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LWCF Success in Vermont

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped protect some of Vermont’s most treasured places.  Vermont has received approximately $103 million over the past four decades, protecting places such as the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and Green Mountain National Forest.

Green Mountain National Forest

The Green Mountains of Vermont are one of the most popular and heavily visited areas within the northeastern United States.  Within a day’s drive for residents of the surrounding states of New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut, millions of tourists and Vermonters are attracted to the national forest’s scenic beauty and recreational opportunities including the Appalachian and Long Trails.  The acquisition of properties in the Green Mountain National Forest protects recreational opportunities that have long been important to residents and visitors alike, such as camping, hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing.  Federal appropriations in recent years have allowed the Forest Service to acquire and protect critical watershed properties in the northern section of the forest as well as excellent recreation and habitat lands in the Taconics region.

Economic Benefits

Active outdoor recreation is an important part of the Vermont economy.  The Outdoor Industry Association has found that active outdoor recreation supports 35,000 jobs across Vermont, generates $187 million in annual state tax revenue and produces $2.5 billion annually in retail sales and services across Vermont - accounting for nearly 12 percent of gross state product. Further, the U.S. Census reports that each year over 545,000 people enjoy hunting, fishing, and watching wildlife across Vermont, contributing $383 million in wildlife recreation spending to the state economy.

Download "The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy Report for Vermont"