The bill H.434, introduced by a group of Vermont Representatives, aims to amend the existing laws governing conservation lands funded by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. The proposed legislation mandates that all conservation lands purchased with grant funds must be encumbered with specific covenants. These covenants will ensure that activities such as hunting, trapping, and fishing are permitted in accordance with state law, and that recreational trail systems are maintained at or above their current levels. Additionally, if ecological needs arise that require the removal of a trail section, it must be replaced with an equivalent length of trail, and existing recreational infrastructure must be preserved unless there is a compelling ecological reason to alter it.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that timber harvesting is an acceptable management practice for these lands, provided there are no ecological imperatives against it. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025. This legislation reflects a commitment to balancing conservation efforts with recreational opportunities and sustainable land management practices in Vermont.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-321