Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is inviting public comment on a proposed rule that would guide how state lands are planned and managed for the future. This process helps ensure that Vermonters have a voice in how these lands are cared for over time. The comment period is open until June 18, 2026.
“State lands belong to all Vermonters, and thoughtful public input is important to how we manage and make decision about their use,” said Julie Moore, Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources.
ANR owns and manages approximately 370,000 acres of public lands across Vermont through the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR); the Fish and Wildlife Department; and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
These lands support wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and the forest economy, while also conserving natural resources, strengthening climate resilience, and contributing to the health and wellbeing of Vermont communities.
Management plans guide how state lands are used and cared for, balancing different uses and outlining strategies to achieve those goals. The planning process provides opportunities for Vermonters to share their values and priorities with the district stewardship teams. The proposed rule would formalize existing public engagement process and make several changes to how the management planning process works, including:
- defining a category of routine maintenance activities (called Universal Management Actions),
- clarifying the minimum content for Long Range Management Plans, and
- creating two new land classifications that prioritize resource protection and support development of old forest conditions.
- establishing a new Statewide Plan through which management goals and standards would be identified for ANR Lands.
ANR staff will host four public hearings across the state to gather feedback.
- June 3, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm: Lyndonville Public Safety Building, 316 Main Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851
- June 4, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm: Town of Waterbury Municipal Offices, Steele Community Room, 28 North Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676
- June 9, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm: Okemo Mountain Resort, Jackson Gore Inn, Cornerstone Room, 111 Jackson Gore Road, Ludlow, VT 05149
- June 11, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm, Virtual Meeting (Microsoft Teams)
Learn more about the proposed rule, RSVP for the public meetings, and submit comments on the FPR website.
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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