Home / Environment / Vermont Forests Grow by 400 Acres
Vermont Forests Grow by 400 Acres
25 Jul
Summary
- Nearly 400 acres added to three state forests in early 2026.
- Acquisitions protect floodplains, wildlife habitat, and water resources.
- Largest addition was 347 acres in Roxbury expanding Roxbury State Forest.
In early 2026, Vermont's state forest properties expanded by nearly 400 acres through strategic land conservation projects. These additions bolster public access while safeguarding critical environmental assets, including floodplains, diverse wildlife habitats, and essential water resources.
The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation facilitated these voluntary acquisitions, concentrating on lands connected to existing state forests. These parcels, often characterized by challenging terrain or limited infrastructure, offer substantial ecological benefits and preserve outdoor recreational traditions for generations.
Mount Mansfield State Forest saw an addition of 22 acres, known as Sunset Knob, in Underhill. In Granville, 25 acres along Alder Meadow Brook were incorporated into Granville Gulf Reservation State Forest, enhancing floodplain protection and offering new opportunities for fishing and hunting.
The most substantial acquisition was the 347-acre Rice Mountain property in Roxbury. This expansion joins Roxbury State Forest with the Northfield Mountain range ridgeline, providing vast space for dispersed recreation and protecting a significant portion of the ridgeline.
