years, a growing number of important state conservation policies are coming under attack; we need you to submit a public comment to ensure Vermont’s forests are properly managed in a way that Vermonters have a real say over the outcomes of these management plans.

Submit a comment here until June 18, 2026

Vermont's forested landscape is an essential resource for our communities and provides so many benefits to Vermonters. Vermont needs to do all it can to protect itself from threats. While Vermont’s landscape was once cleared to make way for agriculture, we are pleased to see the recovery in which Vermont once again is forested.

Vermont’s forested landscape is more than just trees; it is home to a fantastic diversity of wildlife and countless species of plants, fungi, slime molds, and microorganisms that keep our soil healthy. Vermont’s forests are also a recreational paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether one is a hiker, skier, kayaker, or hunter. Forests also provide resilience from flooding and the many effects of climate change. The link between time spent in forests and mental health has been well-established, and forests can provide a healing place to deal with the stresses of life that is cheaper than any psychologist. Then, not to mention the enormous economic impact every fall, with thousands of trees painting a mosaic that emits beauty like the greatest of painters.

Vermont needs to come together to ensure that State Lands Management Planning is

Open and transparent,
Based on clear scientific practices
Meaningfully and substantially engaging the public
Centered on the long-term health of the entire ecosystem, resilience to climate change, and maintaining Vermonters' access to wild places.

The Agency of Natural Resources is hosting a series of public hearings on the proposed public land management rule. Please register with us if you are planning to attend, as a Sierra Club leader will be willing to meet with you before the event to help you with your comments.

June 3, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm: Lyndonville Public Safety Building, 316 Main Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851
June 4, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm: Town of Waterbury Municipal Offices, Steele Community Room, 28 North Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676
June 8, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm: Edmunds Middle School Library, 275 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401
June 9, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm: Okemo Mountain Resort, Jackson Gore Inn, Cornerstone Room, 111 Jackson Gore Road, Ludlow, VT 05149
June 11, 2026 , 5:30-7:30 pm: Virtual Meeting (Microsoft Teams)

We hope to see you at one of these events or by submitting a public comment. Thanks for all you do to protect the environment, and please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator Bob Galvin at bob.galvin@sierraclub.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.

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Planning Rule

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Personal messages make a big impact on decision makers. Please add a note about why this issue matters to you!

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Thank you for taking the first steps to create a rule that guides state land management planning. This rulemaking represents a significant opportunity for Vermonters and our shared public places.

As a Vermont resident, I am concerned about the rising threats to federal public lands and especially our forest ecosystems. Vermont's forested landscape is an essential resource for our communities and provides so many benefits to Vermonters. Vermont prides itself on its natural beauty and healthy forests, and we need to do all we can to protect our public lands. I want to make sure that we pass on a landscape that is even richer and more full of life to the next generation.

Vermont’s forested landscape is more than just trees; it is home to wildlife and countless species of plants. On top of that, our public lands are a recreational paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, whether a hiker, skier, or hunter. Forests, particularly those in upper watersheds, also provide resilience to flooding and regulate downstream flows. And, our public forests have enormous economic value year-round, including in the fall when tourists travel great distances to see the display of colors in our forests.

Please ensure that State Lands Management Planning is:
Open and transparent
Based on clear scientific practices
Includes Extensive Public Engagement; and
considers the long-term health of the entire ecosystem, impacts from climate change, and current recreational activities.

I also ask that you shorten and provide a justification for the list of practices currently outlined under “Universal Management Actions”. The current list could enable a wide variety of management actions to be undertaken on public lands without sufficient public engagement.

Thank you for taking the first step to create a rule that can create consistency across state lands planning. In order to be successful, a final rule must preserve the highest values of our public lands and meaningfully engage the public in any process. At a time of aggressive attacks on federal public lands, I urge the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to strengthen Vermont’s commitments to conservation and robust engagement with the public.  Vermont’s economy, resiliency, and livelihood rely on our state lands being intact and functional.

Thank you for taking the first steps to create a rule that guides state land management planning. This rulemaking represents a significant opportunity for Vermonters and our shared public places. As a Vermont resident, I am concerned about the rising threats to federal public lands and especially our forest ecosystems. Vermont's forested landscape is an essential resource for our communities and provides so many benefits to Vermonters. Vermont prides itself on its natural beauty and healthy forests, and we need to do all we can to protect our public lands. I want to make sure that we pass on a landscape that is even richer and more full of life to the next generation. Vermont’s forested landscape is more than just trees; it is home to wildlife and countless species of plants. On top of that, our public lands are a recreational paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, whether a hiker, skier, or hunter. Forests, particularly those in upper watersheds, also provide resilience to flooding and regulate downstream flows. And, our public forests have enormous economic value year-round, including in the fall when tourists travel great distances to see the display of colors in our forests. Please ensure that State Lands Management Planning is: Open and transparent Based on clear scientific practices Includes Extensive Public Engagement; and considers the long-term health of the entire ecosystem, impacts from climate change, and current recreational activities. I also ask that you shorten and provide a justification for the list of practices currently outlined under “Universal Management Actions”. The current list could enable a wide variety of management actions to be undertaken on public lands without sufficient public engagement. Thank you for taking the first step to create a rule that can create consistency across state lands planning. In order to be successful, a final rule must preserve the highest values of our public lands and meaningfully engage the public in any process. At a time of aggressive attacks on federal public lands, I urge the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to strengthen Vermont’s commitments to conservation and robust engagement with the public. Vermont’s economy, resiliency, and livelihood rely on our state lands being intact and functional.

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