New England towns and cities are experiencing changing climate and weather patterns; Vermont is predicted to become warmer and wetter, storms are projected to become more frequent and intense, pest pressure and periods of extreme heat are expected to increase, and the frequency and severity of short- and long-term drought will increase as well.  These changes will likely alter the species composition and structure of our urban forests.

To help Vermont’s communities prepare for these changes, VT UCF has developed materials, compiled resources, and is providing technical assistance to communities for developing Community Preparedness Plans for storms and invasive forest pests, such as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). A Forest Pest Management Plan, for example, outlines a municipality’s goals and objectives and the actions it will take to meet the current or anticipated impact of forest pests on its urban and community forests. With the EAB now in Vermont, a plan will enable a town to address public and private needs in an efficient and effective manner.