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
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* 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).