Our Vermont Woods

The Vermont departments of Fish & Wildlife, and Forests, Parks, & Recreation are holding a public meeting to discuss future management and use of a group of conserved lands in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. 

The meeting will discuss the Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area, Black Turn Brook State Forest, and Averill Mountain Wildlife Management Area, primarily in the towns of Norton and Holland.  The meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Town of Brighton Elementary School, 825 Railroad Street, Island Pond, Vermont. 

“These lands occupy a special place in Vermont, with vast areas of both softwood and hardwood forest, numerous ponds and streams, and many opportunities for remote experiences” said Doug Morin, a biologist for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.  “Large areas of interconnected conserved lands with healthy forests and waters such as these are essential in Vermont.  They form the foundation of the state’s working landscape, providing areas for outdoor recreation, tourism, and sustainable forestry practices.” 

This is a continuation of an effort to create a management plan for these lands that has been ongoing for a number of years. The meeting will provide an opportunity for members of the public to provide thoughts on how the lands are currently used and how they might be used in the future. 

The public may also submit comments directly until April 20, 2018. For more information about the meeting or the planning process, or to submit a comment, please contact Doug Morin at doug.morin@vermont.gov.