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 also mandating that these areas be permanently protected from conversion and managed to allow natural processes to prevail.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) will oversee the management of these wildlands, prohibiting activities such as timber harvesting and alteration of water bodies. It also provides for the future designation of wildlands upon the acquisition of new parcels adjacent to existing wildlands, ensuring that these areas are managed in accordance with the chapter's purpose. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting a commitment to long-term ecological conservation and climate resilience in Vermont.