VT Conservation Plan DRAFT Framework Published: Public Input Due November 14

A new draft outline of the Vermont Conservation Plan (VCP) is out, and the Project Management Team needs to hear from you! Once complete, the VCP will guide how Vermont pursues its mandated goal of permanently conserving 30% of the State by 2030 and 50% by 2050. This document lays out the background and rationale for what has been developed thus far, as well as the three major objectives and the underlying proposed pathways, or focus areas, for achieving these goals. This latest framework was refined following a series of public meetings this past summer, and based on input from the Technical Advisory Committee on which VTGC serves. Outdoor recreation is recognized as a vital driver of conservation efforts and one of the proposed pathways under the first “Support Conservation in Communities” objective. This pathway would include activities that promote diverse recreational opportunities — both on and off-trail — as well as investments in both land protection and stewardship. The comment period on the current draft is open until November 14th, including both a survey that allows respondents to rank the importance of and comment on each objective and supporting pathway. You can also provide a custom submission if you prefer. In either case, you’ll definitely want to read the Draft Framework Report first and have it with you as a reference. This framework is still a draft and could change. We strongly encourage you to provide feedback that indicates the importance of Objective 1, Support Conservation in Communities, and the “Support Outdoor Recreation” pathway, and to provide any additional thoughts as to how trail-based recreation can help Vermont reach its conservation goals.