Vermont Natural Resources Council

Organization Description

Vermont Natural Resource Council (VNRC) has, for over forty years, been working to protect and restore the invaluable natural lands, habitats, and resources in the state of Vermont. Connecting national, state, and local groups, from both the public and private sector, VNRC ensures that all Vermonters have access to information about natural resource protection and the tools to preserve the land. Empowering citizens to speak up, the council’s strong presence within state government allows the public to voice their concerns and issues to the State House. The main focus areas for the VNRC include:

• Clean Water – protecting wetland habitats for aquatic species and ecosystem preservation, and upholding national and state water quality standards.
• Healthy Forests – maintaining forestry practices that are viable for the local economy and compatible with wildlife habitats and ecosystem needs.
• Clean Air – reducing air pollution from local and national sources at state and federal governmental levels of regulation.
• Sustainable Communities – supporting communities in their goals of sustainable land use planning and following Act 250, Vermont’s development review law.
• Energy – encouraging all Vermonters to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels, decreasing consumption and relying more on renewable energy sources.

Recently merging with Smart Growth Vermont, the VNRC will now also be responsible for sustainable, efficient land planning. Smart land use development is vital for maintaining Vermont’s cultural heritage and traditional character, ensuring that the culturally-rich land in the state is not given up to strip malls and suburban subdivisions. Carefully balancing economic and population growth, with environmental and cultural heritage concerns is vital to the success of Vermont’s land use development.