þÿ<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta name=Title content="ROUNDTABLE ON PARCELIZATION AND"> <meta name=Keywords content=""> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=unicode"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 10"> <link rel=File-List href="Roundtable%20Report_4-4-07__files/filelist.xml"> <link rel=Edit-Time-Data href="Roundtable%20Report_4-4-07__files/editdata.mso"> <!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--> <title>ROUNDTABLE ON PARCELIZATION AND</title> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Author>Jamey Fidel</o:Author> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:LastAuthor>Erin Lee Tittel</o:LastAuthor> <o:Revision>2</o:Revision> <o:LastPrinted>2007-05-01T16:24:00Z</o:LastPrinted> <o:Created>2007-05-01T19:11:00Z</o:Created> <o:LastSaved>2007-05-01T19:11:00Z</o:LastSaved> <o:Pages>3</o:Pages> <o:Words>6688</o:Words> <o:Characters>38124</o:Characters> <o:Company> </o:Company> <o:Lines>317</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>76</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>46818</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>10.263</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:DownloadComponents>96</o:DownloadComponents> <o:PixelsPerInch>800x600</o:PixelsPerInch> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>125</w:Zoom> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; 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text-indent:-.25in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style> </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoBodyText><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>ROUNDTABLE ON PARCELIZATION AND<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyText><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>FOREST FRAGMENTATION<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:18.0pt'><b><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:18.0pt'><b><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <h4><u>FINAL REPORT<o:p></o:p></u></h4> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:269pt; height:363pt'> <v:imagedata src="Roundtable%20Report_4-4-07__files/image001.jpg" o:title="ing1.jpg"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=269 height=363 src="Roundtable%20Report_4-4-07__files/image002.jpg" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025"><![endif]></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h3><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>MAY 2007<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText3>Recommendations from a roundtable of over 100 participants. </p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Primary Author: Jamey Fidel, Forest and Biodiversity Program Director,<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Vermont Natural Resources Council<o:p></o:p></i></p> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US'><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </span> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span><b><u>ROLE OF THE FOREST ROUNDTABLE<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The Roundtable on Parcelization and Forest Fragmentation (hereinafter Forest Roundtable) was convened in August of 2006 by Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) to identify the causes of parcelization and forest fragmentation and help reduce their effects in Vermont. Over one hundred people representing a broad array of public and private interests participated in the Forest Roundtable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Participants included consulting foresters, professional planners, government officials, landowners, sportsmen, representatives from the forest products industry, conservation groups, biomass energy organizations, and public and private universities and colleges.</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:362pt;height:253pt'> <v:imagedata src="Roundtable%20Report_4-4-07__files/image003.jpg" o:title="img2.jpg"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=362 height=253 src="Roundtable%20Report_4-4-07__files/image004.jpg" v:shapes="_x0000_i1026"><![endif]></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The <b><u>goals</u></b><span style='font-weight:normal'> of the Forest Roundtable are to:</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Share information and educate roundtable participants and the public on the effects of parcelization and forest fragmentation and forestland loss.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Define the terms &#8220;fragmentation&#8221; and &#8220;parcelization&#8221;.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Identify gaps in information related to the trends of parcelization and forest fragmentation.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Bring in experts to inform the roundtable participants and the public.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Ground truth the effectiveness of existing programs designed to curtail the rate of parcelization and forest fragmentation in the state.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Craft new policies, strategies and ideas for curtailing the rate of parcelization and forest fragmentation in the state. </p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Mitigate the effects of parcelization.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]>Develop new partnerships to address the issues discussed in the roundtable.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US'><b><u><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </u></b></span> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u>PROBLEM STATEMENT: <o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoHeading7>WHAT IS PARCELIZATION AND FOREST FRAGMENTATION?</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The term<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&#8216;parcelization&#8217; is used to describe changes in ownership patterns whereby large tracts are divided into smaller parcels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The act of parcelization is mostly a legal exercise where large tracts of land are divided into smaller ownerships or land holdings. The result of parcelization may simply be an increase in the number of people who own a specific parcel of land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>However, when larger parcels are divided and sold or transferred into multiple parcels, often through the process of subdivision, the result can be disjointed land ownership patterns that promote new housing and infrastructure development (roads, septic, utility lines, etc.). When this development occurs, it can fragment the landscape and negatively affect plant and animal species, wildlife habitat (called habitat fragmentation), and water quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It can also affect the viability of large tracts of forestland to contribute to Vermont&#8217;s rural economy. Forest fragmentation and habitat fragmentation are often the result of parcelization and its associated development.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn1' href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[1]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h3><u>EFFECTS OF PARCELIZATION AND FOREST FRAGMENTATION<o:p></o:p></u></h3> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Parcelization and forest fragmentation have numerous ramifications to the ecology and traditional economy of forestland in Vermont. According to U.S.D.A. Forest Service publication <i>Forests on the Edge: Housing Development on America&#8217;s Private Forests, </i></span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>parcelization and forest fragmentation can be associated with:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family: Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b>Decreases in native wildlife populations owing to decreased wildlife habitat quantity and quality, increased predation and mortality, and other consequences of human activity that change the relationships many wildlife species have with their environments.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn2' href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[2]<![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><i><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>For example, </i></span><i>land clearing and road construction can result in the loss of evergreen/conifer trees used by deer for cover and protection during winter cold and snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Land clearing and road construction can also disrupt wildlife travel corridors, which negatively affects species such as black bear.</i><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family: Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b>Alterations in forest structure and function that can adversely affect ecological processes on which forests and forest dwellers depend, resulting in less biodiversity and more opportunities for invasions of nonnative species, insects, and diseases.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn3' href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[3]<![endif]></span></span></a></b></span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>For example, housing development may result in road construction, conversion of forest resources, planting of nonnative species, and &#8220;woodscaping&#8221; - the practice of removing forest understory (vegetation under eight to ten feet in height), so as to create a park-like appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This can result in a loss of protective native habitat for ground-nesting birds and the introduction of potentially invasive, i.e. non-native, species of plants, insects and diseases.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family: Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b>Long-term modifications and reductions in water quality and aquatic diversity when forests can no longer regulate the movement of storm water across the landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This leads to changes in streamflows, increases in sediment, reshaped stream bottoms and banks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It adversely impacts water quality and aquatic species such as fish and mussels.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn4' href="#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[4]<![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='tab-stops:.25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><i>For example, </i></span><i>water runoff from roofs, paved driveways, fertilized lawns and new roads channeled into culverts and new ditches can alter natural flow patterns and the composition of soil and water.</i><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family: Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b>Decreases in timber production and active forest management when population densities increase.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn5' href="#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[5]<![endif]></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='tab-stops:.25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent>For example, many landowners are unlikely to harvest timber in the immediate vicinity of their homes.<span style='font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family: Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]><b>Changes in scenic quality and recreational opportunities owing to loss of open space, decreased parcel size, and fragmentation, all of which can degrade the recreational experience and lead to increased likelihood of land use conflicts.</b><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn6' href="#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[6]<![endif]></span></b></span></span></a><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i>For example, land clearing and home construction on ridgelines and hilltops can impair scenic resources. Old logging roads formerly used by the public for recreational pursuits may be converted to private driveways.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></i></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops: .25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family: Symbol'>&middot;<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><![endif]><b>Shifts in price levels and economic benefits for forest-based products &#8211; including fewer options for timber management, recreation, and other uses whose economic benefits rely on large forested areas.