Surveys repeatedly show Vermonters want a strong working landscape for all its scenic, cultural, economic, environmental and recreational benefits. However if alarming trends that threaten its economic viability are not reversed, it will vanish within a generation.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development is launching a new nonpartisan and broad-based partnership to keep Vermont's farm and forest economy a vital foundation for the future of Vermont. The Partnership is proposing a bold plan. It has announced the 17 member Vermont Working Landscape Council (VWLC) that will develop the details to make this plan a practical reality. The VWL Council represents deep expertise in issues pertaining to farm and forest enterprises and rural development in Vermont. It is chaired by retired Secretary of Agriculture Roger Allbee and includes:
Bob Ackland, VCRD Board, Recreation Development Consultant, Warren
Cliff Allard, Allard Lumber Company, Brattleboro
Marie Audet, Blue Spruce Farm, Bridport
Deb Brighton, Natural Resource Economist, Salisbury
Greg Brown, VCRD Board, Retired Regional and State Planning Leader Putney
India Burnett Farmer, Northeast Vine Supply & Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, E. Poultney
Peter Condaxis, Ryegate Power Station, E. Ryegate
Jacques Couture, Couture’s Farm, Sugarhouse and B&B, Westfield
Allison Hooper, VT Butter and Cheese, Websterville
Andrew Kehler, Jasper Hill Farm, Greensboro
Gil Livingston, Vermont Land Trust
John Meyer, Bardill Land and Lumber Company, Montpelier
Jan Rozendaal, retired Chittenden County Business Leader
Robin Scheu, Addison County Economic Development Corp., Middlebury
Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation
Will Stevens, Golden Russet Farm, Shoreham
Vermont Working Landscape Council to address farm and forest economy
Submitted by tim
on