MONTPELIER – The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is now accepting public comments on the proposed state rule amendment to the Acceptable Management Practices (AMPs) for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont. FPR invites the public to attend one of three public gatherings held this January to learn more about AMPs and to add their voice to the conversation.
AMPs are designed to prevent sediment, petroleum products, and woody debris that may be associated with logging operations from entering Vermont’s waters. Adopted as rules for Vermont’s water quality statutes in 1987, these rules have been critically important in protecting Vermont’s water quality during harvesting for over 30 years through collaboration among the landowners, foresters and loggers who have implemented them. They were last amended in October 2016. However, it was discovered during training sessions on implementing these new rules that there were additional changes that could improve the understanding and implementation of AMP practices. These changes will be explained at the upcoming public gatherings, where the public is invited to participate and add their comments.
The proposed amendment to the AMPs can be found at http://fpr.vermont.gov/forest/vermonts_forests/amps and posted with the Secretary of State at https://www.sec.state.vt.us/. More information on the public meetings can be found below.
Comments can also be sent by mail, email or fax to:
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
Attn: Dave Wilcox
1 National Life Drive, Suite 200
Montpelier, VT 05620-3801
E-mail: david.wilcox@vermont.gov
Fax: (802) 828-1399
Public Comments are due by end of business day - February 2, 2018
Public Meeting Schedule:
Lyndon State College – Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Burke Mountain Room, 5:00 – 7:30pm
1001 College Road
Lyndonville, VT 05851
Howe Center – Thursday, January 18, 2018
Rail room, 5:00-7:30pm
1 Scale Avenue
Rutland, VT 05701
UVM Extension Office– Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Classroom, 5:00 – 7:30pm
327 US Route 302
Berlin, VT 05641