What is silviculture?

The growing and harvesting of trees or timber under proper forest management for purposes other than their fruit in accordance with accepted management practices for silviculture (forestry) as defined by the Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation [§4413(d)], including the construction of logging roads and bridges, provided the roads and bridges are used exclusively for agriculture or forestry. For purposes of these bylaws, the term “Forestry” shall also include the use of temporary processing equipment including, but not limited to, portable sawmills, wood chippers, and wood splitters which are used in association with harvesting operations and which are removed from the site once harvesting operations are complete.

Why does it matter?

Individuals conducting silviculture do not fall under local land use and development jurisdiction, but rather must conform to the State’s rules and requirements, otherwise known as the Timber Harvesting in Vermont – Summary of Laws and Regulations and  Acceptable Management Practices For Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont .

*Please note that areas cut within the Water Resource Overlay District as a part of a “logging operation” shall be reestablished and permitted to re-vegetate to its natural state.