</b><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn7' href="#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[7]<![endif]></span></b></span></span></a><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i>For example, fragmentation of large forest parcels in a single ownership to several smaller parcels in different ownerships can lead to access issues, higher maintenance costs, higher property taxes and reduced timber value available per entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>These factors can increase costs and reduce revenue, to the point that active forest management is no longer practical.</i><span style='font-style:normal'><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <h3><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></h3> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US'><b><u><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </u></b></span> <h3><u>CAUSES OF PARCELIZATION<o:p></o:p></u></h3> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>There are many causes of parcelization. Perhaps the greatest driver may simply be escalating property values and land prices in Vermont. As land valuation and development opportunities increase in Vermont, market conditions prompt an increased desire to subdivide and develop property for economic gain. Other factors that foster forest parcelization include: </p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>&#8226;<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Population growth,</p> <p class=MsoNormal>&#8226;<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Changing demographics, </p> <p class=MsoCommentText>&#8226;<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Shifts in cultural values regarding land management,</p> <p class=MsoNormal>&#8226;<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Inadequate land-use planning and regulation, and</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>&#8226;<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Lack of planning within families to ensure consistent forestland ownership through multiple generations.</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h5>Increasing Land Prices </h5> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Over the past couple of decades, unprecedented real estate activity has occurred in Vermont and the Northern Forest Region. On a regional scale, between 1980 and 2005, approximately 23.8 million acres changed hands in the 26 million acre Northern Forest region.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn8' href="#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[8]<![endif]></span></span></a> Of significant interest, nearly one-half (45%) of the land transactions that occurred during this 25-year period occurred in the last five years.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn9' href="#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[9]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>While many of these transactions may have involved the same parcel of land, these transactions indicate a recent trend in real estate activity that has helped to drive an increase in land values in the region.</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>In Vermont, the real estate market has seen a noticeable increase in value in the last five or six years.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn10' href="#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[10]<![endif]></span></span></a> According to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), Vermont homes recently experienced very strong appreciation, having on average climbed sixty-six percent in the last five years.<a style='mso-footnote-id: ftn11' href="#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[11]<![endif]></span></span></a> While the housing market may be starting to cool, Vermont in 2006 was still showing the greatest appreciation in New England, posting rates that were higher than New York State and the national average.<a style='mso-footnote-id: ftn12' href="#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[12]<![endif]></span></span></a> Since 1980, Vermont values on average appreciated 351%; --higher than the national average of 299%.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn13' href="#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[13]<![endif]></span></span></a></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Information from Vermont&#8217;s property transfer tax data provides useful trend data for Vermont&#8217;s real estate market. From 2001 to 2005, the average sale price for primary homes and condominiums rose 56.8 percent, from $126,000 to $185,000.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn14' href="#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[14]<![endif]></span></span></a> Similarly, the median price of vacation homes and condominiums rose significantly from $110,000 to 200,000, an increase of 81.8%.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn15' href="#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[15]<![endif]></span></span></a> During the same time period, the median price per acre of open land and forestland parcels of twenty-five acres or more rose 62%, from $974 per acre in 2001 to $1,580 in 2005. However, the median price per acre of open land and forestland parcels of between one and twenty-five acres experienced the highest growth rate, rising 117%, from $4,505 per acre in 2001 to $10,000 in 2005.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn16' href="#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[16]<![endif]></span></span></a></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>According to Phil Dodd of the Vermont Property Owners Report, &#8220;the last figure, showing very strong demand for smaller parcels of land, suggests why owners and developers and speculators may have been tempted to subdivide and sell smaller parcels of Vermont land: this has been a very profitable business to be in.&#8221; As highlighted by Dodd in a presentation to the Forest Roundtable, &#8220;all you need to do is buy a commodity (larger land parcels) that is going up in value at a rate of 62% every five years and then split it up and sell it as a commodity (smaller parcels) that is going up in price at the rate of 117% every five years.&#8221;<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn17' href="#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[17]<![endif]></span></span></a></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h5>Increasing Property Taxes</h5> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Increasing land and property valuations, along with higher school and municipal spending, have led to rising property tax rates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>In some areas of Vermont, property tax rates have increased significantly.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn18' href="#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[18]<![endif]></span></span></a> This puts additional pressure on landowners to divide and sell a portion of their land. Not surprisingly, the National Woodland Owner Survey conducted by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service lists property taxes as the number one concern among landowners.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn19' href="#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[19]<![endif]></span></span></a></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The state offsets property taxes by providing income sensitive payments to lower income residents, but landowners that own large tracts of forested open space are not eligible for this payment.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn20' href="#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[20]<![endif]></span></span></a> Landowners who are land rich and cash poor feel the pressure of rising property taxes, unless they are have taken measures to reduce their property tax burden by enrolling in Vermont&#8217;s Use Value Appraisal<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>(UVA) Program (commonly called &#8220;Current Use)&#8221;. Approximately 38% of all eligible forestland is enrolled in the UVA Program.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn21' href="#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[21]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This is a significant accomplishment, yet it indicates that there is still a large percentage of forestland that remains vulnerable to property tax driven development pressures.</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h5>Population Growth and Land Use </h5> <p class=MsoNormal><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Population growth and changing land use contribute to forestland parcelization. Between 1982 and 1992, the human population in Vermont grew by about 10 percent, but the amount of developed land increased by about 25 percent. <a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn22' href="#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[22]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Since population growth is occurring in mostly rural areas (defined as fewer that 2,500 people), forestland and important rural resource lands have experienced growth pressures that have led to parcelization.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn23' href="#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[23]<![endif]></span></span></a></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Tracking parcelization rates in Vermont is tricky, but survey work that was repeated in the 1980s and 1990s demonstrates increasing parcelization in the state. For example, the number of non-industrial private landowners in Vermont has increased from an estimated 61,900 in 1983, to approximately 80,000 in 1993.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn24' href="#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[24]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This corresponds with a decrease in the average size of a parcel of land.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn25' href="#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[25]<![endif]></span></span></a> Data specific to forestland shows in 1983, 19,000 individuals owned forest parcels 1-9 acres in size. By 1993, there were 40,900 owners of 1-9 acre parcels &#8211; an indication of increasing parcelization and landscape fragmentation.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn26' href="#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[26]<![endif]></span></span></a> This reflects a national trend of more people owning smaller pieces of forestland, with the current average parcel size of 24 acres projected to decrease to 17 acres in 2010.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn27' href="#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[27]<![endif]></span></span></a></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>In 1970, there were 165,063 housing units in Vermont.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn28' href="#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[28]<![endif]></span></span></a> In 2000, this number had increased to 294,382 units.<a style='mso-footnote-id: ftn29' href="#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[29]<![endif]></span></span></a> Between 2000 and 2005, years with high real estate appreciation rates, 17,673 building permits were issued in Vermont.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn30' href="#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[30]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>While the number of building permits does not necessarily give an accurate picture of the degree to which parcelization has occurred on the land, it does highlight the level of housing growth that has occurred in Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The Forest Service estimates that by the year 2030, housing densities on private forests in Vermont are projected to increase between 5 and 40 percent across the majority of the watersheds, with the highest projected development expected to occur along the Connecticut River.<a style='mso-footnote-id: ftn31' href="#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[31]<![endif]></span></span></a> This level of increased housing across the majority of the watersheds will contribute to a moderate to high level of parcelization of privately owned forestland.