The bill H.70 proposes to amend the definition of "conserved land" in Vermont law to include land that is enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal Program. This change aims to enhance the conserved land inventory by recognizing agricultural land and forestland that are managed sustainably under this program. Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of "natural resource management area" to include such lands and revises the term "conserved" by removing the requirement for permanent protection, allowing for a broader interpretation that includes various long-term land protection mechanisms.

Additionally, the bill establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025, for these changes to take effect. By incorporating lands under the Use Value Appraisal Program into the definition of conserved land, the bill seeks to support community resiliency and biodiversity protection efforts in Vermont, aligning with the state's conservation goals.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-2801