Working Forests

Local Wood, Local Good

At 85% forested, Stowe is rich in forestlands. They are one of our most important ecological, economic, and social assets.

Working forests are managed for timber and other products, all while providing a host of other benefits including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, flood control, carbon sequestration, beautiful scenery, and more.

Forest-based recreation and tourism like skiing, mountain biking, and leaf peeping have replaced Stowe’s local wood manufacturing industry that prospered in the 19th century. Still, Stowe’s working forests continue to be important sources of local lumber, firewood, maple syrup, and wild edibles. Private woodlands—along with publicly-owned State and Town Forests—are all significant contributors to Stowe’s forested landscape. Much of forestland in our area is enrolled in the State’s Use Value Appraisal Program.

Stowe Land Trust protects productive forestland that can help support a sustainable and innovative forest-based economy.