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn32' href="#_ftn32" name="_ftnref32" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[32]<![endif]></span></span></a> </p> <h5 align=left style='text-align:left'><span style='font-weight:normal; font-style:normal'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></h5> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h5>Cultural and Demographic Shifts </h5> <p class=MsoCommentText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The aging population of forestland owners also leads to parcelization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>According to a recent report, 25 percent of all privately owned forestland in the United States is owned by people who are 65 or older.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn33' href="#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[33]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>While estate planning can provide ways to keep forestland intact among successive generations of forest owners, the will of a deceased landowner often divides the ownership of land into smaller parcels for purposes of bequeathing the land to multiple children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This leads to the parcelization of forestland unless the landowner has provided a way to keep the land intact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Another driver of forest parcelization is urban dwellers&#8217; desire to either relocate or purchase second homes in rural settings where land is relatively cheap compared to urban real estate markets. This trend, labeled &#8216;exurbanization&#8217;, is defined as the migration of urban residents to rural environments.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn34' href="#_ftn34" name="_ftnref34" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[34]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Rather than buying rural land for traditional uses such as timber and agriculture, private residences are typically built a long distance from towns and services in order to maximize privacy and views. The demand for high-end homes in Vermont is contributing to the increasing parcelization of forestland, especially in resort areas.</p> <p class=MsoCaption align=left style='text-align:left'><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h3><u>VERMONT<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>VALUES<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>AFFECTED<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>BY PARCELIZATION<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>AND <o:p></o:p></u></h3> <h3><u>FOREST FRAGMENTATION<o:p></o:p></u></h3> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Participants in the Forest Roundtable were asked to identify Vermont forest values and attribute a score for their importance and vulnerability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>A diverse group of participants identified the environmental, social, and economic values of greatest importance to them, and the values most threatened by parcelization and forest fragmentation.<u> </u><span style='font-family:Tahoma'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The group was most interested in maintaining forest ecosystem function, forest-related jobs, flow of forest-based materials (wood and clean water), habitat connectivity, and values held by individuals (sense of place, sense of stewardship, and valuing outdoor activities).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>All of these values were considered to be highly vulnerable to the impacts of parcelization and forest fragmentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The recommendations in the following section were developed as a way to maintain this set of environmental, social, and economic values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Results of this exercise are presented in Appendix A.</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US'><b><u><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </u></b></span> <p class=MsoHeading7>ROUNDTABLE RECOMMENDATIONS</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The Forest Roundtable held seven meetings to discuss the causes of parcelization and forest fragmentation in the state, and to develop draft recommendations to curtail the rate and mitigate the effects of parcelization and forest fragmentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Roundtable meetings addressed multiple topics, including trends in the real estate market, forestland valuation, property tax policy, land use and conservation planning, estate planning, landowner incentive programs such as the Current-Use Program, and the long-term sustainability of the forest products industry. These topics are condensed into the following four major focus areas of recommendations for addressing parcelization and forest fragmentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></p> <p class=MsoHeading7 align=left style='text-align:left'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoHeading7>RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING TAX POLICY</p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='margin-left:0in'>The following recommendations focus on tax policies that influence the way forestland is managed and conserved in Vermont.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='tab-stops:.5in'>1.<span style='mso-tab-count: 1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The Forest Roundtable strongly endorses Vermont&#8217;s Use Value Appraisal Program (UVA) including continued funding.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Vermont&#8217;s UVA Program, commonly referred to as Current Use, is a vitally important program for keeping land in an undeveloped condition. As long as land is enrolled in the program, it is maintained for productive agriculture and forestry uses and is taxed at the value of these uses rather than &#8220;highest and best use&#8221;, which usually equates to housing or commercial development. The UVA Program has been a very successful tool for reducing the effects of parcelization and forest fragmentation and should continue to be fully funded and supported by the Legislature. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>2.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Educate municipal officials regarding the lack of impact of the UVA Program on municipal tax rates.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent>Towns are reimbursed for lost property tax revenue at the municipal level from land that is enrolled in the UVA Program. Since Act 60 and Act 68 were established, towns are reimbursed by the state for any municipal property tax revenue that would have been realized if enrolled parcels were taxed at highest and best use. These reimbursements are usually referred to as Current Use Hold Harmless Payments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>As long as these payments continue to be mandated by state law, local tax rates are not directly affected by enrollment in the UVA Program. </p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>3.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Provide the UVA Program with adequate resources to administer the program. The Agency of Natural Resources, The Department of Taxes, and the Legislature should study ways to improve the overall efficiency and administration of the Program.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>County foresters are overburdened with the responsibility of monitoring parcels of land enrolled in the UVA Program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Some members of the Roundtable feel that additional county foresters and staff at Property Valuation and Review are needed to help with monitoring, enforcement, and landowner technical assistance; and that options for funding new staff should be explored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Other members believe that this may not be feasible, and that improvements to the overall efficiency and administration</i></span><b><i> </i></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>of the Program should be explored instead. For example, options for improving administrative efficiency include removing the statutory requirement to inspect each parcel every 5 years, and improving and/or lengthening landowner reporting requirements. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>4.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Conduct an independent legislative study of the UVA Program which examines the statutory goals of the program and assesses the program&#8217;s effectiveness with respect to the original goals. For example, is the goal of conserving natural ecological systems adequately addressed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This study should also assess ways to expand landowner enrollment in the program, and assess the effectiveness of the land use change tax.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>According to 32 V.S.A.&sect; 3751, the purpose of the UVA Program is to maintain and conserve Vermont&#8217;s productive agricultural and forest land; protect Vermont&#8217;s natural ecological systems; prevent the accelerated conversion of these lands to more intensive use by the pressure of property taxation; achieve more equitable taxation for undeveloped lands; preserve and enhance Vermont&#8217;s scenic natural resources; and enable the citizens of Vermont to plan for orderly growth in the face of increasing development pressures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The Legislature should examine whether the Program is effectively meeting all of the established goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>In addition, the Legislature should assess ways to expand landowner enrollment as a way to decrease parcelization and forest fragmentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Some Roundtable members believe implementing a tiered approach like the New Hampshire Current Use Program, which has different use value categories such as wildlife habitat and open space, could improve overall enrollment in the Program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Other Roundtable members believe this would detract from the focus of use value appraisal on the contribution of working forests to Vermont&#8217;s economy.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Due to increasing rates of development of land that is withdrawn from the Program, the Legislature should also analyze the effectiveness of the land use change tax, which is the penalty landowners pay for developing their property after enrolling in the Program. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Finally, the Legislature should study the effectiveness of the program for conserving natural ecological systems and non-timber resources, and make improvements if necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Some members of the Roundtable believe that certain ecological systems, such as riparian and wetland buffers and rare or significant forest communities, should be allowed to be enrolled in the program without being subject to timber harvesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Other Roundtable participants believe the program is already adequately providing for the conservation of natural ecological systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b>5.</b><span style='font-weight:normal'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><b>Assess property with perpetual conservation easements at a lower value. <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Landowners who place conservation easements on their property typically give up development rights on the property forever. Conservation easements, however, may not reduce the value at which property is assessed in Vermont. There is little guidance in the state for appraisers in assessing the value of land with conservation easements, which leads to inconsistency in practice among towns.</i></span><b><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></i></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Because land with perpetual conservation easements can never be developed, Roundtable participants believe land with such easements should be assessed at a value that accounts for the loss of development rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Such a policy would make easements more attractive to landowners, thus increasing the potential to mitigate the effects of parcelization and forest fragmentation. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Some Roundtable members believe land with conservation easements should be assessed at a rate comparable to use value appraisal in the Current Use Program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Other members believe such a rate would reduce the incentive for landowners to enroll in the UVA Program and actively manage their land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In addition, some members believe it would not be fair to assess easements at use-value, which is derived from the productive capacity of the land for timber or agricultural products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>6.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Disburse property transfer tax revenue according to the formula set in statute.</p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Revenue that is collected from the property transfer tax on the sale of real estate in Vermont is supposed to be disbursed according to a formula established in state statute. The disbursement formula is: 1% to the Tax Department; 33% to the General Fund; 50% to the Housing and Conservation Trust Fund; and 17% to the Municipal and Regional Planning Fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The goal of the Housing and Conservation Trust Fund is to create affordable housing and preserve the state&#8217;s agricultural land, historic properties, important natural areas and recreational lands. The goal of the Municipal and Regional Planning Fund is to fund the Regional Planning Commissions, municipal planning grants, and the Vermont Center for Geographic Information. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i>In recent years, the disbursement of property transfer tax revenue has been skewed in favor of the General Fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In Fiscal Year 2005, the General Fund received approximately double the amount it was supposed to according to the statutory formula, while the other categories received approximately one-half of statutorily approved funding.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn35' href="#_ftn35" name="_ftnref35" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[35]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The Legislature should disburse the property transfer tax revenue according to the statutory formula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This would significantly strengthen the ability of the Housing and Conservation Trust Fund to conserve forestland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It would also strengthen the ability of the Regional Planning Commissions to mitigate the effects of parcelization and forest fragmentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>7.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Strengthen the collection of the land gains tax on timber sales on land subject to the land gains tax, and develop better mechanisms to track timber sales and assess taxes from these sales.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Vermont&#8217;s land gains tax is imposed on gains realized through sales of land within six years of purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Revenue from timber sales during this period should be included in the calculation of the gain.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Strengthening the land gains tax may help prevent forestland from being purchased, its timber liquidated, and then resold. Collection of proper taxes could reduce the profitability of liquidating our timber resources, and thus reduce the byproducts of fragmentation, parcelization and residential development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In addition, it would help level the playing field so that &#8220;stewardship&#8221; minded buyers could better compete in the market with liquidation minded buyers.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <h3 style='tab-stops:.25in'><u>RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING CONSERVATION PLANNING<o:p></o:p></u></h3> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.25in;text-align:center; text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:0in'><i>The following recommendations focus on conservation planning as a broad theme encompassing state, regional, municipal, and estate planning mechanisms to reduce the rate of parcelization and forest fragmentation in Vermont.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>1.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Educate landowners about programs for keeping forestland intact across multiple generations. <span style='font-weight:normal'><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='text-indent:0in'><span style='font-weight: normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Parcelization can occur when there is a lack of planning within families to maintain the long-term viability of forestland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Landowners should be educated about programs that provide opportunities for conserving forestland across multiple generations while still providing for the various goals of family members.</i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>2.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Track annual rates of parcelization in Vermont. </p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>It is difficult to quantify the rate at which parcelization is occurring in Vermont. Anecdotal information suggests that parcelization is a problem in certain locations and may be contributing to decreased forest viability in the state. Data collection on parcelization is currently scattered among various government agencies, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and local municipalities. The Legislature should develop and fund a program to quantify the locations and rates of parcelization to better inform decision makers, planners, and forestland conservation efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In order to quantify forestland parcelization, towns should be encouraged to prepare and continually update town tax parcel maps and gather information on subdivision developments in large tracts of forestland.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>3.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Utilize existing data and develop maps to identify and prioritize forest blocks for conservation.</p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>There is a need to coordinate the efforts of state and non-government organizations with expertise in forest block landscape analysis to develop maps to identify and prioritize forest blocks for conservation. Forest blocks are easily mapped using GIS and satellite imagery, and their relative importance should be assessed using current information and additional field evaluations. Mapping should be developed within two years, and should be revised periodically in order to examine the degree of change over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>It is further recommended to examine the full range of innovative approaches on how priority forest blocks and wildlife corridors can be identified and conserved for all their associated values. Forestland conservation efforts, and particularly those that are supported by local community input, should protect ecologically significant features, wildlife habitat, watershed functions, and promote forest reserves and sustainable forest management for a full range of uses and management options. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in'>4.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Track and analyze rates and degree of forest fragmentation in Vermont.<u><o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><i>Forest fragmentation is measured in a different way from quantifying the rate of parcelization. In order to track and analyze the degree of forest fragmentation in Vermont, it is necessary to look at the integrity of forest blocks for wildlife habitat, watershed maintenance and other ecological factors. This type of analysis differs from quantifying the rate at which parcels are divided into multiple ownerships. The Agency of Natural Resources and other interested parties should undertake a statewide analysis of forest fragmentation and determine methods for measuring changes in the rate and degree of forest fragmentation in the state.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>5.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Integrate existing planning efforts at the local, regional and state level to better address parcelization and forest fragmentation.</p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Local, regional, and statewide planning strategies to address parcelization and forest fragmentation are being instituted in a piecemeal fashion across the state. All local, regional, and state level planning efforts should be integrated to address parcelization and forest fragmentation on a uniform basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Successful planning strategies should be shared among state planners and regional planning commissions, and should be implemented at the local planning level. For instance, there should be goals for local planning, such as encouraging that each town has a conservation commission, a town forest, and a town plan that speaks to the values of contiguous forest/connectivity, forest economies, and traditional uses of the land. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>6.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Identify and correct gaps in Act 250 and other land use regulations to attenuate the rate of parcelization and forest fragmentation in Vermont.</p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>A significant amount in the state is not subject to Act 250.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn36' href="#_ftn36" name="_ftnref36" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[36]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Exemptions in Act 250 may reduce the ability of the Agency of Natural Resources and the Act 250 District Commissions to review potentially harmful development in important forestland resources. For example, long driveways and the associated impacts of utility lines are currently exempt from environmental review in Act 250.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The Natural Resources Board recently completed a report on the utility line exemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The Legislature should review this report and consider improving Act 250 to address forest fragmentation. The local development review process and associated regulations should be improved to address forest fragmentation due to development and its associated impacts.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>7.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Implement planning efforts that reflect the public values of forests. </p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Regional and town plans offer excellent opportunities to educate the public about the importance of forests for ecological, social, and economic values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It is recommended to implement planning that provides an opportunity for the public to inform decision makers about the public values of forests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>For instance, a community can map or chart the values of forestland in their town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Woodland organizations, state and municipal government, and non-government organizations should take full advantage of planning workshops to collect information and make the public more aware of the values of forests.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in'><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in'><span style='font-weight:normal'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 align=center style='text-align:center'><u>RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE CONSERVATION, STEWARDSHIP, AND VALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='margin-left:0in'>The following recommendations focus on conservation, stewardship, and in particular, the recognition of the value of healthy functioning forested ecosystems in Vermont.