The bill H.276, titled the Vermont Climate Resilience and State Wildlands Act, aims to designate specific lands in Vermont as State wildlands and establish a framework for future designations. The General Assembly recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and biodiversity loss, emphasizing the importance of intact ecosystems for flood risk reduction, carbon sequestration, and the preservation of Vermont's natural heritage. The bill outlines the criteria for designating State wildlands, which includes all State-managed natural areas, core areas, and specific state parks and forests, while ensuring these areas are permanently protected from conversion and managed to allow natural processes to prevail.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) will manage these wildlands with minimal human interference, prohibiting activities such as timber harvesting and alteration of water bodies. It also allows for the future designation of additional wildlands based on public input and evidence of ecological consistency. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting a commitment to long-term conservation and ecological integrity in Vermont's landscape.