Natural Resources Protection
Residents are caring stewards of natural resources
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Overview
Vermont ’s natural beauty and abundance is not lost on its residents. Despite cultural and economic divisions, Vermonters are united in their love of their state’s rolling, rugged landscape known for its deep winters and rich flora and fauna. Recognizing the value of the ecosystems in their charge, Vermonters are generally inclined toward conservation, restoration and enjoyment of their natural surroundings.
Fast Facts
- More than 200,000 Vermonters regularly watch, photograph or feed wildlife.
- In a 2006 survey by the Vermont Land Trust, Vermonters indicated that land conservation was their fourth most important issue, following public education, affordable healthcare, and affordable housing. Forty-seven percent of those surveyed felt that if land conservation were to stop today it would have a “very negative” impact on Vermont tourism.
- When combined, forest-based manufacturing and forest-related tourism and recreation contribute more than $1.4 billion to Vermont’s economy each year. Forest-based manufacturing provides jobs for more than 7,800 people. An additional 6,000 are employed through forest-related recreation and tourism.
Read more about natural resources protection in Understanding Vermont or get a copy of the entire publication.