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b>1.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Develop a system to consistently quantify, recognize, and compensate landowners for the value of ecosystem services provided by forestland in Vermont.<i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></i></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Ecosystem services are the goods and services nature provides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Some of the many services that ecosystems provide are: water filtration, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, pollination, pest control, disease regulation and flood control.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn37' href="#_ftn37" name="_ftnref37" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[37]<![endif]></span></span></a>. The development of mechanisms to quantify these benefits is still in its early stages due to the difficult nature of quantifying them, and the vast range of the benefits to recognize, from wildlife habitat and watershed functions to carbon storage in forests. In one of the first studies to put a price tag on nature&#8217;s services, it was estimated that ecological services worldwide are worth nearly $33 trillion per year. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>As private land is developed, we are losing valuable ecosystem services that forests provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Quantifying the value of ecosystem services provided by forestland in Vermont may better justify investments in conservation efforts and lead to increased compensation to landowners for fostering these services.<b><o:p></o:p></b></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>2.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Communicate the value of forests to the public in everyday terms, including the ecological benefits that the public is receiving for free from healthy functioning forests.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><i>Services produced by ecosystems are generally free of charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The costs of providing these services are generally borne by private landowners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>For example, a service such as water filtration is performed by the root structures of trees and plants without a cost to society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>According to the U.S. Forest Service, &#8220;when our forests are undervalued they are increasingly </i><span lang=EN style='mso-ansi-language: EN'><i>susceptible </i></span><i>to development pressures and conversion.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn38' href="#_ftn38" name="_ftnref38" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[38]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Recognizing forest ecosystems as natural assets with economic and social values can promote conservation and more responsible decision-making.&#8221;<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn39' href="#_ftn39" name="_ftnref39" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[39]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2>3.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style='color:black'>Convene a forum on how to manage for ecosystem services at the regional scale, paying attention to property rights, alternative models of ownership and management, and to required policies and distribution of costs and benefits.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2><i><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></i></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='mso-pagination:none;tab-stops:28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'>Managing for ecosystem services in an effective manner implies adopting a landscape (or watershed or regional) planning approach, because that is the scale at which most ecosystem services are provided.&nbsp; Conservation planning at the regional scale, for example, is a way to manage for ecosystem services. Similarly, managing for recreation could mean implementing a management plan that is coordinated at the regional scale. A forum should be convened to develop strategies to manage for ecosystem services at the landscape or regional scale, taking into consideration the distribution of costs and benefits between providers and beneficiaries of ecosystem services, and devising proper ways to compensate providers.&nbsp; <b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='tab-stops:.5in'>4.<span style='mso-tab-count: 1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Create an annual award for ecosystem service stewardship to increase awareness and showcase forest ethics role models in the state.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Showcasing exemplary ecosystem service stewardship can increase awareness and provide role models for forest ethics and sound management in the state. An annual award could recognize and promote leadership in ecosystem service stewardship. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>5.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Fund the development of build-out models and case studies to show projected impacts on ecosystem services in order to assist planning, conservation, and stewardship activities.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><i>Developing build-out models and case studies could assist planning efforts and conservation and stewardship activities by highlighting important ecosystem services that should be maintained. Visual models and case studies are good tools for weighing management decisions that could impact ecosystem services.</i><span style='font-style:normal'><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>6.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Create a model for community based Timberland Investment Management Organizations (TIMO&#8217;s) that can buy and manage forestland collectively.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Timberland Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs) are single organizations or a collection of individuals and organizations that purchase timberland as a financial investment.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn40' href="#_ftn40" name="_ftnref40" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[40]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Creating community based TIMOs could leverage the ability of landowners to buy and manage forestland collectively. Such an arrangement could help individual landowners pool their resources and share the costs of ownership and management.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='tab-stops:.5in'>7.<span style='mso-tab-count: 1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Support the establishment of landowner cooperatives that foster conservation, forest stewardship, ecosystem services and forest product marketing efficiencies. </p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='tab-stops:.5in'><span style='font-weight: normal'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='tab-stops:.5in'><span style='font-weight: normal'><i><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Potential exists to create landowner cooperatives to foster conservation, stewardship and market forest products. The agricultural sector has been successful in providing a stable market for raw materials while increasing member buying power and providing a larger presence in the market place. &nbsp;Existing forest landowner cooperatives such as Vermont Family Forests have been successful and should be explored as a means of addressing parcelization.<br> &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent2 style='tab-stops:.5in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <h3><u>RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY<o:p></o:p></u></h3> <p class=MsoNormal><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i>The following recommendations focus on supporting the forest products industry as a way to strengthen the viability of working forestland, which makes up a considerable percentage of the Vermont landscape. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b>1.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Bolster development of strong, effective, cooperative statewide organizations that bring together forest products industry representatives, landowners and manufacturers to promote the forest products economy.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>The entities that promote the forest products economy in Vermont generally are specialized, and represent particular aspects of the forest products economy. Various woodland owners organizations exist to represent landowners who manage their property for forest products. Other organizations exist to represent the forest products industry and forestry interests, whether it is primary manufacturing (mills, lumber yards, paper manufacturing, etc.), secondary manufacturing (drying, planing, cutting, and assembly of lumber into parts or finished products), or biomass energy production. Separate organizations exist to represent professional loggers in the state. There is a need to bolster the development of organizations that can represent these various interests cooperatively on behalf of all aspects of Vermont&#8217;s forest products economy. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent3><b>2.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Increase the visibility of the contribution of a working forest to the state, including the economic, ecological and social benefits of forestland.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent3><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent3><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Forest-based manufacturing and forest-related tourism and recreation contribute over 1.4 billion dollars to Vermont&#8217;s economy on an annual basis.<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn41' href="#_ftn41" name="_ftnref41" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[41]<![endif]></span></span></a> Other benefits of working forests include the 13,800 jobs that forest-based manufacturing and forest-related tourism and recreation provide<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn42' href="#_ftn42" name="_ftnref42" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[42]<![endif]></span></span></a>, not to mention the products that are used and enjoyed by Vermonters and people around the country and the world. The myriad ecological benefits of forestland are beyond calculation and provide vitally important functions for humans and wildlife. The visibility of these contributions should be increased to inform the public about the economic, ecological, and social benefits of keeping working forestland intact in Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></i></span><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b>3.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Increase the professionalism of logging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Invest in programs to support youth who are interested in becoming loggers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Develop loan programs, a worker&#8217;s compensation pool, and better access to health insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Promote the use of low-impact equipment and natural resource management programs.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>It is becoming harder to retain jobs in the logging industry. Loggers as a group are aging and there is a need to support youth who are interested in being professional loggers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>A comprehensive package of programs is needed to enhance the professionalism of logging, including addressing worker&#8217;s compensation and health insurance rates. Vocational programs should be promoted to train loggers in the use of new technology and the use of logging techniques that reflect today&#8217;s economic and social demands and trends.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b>4.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Continue and strengthen state promotion for the forest products manufacturing sector.