Vermont Land Trust - Working Forest Project Guidelines

VLT Working Forest Project Guidelines

VLT seeks to conserve large tracts of well-managed forest land for their timber production capabilities, biological attributes and the multiple recreational benefits these lands often provide. VLT will occasionally pursue exceptional conservation opportunities involving poorly managed lands.

I. Forest Projects Categories and Minimum Criteria – Projects must have all the attributes of either of the following two project types:

1. Reasonably stocked working forest parcels with a history of good management:

a. Parcels of 500 acres or more and among the largest forested tracts in the region. Somewhat smaller parcels may be considered if they adjoin public land or other conserved property.
b. High percentage of Site I and Site II soils capable of producing high quality sawlogs over long rotations:
- More than 75% Site I and II is desirable
- Less than 50% Site I and II is undesirable
c. Bargain-sale price for development rights at approximately 50% of fair market value.

2. Poorly managed or liquidated working forest parcels with a history of high-grading or clear-cutting:

a. Parcel size of 1,000 acres or more and among the largest forested tracts in the region.
b. High percentage of Site I and II soils capable of producing high quality sawlogs over long rotations:
- More than 75% Site I and II is desirable
- Less than 50% Site I and II is undesirable
c. Good regeneration on heavily-cut parcels.
d. Bargain-sale price for development rights at 50% of fair market value.

II. Project Enhancements -- The following attributes are not required, but may increase VLT’s interest in undertaking a project:

High Enhancements:

1. The property includes significant ecological resources and the easement will contain provisions to protect those resources. Significant ecological resources may include:

a. Riparian areas and undeveloped lake and pond shoreline;
b. Significant plant or wildlife habitat;
c. Sites identified as important by the VT Nongame & Natural Heritage Program;
d. Class I and II wetlands.

2. The easement will contain provisions to guarantee the public recreational access to the property for use of a trail corridor or for non-trail uses such as hunting and fishing.

3. The property is adjacent to public or other conserved lands.

Medium Enhancement:

1. The project contributes to a reasonable geographic distribution of VLT working forest projects throughout Vermont.

Low Enhancement:

1. The easement will contain provisions to protect sensitive scenic areas on the parcel, such as ridgelines, steep slopes or riparian areas that can be viewed from a public highway, waterway or trail.

Rev. 2001

These links provide other information about VLT's timberland conservation program:

For further information contact:

Carl Powden
Forest Projects Director - Vermont Land Trust
1029 Codding Hollow Rd. | Johnson, VT 05769
Tel: 802-635-7611

The following links provide information for you, if you are interested in conserving land that is not a working forest: