Meet the 7 Largest Landowners in Vermont

Who’s in control of the future of Vermont’s landscape?

Vermont has majestic forests, ski-worthy mountains, and a plethora of covered bridges to explore. It’s become a popular tourist destination for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking trails, campgrounds, and breathtaking vistas are just a few of the outdoor activities available.

If residents and visitors want to keep enjoying this state’s pristine beauty, it’ll be up to the top landowners to help make that possible. Who are the big players when it comes to land ownership in Vermont? Let’s find out!

Read on to learn about the top seven landowners in Vermont.

1. Vermont Land Trust — 620,000 Acres

The Vermont Land Trust, a non-profit environmental organization, oversees 620,000 acres. The Vermont Land Trust began in 1977. Its purpose is to conserve land and foster lifelong connections to the farms, forests, and natural areas that define Vermont. They’ve saved over 620,000 acres of land throughout the state. This accounts for 11% of Vermont’s total acreage!

The agency works for the common good of land and people. They collaborate with communities to conserve land. The Vermont Land Trust also supports farmers by helping them to buy land and retain land ownership. They also assist with improving the overall health of the soil, water, and air.

The Vermont Land Trust’s core values — service, trust, communication, and fairness — guide the work they do every day. They strive to bring integrity to their work by delivering high-quality services. They also build and maintain trust with the communities they serve.

Public Woodlands and Forests

Over 75% of Vermont’s land is forested, and most is privately owned. And the Vermont Land Trust protects 440,000 acres of forests. This area includes 1,400 miles of forest streams. By working with landowners to help protect forests, the Vermont Land Trust ensures a bright future for the state’s landscape!

2. Federal Government — 465,888 Acres

The federal government oversees 465, 888 acres in Vermont. When you combine the federal lands with the state’s public lands, there are over 800,000 acres available for the residents and visitors to enjoy. That’s 7.8% of Vermont’s total land!

Most of the federal land is managed by the Forest Service (88.1%). Next, there’s the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (7.3%), the Department of Defense (2.4%), and the National Park Service (2.1%). Since 1990, this land area has grown a remarkable 34.4%. This makes it an increasingly important part of Vermont’s landscape — literally and figuratively!

Green Mountain National Forest

Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) is a majestic area that spans over 400,000 acres. This stunning area is home to diverse flora and fauna habitats. It even provides clean water resources for towns nearby. A wide variety of wildlife lives here, too, such as beaver, moose, coyote, black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse.

The best part is that the Green Mountain National Forest is growing! The Trust for Public Land, a Vermont state government agency, recently facilitated the U.S. Forest Service’s purchase of three privately owned parcels. The parcels were in Pownal and Stamford and came under ownership with the help of $2.1 million in congressional funding.

This purchase is a victory for conservationists and nature lovers. It ensures that the Green Mountain National Forest will remain an essential part of Vermont’s landscape for many years. This move also helps protect the Appalachian and the Long Trail. The purchase helps to provide a buffer between these beloved hiking trails and real estate developments.

3. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources — 350,000 Acres

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources manages 350,000 acres of land in 200 towns across Vermont. All these state lands are managed to ensure sustainable usage and future forestry values. These public lands, whether a few acres or thousands, provide numerous benefits.

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources land benefits include:

• Wildlife Viewing
• Improved Air and Water Quality
• Recreational Opportunities
• Economic Boost
• Sustainable Development
• Nature Preservation

What They Do

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources takes a holistic approach to land management. They help protect the public interest, provide economic benefits, and promote ecological soundness. They also work with the timber industry to ensure sustainable harvesting practices.

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources land practices include but aren’t limited to:

• Recreational Trail Maintenance
• Road Maintenance
• Commercial Timber Production
• Prescribed Fires
• Pest Control
• Invasive Plant Control
• Tree Planting
• Habitat Enhancement
• Advocating for Recreational Activities

All this takes place while preserving its forests, wildlife, and natural environment. Engaging in these activities helps keep other forests healthy and vibrant, ensuring the land is available for generations.

4. Weyerhaeuser — 90,000 Acres

Weyerhaeuser owns nearly 100,000 acres throughout Vermont. The company began over a century ago with 900,000 acres of timberland and three employees. Now they’re one of the most significant sustainable forest product producers worldwide. After merging with Plum Creed Timber Company, their total land ownership nationwide exceeds 1 million acres. Weyerhaeuser also has land in New Hampshire, Maine, West Virginia, and Vermont.

5. Sweet Tree Holdings — 24,000 Acres

Sweet Tree Holdings is another one of the top landowners in Vermont. They care for over 24,000 acres of sugarbush. Sweet Tree Holdings is the biggest single-source producer worldwide. Located in Island Pond, Vermont, the company has a reputation for producing some of the best organic maple syrup! They have 500,000 taps that are currently active. And all of their sap comes directly from their 24,000 acres of the certified organic sugar bush.

6. Von Trapp Family House — 2,500 Acres

Last, we have a famous location on our list of the top landowners in Vermont. The Von Trapp family’s property includes 2,500 acres of gorgeous landscape. At 76, Johannes von Trapp proudly runs the renowned Trapp Family Lodge near Stowe, Vermont. He’s the oldest son of Maria and Baron Georg Johannes von Trapp.

Back in the 1940s, the family was on tour in the United States. They toured as the “Trapp Family Singers” before settling in Stowe. In 1950, they began welcoming guests to a rustic 27-room family home/lodge. After a destructive fire in 1980, it was replaced by the new Trapp Family Lodge.

The new property features a stunning 96-room alpine lodge. To this day, it remains a beautiful destination for visitors worldwide. The location provides a delightful break from everyday life. There are stunning nature scenes and tasty cuisines. Guests get to enjoy delicious Austrian cuisine prepared with local ingredients.

The Von Trapp Family are also dedicated stewards of their land and, as such, take the utmost care to maintain their property and preserve the surrounding forest. Their commitment to conservation is evident in all facets of the lodge. For example, they serve locally sourced ingredients in their restaurant. You’ll also find energy-efficient practices implemented throughout the entire property.

7. Shelburne Farms — 1,400 Acres

Shelburne Farms cover 3,800 acres in Vermont. And the land that makes up Shelburne Farms has a deep and rich history. It all began 2.6 million years ago when glaciers moved across the landscape, forming its unique terrain. Evidence of human life in the Champlain Valley stretches back 12,000 years to the Abenaki people, who were the original inhabitants of this area.

In the late 18th century, Europeans settled in the Champlain Valley and soon after cleared the land for farming and development. By 1840, Shelburne was a bustling town with farms producing fruit and grain crops. In 1886, Dr. William Seward Webb purchased what is now known as Shelburne Farms. He proceeded to combine 32 of the farms into a 3,800-acre agricultural estate.

However, things began to change. As a result of rising financial pressures, the family had to move away from maintaining the main house and barns. By the 1950s, the focus was all on raising dairy and beef animals. This proved to be a successful venture.

In 1972, Webb’s descendants decided to open and share Shelburne Farms with the world and give it a new purpose. In 1984 the family contributed the property to the nonprofit educational organization that owns it today. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to attend one of their educational events about sustainable living! You’ll learn something new and get to see a gorgeous location.

Summary of the 7 Largest Landowners in Vermont

Here is a list of the 7 largest landowners in the state of Vermont:

Final Thoughts: Top Landowners in Vermont

Now you know about the top landowners in Vermont! There are a lot of trees in this state, with 75% of the land covered in forests. Most of this land is privately owned, and families and agencies often work together to care for these woodlands. Vermont works hard to support its woodland owners, helping them take the best possible care of the environment. Together, they have a huge responsibility, and they work as a team to keep the beautiful forests safe.

The Vermont Land Trust is a leader in conservation, which collaborates with communities to conserve land, supports farmers to help them buy and retain land, and assists with improving the health of soil, water, and air. There’s also the Agency of Natural Resources, which is committed to providing access to public lands for all Vermonters.

There are a few top private landowners worth mentioning too. Pleasant Valley Farms oversees over 5,144 acres, Shelburne Farm manages 3,800 acres, and Dubois Farm is home to 3,100. The most famous private acreage in New England is the Von Trapp Family House, with 2,500 acres.

And, of course, we can’t forget about the role the federal government plays, with the Green Mountain National Forest and Finger Lakes National Forest bringing stunning wildlife, plants, and scenery to the area.

So when you’re in Vermont, take a moment to recognize all of these incredible efforts that go into protecting this beautiful landscape. To learn more about the state, check out the articles below!

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