INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 1987 NEW ENGLAND EXCHANGE

Introduction

The Ottauquechee Region of Vermont has a scenic landscape and rural quality of life that are treasured by local residents and visitors alike. The allure of the region, and the state as a whole, lies, in part, in its picturesque mix of farmland and forests.

Growth in the towns of Bridgewater, Pomfret, and Woodstock is occurring rapidly, spurred by development of neighboring towns. To the east, the Connecticut River Valley area is growing in quantum leaps. To the west lies the largest ski area in the eastern United States – Killington – where second home development and the ski industry are “booming.”

Observations

Like other places in Vermont, the region is losing much of its farmland, a key element of its pastoral beauty. Development, land speculation, and a poor agricultural economy are the driving forces in this process.

Although there is considerable local involvement in planning in certain towns, sporadic development on the outskirts of the towns and along highways is occurring. Land prices and housing costs are rising at such a rapid rate that young adults have difficulty finding affordable housing in the towns where they grew up. While many communities welcome new development and its associated economic benefits, there is a growing, palpable level of despair by community members that they are losing control over the future of their towns.

The pressures on the region are being generated by powerful development trends which are regional and national in their scope. Local planning is insufficient to oppose these trends. The region needs a rational planning framework within which responsible decisions on local land use can be made. The current state land-use and development law provides a measure of public review of development proposals, but its looks at one project at a time – not at the regional or local effects.

Key Issues

• Conserving the countryside for residents and visitors.
• Guiding growth and development to sites where impacts are acceptable.
• Diversifying and developing the rural economy.
• Supporting and strengthening the existing agriculture industry.
• Provide affordable housing for local Vermonters.

Recommendations

A State Conservation and Development Plan should be developed immediately. Such a plan would require both regional and local plans to be consistent with general state policies on growth, resource use and protection, housing and economic development, and transportation and community services. The state plan should include significant financial support and major economic incentives for guiding growth in communities. A State Planning Office with a clear and strong statutory mandate should be established.

A State Scenic Area (SSA) Division should be established in the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Key provisions of this would include: involving local citizens in applying for SSA designations; writing and supplying funding for resource and development plans; exempting from property taxes all farmers who signed long-term agreements to continue to manage their land for agriculture; developing a public education program; and, assist new and existing businesses within the SSA through an active venture capital program.

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©2002 Glynwood Center