For the Future of Your Forest

Name: Vermont Woodlands Association
Address: College Hall, Montpelier, Vermont, 05602, US
Telephone: 802-214-4848

A Vermont Guide to Legacy Planning

Planning for the future of your woodland is one of the most important steps you can take as a landowner. Vermont’s forests provide essential ecological, economic and recreational benefits—but without a clear plan, family-owned forests are at risk of fragmentation or unintended sale.

For the Future of Your Forest is a practical guide, developed by Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife, designed to help Vermont landowners navigate the succession planning process. Whether you hope to keep your land in the family, conserve it for future generations or explore other options, this guide offers:

Step-by-step strategies to develop a plan to align with your vision and values
Tools to involve family members and future stewards in the process
Information about legal options like wills, trusts, and easements
Worksheets and resources to help you create and document your plan

Inside This Guide:

Overview: Why This Matters – The importance of planning for the future of your woodland

Introduction: How This Guide Can Help – Understanding estate and succession planning for landowners

Step 1: Developing a Vision and Goals for Your Land – Defining your long-term objectives

Step 2: Engaging Those Who Will Continue Your Stewardship – Identifying and involving future stewards

Step 3: Using Strategies and Tools for Good Communication – Effectively discussing your plans with family and stakeholders

Step 4: Gathering Information and Documents – Organizing essential legal and financial records

Step 5: Who’s On Your Team? – Identifying professionals to assist with your planning process

Step 6: Understanding Legal Strategies – Exploring wills, trusts, conservation easements, and ownership structures

Step 7: Creating Your Plan – Bringing together all the elements for a smooth transition

Into the Future: A Few Final Words – Final considerations and next steps

Worksheets & Additional Resources – Tools and references to help you document and implement your plan

Want a printed copy of this guide?

For the Future of Your Forests is now available through our Woodland Store. This comprehensive, 54-page guide is designed to help you start conversations and make decisions about the future of your land.

The workbook is free—but we do charge $5 to cover the cost of shipping.

Visit the Woodland Store to order your copy today!

About the Guide

This guide was produced in collaboration between Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife, with funding and support from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.