Resilient Right-of-Ways

Resilient Right-of-Ways: A guide to community stewardship of Vermont backroads provides all municipalities with a better understanding of the elements we see in Vermont's roadside vegetation and the best practices that can grow and sustain resilient plants, trees, and forests in municipal right-of-ways. Informed by 200 miles of rural roadside assessments and input from over 60 local volunteers and municipally focused professionals, this guide provides resources for community stewards planning for site-specific tree and forest management that increases roadside resilience in the face of frequent disturbances (i.e. road construction, storm damage, and mowing) and long-term constraints (i.e. budget limitations, changing regulations, and increasing forest pests and disease).

Read more about right-of-way vegetation and its place in Vermont's Urban & Community Forestry program in this City Trees article, Resilient Right-of-Ways: A Tale of Urban Forestry in a Small-Town State.

Rural road in East Montpelier

Resilient Right-of-Ways Guide

Use this guide to learn more about typical roadside vegetation along Vermont's backroads and the challenges and best practices associated with maintaining them.

Resilient Right-of-Ways Guide

Roadside Vegetation Action Plans

Contact Joanne Garton with questions about the Rural Road Resilient Right-of-Ways initiative.