Forestland Transfer Initiative
Forestland Transfer Planning
Vermont’s forested landscape is vital to the ecological health and economy of the state. Most of this forestland is in private ownership, valued as financial asset or family legacy. Without careful planning, family forests are at risk of subdivision or development when they change hands. Though a new Forestland Transfer Planning initiative, EMC helps landowners make a plan for the future ownership of their land and stewardship of Vermont’s vital natural heritage.
Forests provide numerous economic, ecological and community benefits to Vermonters. In addition to offering firewood for heating, building materials, and opportunities for hunting and recreation, forests sustain vital ecosystems, provide clean air and water, and contribute to biological diversity as well as flood and climate resilience.
Forests are also often an important family asset, with great sentimental and financial value. Landowners who have carefully managed their land for uses such as sugaring, timber, hunting or wildlife habitat often face many questions about how to pass the land on to the next generation in a way that sustains these uses and achieves other essential financial planning goals.
In partnership with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Farm and Forest Viability Program, EMC provides forestland transfer planning services to eligible forestland owners who are ready to plan for the future ownership and stewardship of their land. This assistance is free to landowners who meet VHCB’s eligibility requirements. As skilled facilitators and mediators, EMC staff supports landowners and their families navigate often challenging conversations about diverse interests and values to develop a shared vision for the future of their land. The transfer planning process will help identify and address important financial, legal and forest resource questions and create a plan for the forest that takes care of the land, and the family.
To learn more about forestland transfer planning and eligibility requirements, contact EMC at info@emcenter.org and visit www.vhcb.org/forestland.