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style='font-weight:normal'><i>Desirable state promotional efforts are well articulated in the Vermont Forest Products Council Blueprint for Action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This report, sponsored by the Vermont Council on Rural Development, articulates several strategies for promoting the forest products manufacturing sector including better branding of Vermont wood products<a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn43' href="#_ftn43" name="_ftnref43" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[43]<![endif]></span></span></a>. Some of the Council&#8217;s recommendations have already seen a good deal of progress, yet additional work is needed to accomplish the report&#8217;s goals and build on others outside of the report&#8217;s recommendations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b>5.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Promote the use of Vermont wood in Vermont and in Vermont-sponsored development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Support buying local as a concept and encourage architects and builders to support the use of local wood. <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in .75in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='tab-stops:.25in .75in'>A broad umbrella of programs could be created that stimulates interest in utilizing local products for as many applications as possible. One option is to encourage architects and builders to specify and use local wood in manufacturing and design standards.</p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='tab-stops:.25in .75in'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b>6.<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Increase weight limits on Vermont Interstates to make Vermont competitive in the region.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='tab-stops:.25in'>Weight limits on Vermont&#8217;s Interstate restrict the movement of heavy logging trucks within the state and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This limitation is a federal requirement and poses a barrier to the industry because New Hampshire has relaxed this restriction through federal legislation. Reducing the travel costs of timber would improve the overall competitiveness of the forest products industry and help to keep the working landscape viable in Vermont.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Legislation should be introduced by Vermont&#8217;s Congressional Delegation to make weight requirements on log trucks on Vermont&#8217;s Interstate as favorable as in other New England states.</p> <h3><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></h3> <h3 align=left style='margin-left:.25in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in; tab-stops:.25in'><span style='font-weight:normal'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></h3> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US'><b><i><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </i></b></span> <h3 style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><u>APPENDIX A</u><span style='font-weight:normal'>:<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <h3><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></h3> <h3><u>VERMONT VALUES AFFECTED BY PARCELIZATION AND <o:p></o:p></u></h3> <h3><u>FOREST FRAGMENTATION<o:p></o:p></u></h3> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Participants in the Forest Roundtable were asked to identify Vermont forest values and attribute a score for the importance and vulnerability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This was accomplished by conducting two exercises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In the first exercise, participants identified the environmental, social, and economic values of greatest importance to them. In the second exercise, participants identified the environmental, social, and economic values they determined were most threatened by forest parcelization and fragmentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Approximately 25 people participated in the values exercises. </p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText>The charts on the following page highlight the most popular answers provided by the roundtable participants.<a style='mso-footnote-id: ftn44' href="#_ftn44" name="_ftnref44" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[44]<![endif]></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The charts provide the views and values of a diverse group of interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The columns with the highest-ranking scores indicate where participants found common ground in identifying forest values of greatest importance to them, and the forest values most threatened by parcelization and forest fragmentation in Vermont.</p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <h3>ABBREVIATED RESULTS <span style='font-family:Tahoma'><o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Tahoma'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText>The charts indicate that the group was most interested in maintaining forest ecosystem function, forest-related jobs, and flow of forest-based materials (wood and clean water), landscape configuration, and values held by individuals (sense of place, sense of stewardship, and valuing outdoor activities).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>All of these values were considered to be highly vulnerable to the impacts of forest parcelization and fragmentation.</p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoEndnoteText align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US'><b><br clear=ALL style='mso-special-character:line-break;page-break-before: always'> </b></span> <p class=MsoEndnoteText align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=502 style='width:502.4pt; border-collapse:collapse;mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'> <tr style='height:17.55pt'> <td width=502 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:502.4pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.55pt'> <h6>Consolidated List of Environmental Values</h6> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:22.9pt'> <td width=111 style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Theme<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 style='width:239.45pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt;border-left: none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Value<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 style='width:71.45pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt;border-left: none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Importance</p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width=81 style='width:80.8pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt;border-left: none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Vulnerability</p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:35.05pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:35.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Ecological processes<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:35.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Long-term ecological functioning (including ecological processes that maintain water, air, and soil productivity and quality; forest health; and forest productivity)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:35.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>19<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:35.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>19<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:17.5pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Structure<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Habitat connectivity (including the maintenance of gene flow)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>13<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>17<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:29.65pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Composition<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Maintain plant, fish, wildlife, and natural heritage (diverse native species)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>12<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:16.15pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Other<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Environmental amenities (aesthetics, recreation, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>6<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:16.15pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Ecological processes<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Carbon storage (to affect global climate change)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.15pt'> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:31.8pt center 35.0pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><span style='mso-tab-count:2'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>3<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=502 style='width:502.4pt; border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'> <tr style='height:22.9pt'> <td width=502 colspan=4 style='width:502.4pt;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.9pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US'><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </span> <p class=MsoNormal><b>Consolidated List of Social Values<o:p></o:p></b></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:22.9pt'> <td width=111 style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt;border-top: none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal>Theme</p> </td> <td width=239 style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal>Value</p> </td> <td width=71 style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Importance</p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td width=81 style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Vulnerability</p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:26.05pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:26.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Values held by individuals<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:26.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Forest ethics and sense of stewardship for diverse forest values<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:26.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>11<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:26.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>7<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:29.65pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sense of place<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Rural remote sense of Vermont (including diverse habitat for wildlife and large remote tracts)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>10<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:29.65pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>10<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:17.05pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Values held by individuals<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Diverse and wholesome recreational opportunities<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>8<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.05pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:17.95pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.95pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Values for society<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.95pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Intergenerational connection to forests<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.95pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>6<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.95pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>8<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:26.5pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:26.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Values for society<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:26.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Forest-based economy supporting a community and diverse society<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:26.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:26.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:17.5pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Values for society<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=239 valign=top style='width:239.