Bill Amaru

Bill Amaru has spent most of his life working on the water. A commercial fisherman based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, he and his family have long operated a fishing business on George’s Bank. But Bill’s love for natural resources extends beyond the ocean—he’s also a dedicated steward of his 50-acre woodland in East Corinth, Vermont.

A Life Rooted in Conservation

Before becoming a fisherman, Bill trained as a classical clarinetist and performed professionally. Though his career path took him from the stage to the sea, his appreciation for nature remained constant.

“I’ve always been interested in and excited about forestry,” Bill says.

So when the opportunity arose in 2000 to purchase land in Vermont, he and his wife took it. Since then, he has spent over twenty years rehabilitating the land, focusing on hardwood regeneration and conservation.

Through his work on both water and land, Bill has come to see surprising similarities.

“Managing a forest isn’t all that different from working on the water. Both require patience, respect for natural systems, and a long-term perspective.”

Stewardship in Action

When Bill acquired the property, it was in rough shape. The land had been poorly pulped, leaving behind degraded woodlots and limited regeneration. He partnered with forester Virginia Barlow and the Redstart Forestry team to create a long-term management plan.

Key Efforts on His Land

• Selective thinning & “backyard pruning” – Improving forest health by removing lower-quality trees.

• Trail construction & maintenance – Enhancing access while minimizing forest disturbance.

• Encouraging deer browse – Maintaining food sources for local wildlife.

His land is also enrolled in the Current Use Program, ensuring responsible forest management practices.

Challenges & Lessons Learned

Over the years, Bill has experimented with planting hardwood trees, but sandy soil and wildlife browsing have made it difficult for new trees to take root.

“Everything I plant seems to get eaten,” he jokes.

His biggest challenge, however, is the white pine weevil—a pest that has damaged nearly 98% of the white pines on his land. Though white pine thrives on his property, the weevils stunt their growth, limiting their long-term viability.

Despite these setbacks, Bill has found that sometimes, the best approach is to let nature take the lead.

“Leaving the forest alone is often the best thing to do,” he says, reflecting on his more minimal management style.

A Legacy for the Next Generation

At 71 years old, Bill knows that his forest won’t be ready for harvest in his lifetime. But that’s not the point. His goal is to build a healthy woodland that will benefit his children and future generations.

“I may not see a timber harvest,” he admits, “but I want my family to inherit land that’s improving, not declining.”

Through his involvement in the Tree Farm Program and Vermont Woodlands Association, Bill stays connected to forestry news and best practices, even as an out-of-state landowner. He values VWA’s publications and events for keeping him informed and engaged.

As he looks ahead, Bill remains committed to leaving the land better than he found it—just as he has done with the waters he’s fished for decades.