The Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation has scheduled the first in a series of meetings to share information and collect feedback from the public about the establishment of voluntary timber harvest guidelines in Vermont.
The meetings will be held in locations throughout the state in late February and early March, including on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chester Town Hall.
In 2013 the Vermont Legislature passed Act 24, which requires the Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation “develop voluntary harvesting guidelines that may be used by private landowners to help ensure long-term forest health and sustainability.”
The commissioner and staff with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation began this process with the formation of an Advisory Committee that represents a broad group of stakeholders interested in the sustainability of Vermont's forests.
Throughout the process, the department and advisory committee will offer multiple opportunities for public comment. Officials said in a press release that they invite comments on the overall process and what to consider when developing the voluntary harvesting guidelines.