PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Stephanie Brackin, Communications Director
Agency of Natural Resources
stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov, 802-261-0606
Montpelier, VT (December 2, 2022) – ANR Secretary Julie Moore today announced that Commissioner Michael Snyder will be leaving his role leading the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) at the end of this month. Commissioner Snyder was first appointed to this role by Governor Peter Shumlin in January 2011; Governor Scott extended his appointment when taking office in 2017. Prior to serving as Commissioner, Snyder spent 14 years working as the Chittenden County Forester with FPR.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation for Commissioner Snyder’s twelve years of service as Commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation,” said Governor Scott. “Michael has been a strong advocate for our forest economy, outdoor recreation, and so much of what makes Vermont special. I’m grateful for his efforts and wish him all the best.”
“I am grateful to Commissioner Snyder for his quarter-century of service to this agency, including 12 years stewarding the department as Commissioner,” said Secretary Moore. “From responding to the increasing threats of climate change to Vermont’s forests to overseeing the addition of more than 12,000 acres of state forest and state park lands through 34 projects since 2011, I’m extremely proud of Michael’s work. Moreover, I am grateful for his service and, even more so, the opportunity to learn from someone so deeply passionate and knowledgeable about the Vermont landscape.”
As commissioner of FPR, Snyder played a critical role in championing several significant policy initiatives that will support and sustain Vermont’s iconic working and natural forestlands and the people who own and manage them, today and for years to come. Commissioner Snyder has also been a steadfast champion of Vermont’s role as a regional and national leader in sustainable outdoor recreation, helping harness the economic opportunity of outdoor recreation for many of Vermont’s more rural communities. In addition, during his tenure as Commissioner, annual attendance at Vermont State Parks grew by nearly 40%, from 800,000 visitors annually in 2011 to more than 1.1 million visitors this past summer.
“Serving as the Commissioner of FPR, with its dedicated and talented staff and its critically important mission, has been the highest honor of my career. I am very grateful to Secretary Moore and Governor Scott for entrusting me with this role and the opportunity to advance healthy forests, a world-class state park system, and a thriving culture of outdoor recreation in our great state.”
The next commissioner will be named at a later date.
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