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Traditional uses (hunting, fishing, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=71 valign=top style='width:71.45pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>4<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:80.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <table border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:6.95in; border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'> <tr style='height:22.9pt'> <td width=500 colspan=4 style='width:6.95in;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.9pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US'><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </span> <p class=MsoNormal><b>Consolidated List of Economic Values<o:p></o:p></b></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:22.9pt'> <td width=111 style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt;border-top: none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Theme<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=237 style='width:236.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Value<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=72 style='width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Importance<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 style='width:81.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.9pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Vulnerability<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:24.25pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:24.25pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Jobs<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=237 valign=top style='width:236.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.25pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Primary forest-based jobs (industrial &#8211; logging, manufacturing, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=72 valign=top style='width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.25pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>15<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.25pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>16<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:17.5pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Forest materials<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=237 valign=top style='width:236.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Water (e.g., clean water)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=72 valign=top style='width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>11<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>10<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:22.45pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:22.45pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Jobs<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=237 valign=top style='width:236.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.45pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Secondary forest-based jobs (e.g., tourism, recreation, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=72 valign=top style='width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.45pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>8<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.45pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>7<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:30.55pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:30.55pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Economic opportunities<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=237 valign=top style='width:236.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:30.55pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Economic opportunities supported by forested landscape (including amenity dependent jobs)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=72 valign=top style='width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:30.55pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>6<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:30.55pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:17.5pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Forest materials<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=237 valign=top style='width:236.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Energy source<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=72 valign=top style='width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>6<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>3<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style='height:17.5pt'> <td width=111 valign=top style='width:110.7pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Forest materials<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=237 valign=top style='width:236.7pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sustainable resource flow (long-term)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=72 valign=top style='width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=81 valign=top style='width:81.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none; border-bottom:solid windowtext .5pt;border-right:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.5pt'> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>9<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='color:black'><b><u>RELATED VERMONT FOREST POLICY DOCUMENTS<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Northern Forest Lands Council (2005), 10th Anniversary Forum Final Report: Recommendations for the Conservation of the Northern Forest, North East State Foresters Association<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Northern Forest Lands Council (1994), Finding Common Ground: The Recommendations of the Northern Forest Lands Council, North East State Foresters Association<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (1999), Vermont Forest Resources Plan 1999 - 2008, VT Agency of Natural Resources<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), Vermont&#8217;s Wildlife Action Plan, VT Agency of Natural Resources<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Vermont Forest Products Council (2003), Blueprint for Action, Vermont Council on Rural Development<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:0in'><span style='color:black'>Vermont Forest Resources Advisory Council (1997), Final Report, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US'><b><br clear=ALL style='page-break-before:always'> </b></span> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.25in;text-align:center; tab-stops:.25in'><b>LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS SUPPORTING THE FINDINGS OF THE FOREST ROUNDTABLE<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.25in;text-align:center; tab-stops:.25in'><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='tab-stops:.25in'>The following entities and individuals are in general agreement with the Roundtable Report&#8217;s final recommendations, although participants and interested parties may not fully endorse all of the recommendations.</p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><i><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;tab-stops:.25in'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoHeading7>CONTACT INFORMATION</p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2 align=left style='text-align:left'><span style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none;font-weight:normal'>For further information on the Forest Roundtable, please contact Jamey Fidel, Forest and Biodiversity Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council at 802-223-2328 ext. 117 or <a href="mailto:jfidel@vnrc.org"><span style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>jfidel@vnrc.org</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Forest Roundtable materials including meeting minutes and presentations are available at vnrc.org.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoHeading7>ACKNOWLEDGMENTS</p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal>This report would not have been possible without the dedication of over one hundred participants and guest speakers who participated in the Forest Roundtable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Many individuals gave their time and energy and contributed to the success of the roundtable process. In particular, Andy Whitman of the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences provided leadership in conducting the values exercise and in helping to write Appendix A of this report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Cindy Cook of Adamant Accord provided steady facilitation of the roundtable meetings and offered good humor throughout the process. The Drafting Committee of the Forest Roundtable provided valuable editing skills and improved the readability of the report. Vermont Technical College and Woodbury College hosted the roundtable meetings. <i><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>The cover photo was taken by Alex Maclean - Copyright Alex S. MacLean / Landslides. It represents a subdivision in Stowe, Vermont. The photo is published in the book &#8220;Above and Beyond.&#8221;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The picture of the Forest Roundtable on page 2 was taken by Jamey Fidel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote-list'><![if !supportFootnotes]><br clear=all> <hr align=left size=1 width="33%"> <![endif]> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn1> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn1' href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[1]<![endif]></span></span></a> Forest fragmentation occurs when large, contiguous forests are divided into smaller blocks <span style='color:black'>either by roads, clearing for agriculture, urbanization, or other human development. Cornell Lab of Ornithology at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/bfl/gen_instructions/fragmentation.html.</span></p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn2> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn2' href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[2]<![endif]></span></span></a> Stein, Susan M.; McRoberts, Ronald E.; Alig, Ralph J.; Nelson, Mark D.; Theobald, David M.; Eley, Mike; Dechter, Mike; Carr, Mary. 2005. Forests on the edge; housing development on America&#8217;s private forests. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-636. Portland, OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, at p. 11 citing Engels and Sexton 1994; Harris 1984; Theobald et al. 1997; Vogel 1989; Wear and Gries 2002a, 2002b.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn3> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn3' href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[3]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. citing Ferreira and Laurence 1997, Meekings and McCarthy 2002.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn4> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn4' href="#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[4]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. citing Booth and Henshaw 2001, Bryan 1972, Fisher et al. 2000, Jones and Holmes 1985, Paul and Meyer 2001.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn5> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn5' href="#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[5]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. citing Gobster and Rickenbach 2004, Kline et al, 2004, Wear et al. 1999.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn6> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn6' href="#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[6]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. citing Gobster and Rickenbach 2004, Patterson et al. 2003.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn7> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn7' href="#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[7]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. citing Ellis et al., in press; Tyrvainen 1997; Tyrvainen and Vaananen 1998; Weeks 1990).