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Forest Block, Connectivity, and Resiliency Resources
Forest blocks are areas of contiguous forest and other natural systems (e.g. wetlands, ponds, ledges, etc.) that are not fragmented by roads, development, or agriculture (Sorenson et al., 2015; BioFinder/Vermont Conservation Design Team., 2019). Large forest blocks provide essential habitat for forest interior and wide-ranging wildlife species and species sensitive to human encroachment. Taken in concert with Vermont’s priority surface waters and riparian areas—see the Water, Wetland, and Riparian Resources—the interconnected network of large forest blocks, riparian corridors, and other natural systems allow for movement of wildlife and plants across the landscape, as well as continuity of other ecological processes critical to Vermont’s forests, biodiversity, and climate resiliency. This inter-connected network of forest blocks is also vitally important for sustaining ecological processes that provide important services to people, such as sequestering and storing carbon, growing forest products, and helping to maintain air quality, water quality, and flood resilience (Vermont Forests, Parks & Recreation Department, 2015). References
BioFinder/Vermont Conservation Design Team. 2019 BioFinder 3.0 Development Report. Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Montpelier, VT.
Sorenson, E., Zaino, R., Hilke, J. and E. Thompson. 2015. Vermont Conservation Design-Part 1: Landscape Features Technical Report. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Montpelier, VT.
Vermont Forests, Parks & Recreation Department. 2015. Vermont Forest Fragmentation Report: Report to the Vermont Legislature, submitted to House and Senate Committees on Natural Resources and Energy and the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife, and Water Resources.
Vermont Wildlife Action Plan Team. 2015. Vermont Wildlife Action Plan 2015. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Montpelier, VT. |