The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is responsible for the conservation, and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the state park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning, coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands. Department employees are stationed throughout Vermont including offices in Waterbury and at five regional locations.

The Department has four divisions:

The Forestry Division coordinates the planning and implementation of all stewardship activities on more than 300,000 acres of state-owned forest land. The division provides technical assistance to private landowners, at their request, to help them manage their properties. It administers the Use Value Appraisal Program on private land, involving more that 9,000 landowners and 1.4 million acres. The Urban and Community Forestry Program provides assistance to communities for the planning, planting and care of street trees and town greenscape trees. The Forest Resource Protection section is responsible for detecting, reporting on and monitoring stresses on trees and forests due to insects, diseases, air pollution and fire. Marketing and Utilization section personnel inventory and promote the manufacture of forest products in the state and assist businesses, communities and others on issues related to wood products and energy generation from wood.

The State Lands Division conducts Agency of Natural Resource (ANR) lands acquisitions, coordinates long-range management planning for ANR lands and updates state comprehensive outdoor recreation planning. It is responsible for property surveys and boundary and deed research, produces maps and maintains property records of ANR lands, and administers leases and licenses for special uses of ANR lands.

The State Parks Division provides outdoor recreation facilities, primarily through Vermont’s popular State Parks. The division manages 52 Vermont State Parks .The Division is charged with offering high quality opportunities for outdoor recreation that is compatible with the conservation of Vermont’s natural resources and aesthetics, provides environmental education and information and supports the economies and values of local communities. State parks promote, operate and maintain a large and complex system of conserved lands and historic and modern facilities enjoyed by well over half a million visitors every year.

The Administration Division supports the other three divisions with oversight, direction and coordination of policy, legal, contractual and financial operations. It supports the information and education functions through print and electronic communications. The division processes and maintains records for accounts and budgets. Administration also oversees the Vermont Recreation Trails Grant Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program. It is directed by the Commissioner of the Department.