</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn8> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn8' href="#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[8]<![endif]></span></span></a> Hagan, J.M., L.C. Irland, and A.A. Whitman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>2005. Changing timberland ownership in the Northern Forest and implication for biodiversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, report #MCCS0FCP-2005-1, Brunswick, Maine, at p. iii.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn9> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn9' href="#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[9]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. at p. 4.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn10> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn10' href="#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[10]<![endif]></span></span></a> Vermont&#8217;s Housing Market &#8211; Trends and Perspectives, Handout by Phil Dodd for Forest Roundtable, Oct. 18, 2006. Available at http://svr3.acornhost.com/~vnrcorg/frt//presentations.htm</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn11> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn11' href="#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[11]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn12> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn12' href="#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[12]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. (In the second quarter of 2006, Vermont experienced 11.25% appreciation compared to the same time a year earlier). </p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn13> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn13' href="#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[13]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn14> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn14' href="#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[14]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn15> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn15' href="#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[15]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn16> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn16' href="#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[16]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn17> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn17' href="#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[17]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn18> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn18' href="#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[18]<![endif]></span></span></a> Tom Mitchell, <i>Shifting Burden: School Spending Pinches State&#8217;s Property Owners</i><span style='font-style:normal'>, Rutland Herald, July 17, 2006, at A1, A6.</span></p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn19> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn19' href="#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[19]<![endif]></span></span></a> Brett J. Butler, Presentation at the Forest Roundtable (Sept. 18, 2006). Available at http://svr3.acornhost.com/~vnrcorg/frt//presentations.htm</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn20> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn20' href="#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[20]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. at A1.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn21> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn21' href="#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[21]<![endif]></span></span></a> As of the 2006 tax year, 38.4% of potentially eligible forestland was enrolled in the UVA Program. A total of 1,517,226 acres out of 3,948,100 acres were enrolled as of the 2006 tax year. Phone conversation with Bill Snow, Vermont Department of Property Valuation and Review.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn22> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn22' href="#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[22]<![endif]></span></span></a> Kim Royar, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. See also Vermont Fish and Wildlife Service, <i>Conserving Vermont&#8217;s Natural Heritage: A Guide to Community-Based Planning for the Conservation of Vermont&#8217;s Fish, Wildlife, and Biological Diversity</i><span style='font-style:normal'>, (2004), at p. 18. </span></p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn23> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn23' href="#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[23]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. In 1960, Vermont&#8217;s rural population was around 240,000; in 1990 it was around 382,000.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn24> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn24' href="#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[24]<![endif]></span></span></a> </p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn25> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn25' href="#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[25]<![endif]></span></span></a> Widmann, R.; Birch, T. 1988. Forest-land owners of Vermont-1983. Res. Bul. NE-102. Broomall, PA. USDA-FS, Northeastern Forest Experiment Sta. 89 p.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn26> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn26' href="#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[26]<![endif]></span></span></a> Birch, T. 1996. Private forest-land owners of the Northern United States. 1994. Res. Bul. NE-136. Radnor, PA. USDA-FS, Northeastern Forest Experiment Sta. 293 p.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn27> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn27' href="#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[27]<![endif]></span></span></a> LaPierre S. and Germain R.H. Forestland parcelization in the New York City watershed. 2005. Journal of Forestry 103 (3) : 139 - 145.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn28> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn28' href="#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[28]<![endif]></span></span></a> Vermont Housing Data website. Available at http://www.housingdata.org/profile/profileMainResult.php?submitted=stateProfile</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn29> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn29' href="#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[29]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn30> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn30' href="#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[30]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id. Statistics on housing units authorized by building permits include housing units issued in local permit-issuing jurisdictions by a building or zoning permit. Not all areas of the state require a building or zoning permit. The statistics only represent those areas that require a permit.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn31> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn31' href="#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[31]<![endif]></span></span></a> Stein, Susan M.; McRoberts, Ronald E.; Alig, Ralph J.; Nelson, Mark D.; Theobald, David M.; Eley, Mike; Dechter, Mike; Carr, Mary. 2005. Forests on the edge; housing development on America&#8217;s private forests. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-636. Portland, OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, at pp. 8-9.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn32> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn32' href="#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[32]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn33> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn33' href="#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[33]<![endif]></span></span></a> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Crim, S, et al. <u>Forest Fragmentation Extension Programming: A National Initiative</u>., 2002. 8.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoFootnoteText>Tyrell, M. and G. Dunning (2000). &#8220;Forestland Conversion, Fragmentation, and Parcelization.&#8221; Yale Forest Forum Series 3(6): 6.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn34> <p class=MsoEndnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn34' href="#_ftnref34" name="_ftn34" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman"'><span style='mso-special-character:footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[34]<![endif]></span></span></span></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> </span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Crim, S, et al. <u>Forest Fragmentation Extension Programming: A National Initiative</u>., 2002.<b> </b></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>8.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoFootnoteText>Egan, A. and A. E. Luloff (2000). &#8220;The exurbanization of America's forests- research in rural social science.&#8221; Journal of Forestry 88(3): 26-30.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn35> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn35' href="#_ftnref35" name="_ftn35" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[35]<![endif]></span></span></a> Hausauer, Brenda. <i>Tax Reform that Agrees With Vermont</i><span style='font-style:normal'>, Nov. 2005 at p. 43. Available at www.vnrc.org.</span></p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn36> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn36' href="#_ftnref36" name="_ftn36" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[36]<![endif]></span></span></a> Act 250 may only apply to only about forty percent of all the development undertaken in the state. Vermont Natural Resources Council. <i>Act 250: A Positive Economic Force for Vermont.</i><span style='font-style:normal'> Dec. 1993 at p. 5. </span></p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn37> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn37' href="#_ftnref37" name="_ftn37" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[37]<![endif]></span></span></a> USDA, http://www.fs.fed.us/ecosystemservices/faq.shtml</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn38> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn38' href="#_ftnref38" name="_ftn38" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[38]<![endif]></span></span></a> USDA, http://www.fs.fed.us/ecosystemservices/</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn39> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn39' href="#_ftnref39" name="_ftn39" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[39]<![endif]></span></span></a> USDA, http://www.fs.fed.us/ecosystemservices/</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn40> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn40' href="#_ftnref40" name="_ftn40" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[40]<![endif]></span></span></a> Hagan, J.M., L.C. Irland, and A.A. Whitman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>2005. Changing timberland ownership in the Northern Forest and implication for biodiversity, at p. 3.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn41> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn41' href="#_ftnref41" name="_ftn41" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[41]<![endif]></span></span></a> North East State Foresters Association, <i>The Economic Importance of Vermont&#8217;s Forests, </i><span style='font-style:normal'>December 2004, at p. 2.</span></p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn42> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn42' href="#_ftnref42" name="_ftn42" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[42]<![endif]></span></span></a> Id.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn43> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn43' href="#_ftnref43" name="_ftn43" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[43]<![endif]></span></span></a>Vermont Forest Products Council Blueprint for Action, at p.8. Available at www.vtrural.org/reports-councils.php.</p> </div> <div style='mso-element:footnote' id=ftn44> <p class=MsoFootnoteText><a style='mso-footnote-id:ftn44' href="#_ftnref44" name="_ftn44" title=""><span class=MsoFootnoteReference><span style='mso-special-character: footnote'><![if !supportFootnotes]>[44]<![endif]></span></span></a> The methodology and complete list of answers is at http://svr3.acornhost.com/~vnrcorg/frt/values.htm</p> </div> </div> </body> </html>