ANR photo of skidder bridge.
Vermont Business Magazine Sixteen temporary skidder bridges are available to eligible Vermont loggers and foresters this spring through a cost-share program administered by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation’s (FPR) water quality assistance program and funded by Vermont Clean Water Funds.
Bridges protect water quality when crossing streams during harvesting activities. Temporary bridges are an economical alternative to building permanent bridges, and they are also more flood resilient, making them an important tool for land managers.
Two types of bridges are available: ten wooden hemlock skidder bridges at a 10% cost-share ($610 paid by the grantee) and six heavy-duty steel skidder bridges at a 75% cost-share ($4,490 paid by the grantee). Loggers and foresters who earn 51% or more of their income from logging or forestry work are eligible to apply. If applications exceed availability, grantees will be selected by lottery.
Wooden bridges will be available for pickup in East Montpelier and steel bridges in Fair Haven. Bridges will be available by June 1. Skidder bridge applications are due April 30 and can be found online or by contacting the Watershed Forestry Program directly.
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands.
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Website.
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Vermont Business Magazine