Act 250 Public Information Sessions

Written By Town Hall

Act 250 Public Information Sessions

Criterion 8(C) – Forest Blocks & Habitat Connectors

 

The Vermont Land Use Review Board (LURB) will host four public information sessions across the state to introduce Vermonters to a new Act 250 review criterion that goes into effect on January 1, 2028.  Criterion 8(C) only applies to projects that already require an Act 250 permit and does not affect when a permit is needed. This criterion is aimed at ensuring forest blocks and habitat connectors are considered in the Act 250 review process.  The LURB’s formal rulemaking process will begin in 2027, but the LURB would like to inform and hear from Vermonters ahead of time.

 

The LURB welcomes both in-person and remote participation. More information, including remote connection details, is available online at https://act250.vermont.gov/modernizing-land-use-review/criterion-8c-forest-blocks-and-habitat-connectors

 

  • September 29, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Essex – Act 250 Conference Room, 111 West Street, Building 2, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

 

  • September 30, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – West Burke – Burke Town Office, 212 School Street, West Burke, VT 05871.

 

  • October 1, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Brattleboro – Brattleboro Town Office, 230 Main St #108, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

 

  • October 6, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Rutland – Regional Planning Commission Office, 16 Evelyn St, 2nd Floor, Rutland, VT 05701. 

 

These informational sessions will focus on: what are forest blocks and habitat connectors and why are they important; what Criterion 8(C) rules must include; critical considerations for the drafting process; rulemaking timeline; ways to keep Vermonters updated and opportunities for public input.  Each session will include time for questions and comments.

 

Frequent Questions:

  • Why Criterion 8(C)?  The Legislature’s stated intent is to, “discourage fragmentation of the forest blocks and habitat connectors by encouraging clustering of development.”

 

  • Will this mean more land is subject to Act 250 review?  No.  Criterion 8(C) does not change when or where an Act 250 permit is required.

 

  • Is there a draft rule to review and comment on?  Not yet.  These information sessions are intended to provide general information and to raise awareness about the Criterion 8(C) rulemaking process that is coming in 2027.  We want Vermonters to have opportunities to learn and ask questions now.  We plan to get public feedback on draft rules in January 2027 (before we start the formal rulemaking process) and again in May 2027 (as part of the formal rulemaking process).

 

Can’t make any of the information sessions?  Have a specific question?  Reach out by phone to Alex Weinhagen, Board Member, 802-480-1885 or Kirsten Sultan, Board Member, 802-261-1946, or by email to act250.rulemaking@vermont.gov

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