Vermont State Parks

  PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release – May 24, 2023 Contact: Josh Halman, Forest Health Lead Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation 802-279-9999, josh.halman@vermont.gov   Emerald Ash Borer in Vermont: Preventing the Spread and Removing Hazardous Trees Montpelier, VT – In an effort to address the threat posed by the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation urges both residents and visitors to stay informed and follow recommendations. As part of the Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week, May 22 to May 28, 2023, Vermont renews its commitment to safeguarding its ash tree population, while increasing public safety. "We understand the importance of ash trees to Vermont's forests, and the threat posed by the emerald ash borer cannot be ignored," said Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. "We are taking proactive steps to protect public safety and slow the spread

BRATTLEBORO, VT - “Brewing up adventure” isn’t just a motto for Whetstone Beer Co., it’s a way of life. Partners David Hiler, and Tim and Amy Brady were brought together by not just a love of beer, but also a love of adventure. Their years of exploring the beauty of Vermont State Parks has led them to launch the Pints for Parks project, a partnership benefitting Vermont State Parks through Vermont Parks Forever. Pints for Parks kicks off on May 6, at Jamaica State Park. Pints for Parks is a collaboration between Whetstone Beer Co. and Vermont State Parks, where twice per year Whetstone will focus on a different State Park to create a unique, limited-edition beer celebrating that specific park. In addition, Whetstone will donate proceeds from all Pints for Parks beer to VT State Parks’ partner charity, Vermont Parks Forever.  “We are very excited about the Pints for Parks program and the opportunity to partner with Whetstone Beer Co. This program is a terrific way to celebrate Vermont

Contact: Becca Washburn Becca Washburn, Director of Lands Administration and Recreation Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation becca.washburn@vermont.gov , 802-793-3432 Montpelier, VT – Despite the late arrival of winter to Vermont, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) wants to remind the public that mud season is here and many trails around the state are closed. During mud season, which can run until Memorial Day in upper elevations, hiking and biking trails are extremely wet and muddy due to the combined effects of snow melt, thawing ground, and seasonal rain. We ask the public to avoid muddy, soft trails to protect sensitive vegetation and ensure trails are in good shape for the upcoming hiking and biking season.  "We encourage the public to get outside this spring, but to avoid closed and muddy trails," said Becca Washburn, FPR’s Director of Lands Administration and Recreation. "Enjoy the spring sunshine on open trails, like p

This year is the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a public works program that operated from 1933 to 1942 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It targeted single men, 18-25 years old, and WWI veterans in relief of families who had difficulty finding jobs during the Great Depression. The program provided unskilled manual labor in environmental conservation and the development of natural resources in rural lands. During Roosevelt's first 100 days he signed the Emergency Conservation Work (ECW) Act, commonly known as the Civilian Conservation Corps. FDR proposed the CCC to Congress on March 21, went through both houses of Congress and landed on Roosevelt's desk to be signed on March 31, 1933. He proposed to recruit thousands of unemployed young men, enroll them in a peacetime army, and send them into battle against destruction and erosion of our natural resources. "I propose to create a Civilian Conservati

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public works program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, which was part of an economic program to improve the economy and provide jobs after the Great Depression. The Vermont State Forester, Perry Merrill’s vision to bring CCC crews to Vermont came to fruition quickly with an original slate of around 750 corps members swelling to 40,868 men around the state by 1942. Corps of men, recruited mostly from urban areas, came to Vermont to plant trees, build state parks, and construct other important infrastructure. Some of the regimens were World War I veterans recruited from the front lines of combat. One of those regimens was the 1351 Company, an African American group from Virginia bought to Vermont to build the East Barre Dam.   In July 1933, 300 African American CCC boys stepped off a train in Barre and were greeted by curious Barre residents. The Commanding Officer, Captain E.C. Black led the men in the hand construction

Nordic Skiing at Seyon Lodge   Visit A Rustic Lodge Seyon Lodge State Park , Groton VT Seyon Lodge is unique in the park system: a cozy lodge with 8 rooms, delicious, locally sourced meals, fly-fishing in summer on Noyes Pond, and an excellent trails system year-round. Seyon is open year round, and is a popular destination for weddings and group events like craft weekends and yoga classes. In winter, you can also make a day trip to to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat biking.  Seyon Lodge Trails map Seyon Lodge handles all its' own reservations, please call the park with any questions at (802) 584-3829.  Learn more about Seyon here Seyon Lodge interior Try Ice Climbing Ice climbing at Smugglers' Notch Near  Smugglers’ Notch State Park , Stowe VT The cliffs around Smugglers’ Notch are popular ice climbing spots in winter. Check out the Smugglers' Notch Annual Ice Bash and learn ice climbing basics. Snowmobiling Parks to try:  Coolidge State Par