About Us

Our Mission

Our objectives are to communicate the benefits of working forests, recognize exemplary actions of woodland owners and managers, provide educational opportunities, and to represent our membership before governmental bodies.

Vermont Woodlands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission is to educate and advocate for the practices of productive stewardship, use, and enjoyment of Vermont’s woodlands.

We achieve our mission by delivering programs for landowners, the public, and policy makers that support forest health, forest economy, wildlife habitat, recreation, and enjoyment of forests for today and for generations to come.

Vermont Woodlands Association does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or political belief in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all persons. 

Our Vision

Healthy Vermont forests, supported by an informed and inspired constituency.

Our History

A legacy of education and advocacy for private woodland owners began more than one hundred years ago with the establishment of the Vermont Timberland Owners Association (VTOA) in 1915. Their goal was to minimize “all danger from forest fires in the State by the establishment of a system of watch towers and patrol routes throughout the forested areas, by cooperation with State and Federal Governments and the Railroads, wherever possible, and by bringing to the attention of the general public the necessity for care with fires in the woods … also hope to be able to get more railroads to cooperate with us in this way; and want to take this opportunity to say to every timberland owner in the State, who owns land near a railroad right-of-way, that his lands should be listed in this Association, so that, all working together, we will soon be able to get the railroads to cooperate with us in keeping patrolmen on their lines, wherever and whenever there is any danger from fires.” From the VTOA 1917 Annual Report.

We are proud to have a long history of education and advocacy.

In 1993, VTOA merged with the Vermont Woodland Resources Association, which became Vermont Woodlands Association in 1996. Not much has changed besides our name and the issues woodland owners face today from taxes to timber, regulation to right to practice forestry, invasive species to cost share incentives. Also unchanging is the need for a powerful and unified voice driven by members. Landowners were critical to VTOA’s success… “we want to extend the work to every acre of timberland in the State… and to accomplish this we must acquaint every timberland owner with the purposes and aims of our Association.” It could not be said better today!

Click here to review our 2020 Annual Report.

Our Board

The Vermont Woodlands Association Board meets the third Friday of every month (unless otherwise indicated) via Zoom from 9am to noon. This is an open meeting, and all members are welcome to attend. If you are interested in attending, send us an email for the meeting access information.

Officers
Allan Thompson, Waterbury,  President
John Buck, Waterbury Ctr, President
Ron Millard, Treasurer, Granville, VT
Al Robertson, Secretary, Sheffield, VT

Directors
Susan Culp, Newbury, VT
Jamey Fidel, Montpelier, VT
Chris Fife, Fairfield, ME
Steve Hagenbuch, Waterbury, VT
Steve Handfield, Poultney, VT
Dan Kilborn, Island Pond, VT
Leo Laferriere, Waitsfield, VT
John Manchester, Hanover, NH
John McClain, Randolph, VT
Dave Potter, Clarendon, VT
William Sayre, Bristol, VT
Stephen Webster, Randolph, VT
David Wilcox, Berlin, VT

Advisor: Keith Thompson, Advisor, VT Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation

Executive Director: Kate Forrer, director@vermontwoodlands.org

Administrative office
Vermont Woodlands Association
PO Box 26, Rupert, VT 05768
(802) 747-7900

Message From our Past President, Put Blodgett, who passed away on March 3, 2020

Most of us want to leave the world better than we found it. Forest landowners have a unique opportunity to make this positive impact by improving their woods – whether for wildlife habitat, recreation trails, or wood products. Vermont’s forest can justifiably be recognized as the foundation of the state’s economy. The forest products industry is one of the largest segments of Vermont’s manufacturing economy. We have a four-season tourism industry built around outdoor recreation activities such as summer travel, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, fall foliage viewing, fishing, and hunting. All of these depend on the forested landscape largely managed and maintained by private forest landowners. A strong voice for forestry is critical if we are to influence Vermont citizens, students, government agencies, and elected officials about the importance of our forests and the contributions of private forest landowners to Vermont. The long-term health of the forest depends on management. Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) is a leader in demonstrating outstanding management through the work of its members. Members are the strength and foundation of VWA.

Add your voice to others who believe in the importance of well-managed forests. Become a member of Vermont Woodlands Association for good forestry on your lands and good forestry in Vermont.

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If you knew Put Blodgett, count yourself among the fortunate. He was a man of passion, principle, dedication, and commitment to his land, his family, future generations, and Vermont Woodlands Association. With twenty years at the helm, he helped to bring the organization from barely breaking event to one with a solid future through creation of several Endowments. Please consider joining VWA in Put’s honor or making a contribution to help ensure his legacy lives on.