Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County forester at the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, has announced he will step down May 31 to publicize the publication of his first book and start a consulting forestry company.
Tapper's book, "How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World," will be published by Broadleaf Books on Sept. 10 (pre-order is available now). He describes the book as “a reimagining of what forests are, and what it means to care for them.”
Tapper's consulting company, Bear Island Forestry, will provide consulting forestry services to private landowners, organizations and municipalities as well as communication consulting services for companies, nonprofits and government agencies. Tapper will continue to offer walks, talks and other conservation education opportunities.
Tapper has been recognized as a leader in the forestry and conservation community and received numerous awards and distinctions, including being named the Northeast-Midwest State Foresters’ Alliance Forester of the Year in 2021 and the American Tree Farm System’s National Outstanding Inspector (forester) of the Year in 2024.