Our Story

Our Roots

On June 28, 1915, a group of concerned timberland owners formed the Vermont Timberland Owners’ Association (VTOA) with a clear mission: to protect Vermont's forests from the growing threat of forest fires. At the time, Vermont’s heavily logged forests were littered with slash and dry, fire-prone debris. Sparks from steam locomotives and dry weather often ignited devastating wildfires, including 106 fires in 1908 that burned more than 16,000 acres of woodlands.

By 1917, the VTOA’s Annual Report stated their goal: “To make every timberland owner aware of the importance of fire prevention and the necessity of collaboration.” This call to collective action reflected the organization’s dedication to uniting landowners in the fight against forest fires.

The urgency of these efforts was further underscored in 1919, when Vermont passed a law requiring an extra tax assessment on unoccupied forest lands without adequate fire protection. Membership in the VTOA satisfied this requirement, and the organization played a critical role in protecting over 400,000 acres through fire prevention programs. These efforts included building lookout towers and employing patrolmen to follow trains, ready to spot and extinguish fires.

The VTOA’s early work laid the foundation for Vermont’s enduring commitment to responsible forest stewardship and collaboration.

Growing the Organization

As Vermont’s forests evolved, so did the mission of the Vermont Timberland Owners’ Association (VTOA). Initially focused on fire prevention, the organization expanded its efforts to monitor harmful insects and diseases, ensuring the long-term health of Vermont's forests. Technological advancements brought new tools, like telephones in fire towers, which improved communication for fire watchers. After World War II, the VTOA contributed surplus military trucks to towns, repurposing them into fire control vehicles.

Though the Vermont Forest Service eventually assumed most forest protection responsibilities, the VTOA remained active into the 1980s. It continued to provide critical resources, such as books and laboratory equipment, to help identify and combat forest health threats. The dedication and collaboration of the VTOA played a pivotal role in safeguarding Vermont’s forests for future generations.

Merging for Strength

In 1993, the VTOA merged with the Vermont Woodland Resources Association, officially becoming the Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) in 1996. While our name has changed, our core mission remains the same: supporting woodland owners and advocating for sustainable forestry.

Today, Vermont’s woodland owners face new challenges—from taxes and timber regulations to invasive species and cost-share incentives. The need for a unified voice to support and empower landowners is just as vital now as it was over a century ago.

Continuing the Legacy

The history of the Vermont Woodlands Association is a testament to the power of collective action. As the VTOA once declared: “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.” This enduring commitment remains at the heart of our mission today, inspiring woodland stewards to protect Vermont’s forests for generations to come.