Contact:
Tim Morton, Stewardship Forester
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
802-777-6899 | tim.morton@vermont.gov
Public Scoping Meeting Planned for Okemo State Forest Long Range Management Plan
Ludlow, VT – The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is revising the Long Range Management Plan (LRMP) for the Okemo State Forest. The public is invited to participate in the planning process and share input on the future use and conservation of these state lands. An in-person public scoping meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, beginning a month-long opportunity for the public to learn about the property and submit comments. The comment period will remain open until January 23, 2026.
Situated in the Southern Green Mountains, Okemo State Forest covers an area of 7,983 acres spanning the towns of Andover, Ludlow, Mount Holly, and Weston. It features large blocks of contiguous forests, important recreation opportunities (Healdville Trail, Buttermilk Falls), and the Okemo Mountain Resort. The forest also provides a critical wildlife corridor, serving as the only substantial north-south connection between the Coolidge State Forest and the Green Mountains National Forest, and as an east-west link between forest blocks in Grafton and Athens and the main spine of the Green Mountains.
Long range management plans guide land management on state-owned lands for a 20-year period, balancing ecological, recreational, cultural, and economic values. Public scoping is an early and important step in the process, giving Vermonters the opportunity to share how they use and value these lands. Public input at this stage helps shape the plan, which will be shared for further public comment before a final draft is adopted.
Public Scoping Meeting Details:
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Ludlow Town Hall, 37 S Depot St, Ludlow, VT 05149
A backup date of December 18 has been reserved in case of inclement weather and updates about the final meeting date will be posted online prior to the event.
There are multiple ways to learn about the LRMP revision and provide input. The public can attend the scheduled in-person meeting, watch the recorded meeting, or explore the project StoryMap. Comments can be submitted at the meeting, by email to anr.statelandsplanning@
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The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a discrimination complaint, for questions, free language services, or requests for reasonable accommodations, please contact ANR’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator at ANR.CivilRights@vermont.gov
