VERMONT CONSERVATION PLAN (ACT 59) LISTENING SESSION
To ensure that Grand Isle County voices are included in the final round of community input, Grand Isle County Natural Resources Conservation District and South Hero Land Trust are hosting a listening session in North Hero on March 26 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Free dinner is included!
This session will focus on gathering feedback on conservation pathways and actions that most directly relate to the landscapes and communities of Grand Isle County. We will begin with a brief overview of the history of the law, the current draft plan, and key actions that could affect our region. The goal is to provide helpful context so participants can share informed perspectives and help shape how the plan is implemented locally.
ABOUT ACT 59
The Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act (Act 59), passed in June 2023, establishes a statewide vision for conserving land in ways that support biodiversity, climate resilience, and working landscapes. The act sets goals to conserve 30% of Vermont’s landscape by 2030 and 50% by 2050, and directs the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), in coordination with the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), to develop a statewide conservation plan.
After eighteen months of inventorying, studying, and community input, an expanded Draft Conservation Plan Framework has been developed, and they are seeking public input before it is finalized and sent to the state legislature in June 2026.
Learn more about the plan here: vhcb.org/conservation/act-59