On April 6, 2006, Senators Patrick Leahy and James Jeffords introduced the Vermont Wilderness Act of 2006. While conservationist had hoped for a more comprehensive Wilderness bill, they applauded the Senators and Congressman Sanders for their leadership and vowed to work with them to resolve outstanding issues as the legislation moves forward.
The legislation (S. 2565 and H.R. 5157) proposes to create two new wilderness areas and enlarge four existing units in the Green Mountain National Forest totaling over 48,000 acres. While local advocates celebrated the introduction as a huge improvement from the Forest Service recommendations, they were quick to point out that the legislation fell short of the 78,000 acres identified by the Vermont Wilderness Association.
“The introduction of this bill is a good first step,” said Leanne Klyza Linck, eastern forest senior associate, “and we pledge to work with the delegation and others in Vermont to provide increased protection for key areas as the legislation moves through Congress.”
The legislation creates a 28,500-acre wilderness area around Glastenbury Mountain, the largest roadless tract left in Vermont, and the most important area in the state for backcountry recreation. A second wilderness area safeguarding 12,500 acres around Romance and Monastery Mountains will also be created along with additions to the existing Breadloaf, Lye Brook, Peru Peak, and Big Branch areas.
While local conservationists were pleased with these initial recommendations, they were frustrated by language in the proposal that cuts off a significant portion of the Glastenbury roadless area for snowmobile use.
“Vermonters love the land,” said Frances A. Hunt, eastern national forests director for the Wilderness Society. “Wilderness designation is the best way to protect the natural beauty and peace and quiet of the Green Mountains.”
Currently, the Green Mountain National Forest has six protected wilderness areas, totaling 58,844 acres, or about 1 percent of the state. Existing wilderness areas such as Breadloaf and Lye Brook are popular hiking destinations for families and for scores of Vermonters who enjoy songbirds, skiing or just getting away from it all.
The legislation will now have to work its way through the Senate and the House. Conservationists hope to see the legislation improved and moving forward before the end of the year.
Background
Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest – the state’s only National Forest - forms the backbone of this idyllic, pastoral state. Visitors hike, ski, camp and explore in its rolling mountains. A little over a year ago, the Forest Service released its draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the Green Mountain National Forest plan. The Forest Service’s “preferred alternative” recommended only 17,000 acres as Wilderness -- less than a quarter of what Vermont’s citizens and conservation groups have long called for. At the same time, the Forest Service’s own analysis found more than 80,000 acres suitable for wilderness designation that could be created with virtually no impact on timber harvesting or motorized recreation on the forest.
After the announcement of the draft forest plan, the Forest Service received more than 10,000 public comments with over 90 percent calling for more wilderness recommendations. As a result of the public outcry, the Forest Service slightly improved the plan by adding 10,000 acres to their wilderness recommendations. However this fell far short of conservationist’s hopes. As a result local conservationists turned their attention towards the Vermont congressional delegation.
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