February 9, 2023

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m.

Tourism Day – Representative Jerome

·       Taking place March 22 – Rural Caucus members are encouraged to mark their calendars and attend. This is in collaboration with the Vermont Chamber.

·       Looking to fill the State House with individuals from each sectors of the tourism industry (housing, lodging, restaurants, outdoor, education, etc.)

·       General Overview of the Day Includes:

o   11-1: Attendees are encouraged to have lunch with their legislators (likely a grab and go style from the cafeteria)

o   1-3: Testimonials from attendees within the industry

o   4: Reception

·       The Governor’s Office has also been made aware and some additional arrangements are being made to incorporate

·       If Rural Caucus members have anyone specific in the industry that they would like invited, let Representative Jerome know

·       Any follow up thoughts/questions can go to Representative Jerome or Megan Sullivan

Forest Future Strategic Roadmap – Commissioner Danny Fitzko

·       The Forest Future Strategic Roadmap initially started within the Rural Caucus in 2021 when the Caucus was exploring ways to support the forest economy

·       At that time, members heard about workforce, again, the next generation, cost of doing business, regulatory barriers, losing capacity to process wood, and more

·       Legislation was developed which charged FPR to develop a roadmap for a 10-year vision for forest product sub sector and return with actionable strategies that can be implemented

·       Full transparency during this work, this is a plan with/for Vermonter

·       Currently in the planning and engagement process of the timeline and aiming for a final report in February 2024

·       Overview of planning process

o   Explore perceptions

o   Public Survey

o   Review of related past reports

o   Upcoming public meetings, focus groups, etc.

·       Advisory Panel includes 22 members that meet on a monthly basis

·       Determining key drivers over the next ten years and pillars for action

·       Looking to explore ways to engage with Rural Caucus

o   Specifically aligning next Advisory Panel with a Rural Caucus meeting

·       Slides from the presentation will be shared with the Rural Caucus members

H.126 Updates - Representative Seth Bongartz

·       Bill passed last year in both House and Senate

·       Overview of current need in Vermont (and nationwide) due to impact to animals, ecosystem, etc.

·       United Nations has a 30x30 concept – must preserve 30% of the world’s nature state

o   This bill brings this concept to a local level within Vermont

·       Vermont Conservation Design – reviewing maps of Vermont and connected forest blocks where there are key surface waters and identifying areas to maintain

·       Typography of Vermont various throughout so there is a need to identify these key areas

·       Losing about 15,000 football fields worth of forest land due to development each year

Naked Table – Charlie Shackleton, Bridgewater & Christine McGowan, VT Sustainable Jobs Fund

·       Founded Naked Table (registered non-profit) project 12 years ago in Woodstock to connect people to each other and the environment by making things by hand

·       Offers a day to bring makers (and partners) together to have a meal on the newly made tables to highlight forest industry

·       This year primary partner is Habitat for Humanity

·       Hoping to offer this event on the State House lawn September 24

·       The wood for the project is being harvested from the property of Patrick Leahy

·       An opportunity to bring many different parties together

·       Christine McGowan, VT Sustainable Jobs Fund:

o   Idea is to bring people together and connect them to the forest economy

o   Hope is Rural Caucus members will participate in the event and encourage others to attend

·       Currently seeking sponsors for this year’s event

·       Goal is to have representation throughout Vermont

·       Representative Hooper will serve as liaison between Rural Caucus and the Naked Table project

Other Updates

·       Representative Sims is looking for additional signatures for the EMS Stabilization Bill which will be circulated later today

·       Representative Sims is also looking for signatures for the CTE/TRADE bill which is available on

·       EMS stabilization bill

·       CTE/Trade – innovative bill – also looking for signatures – on Representative Dolan desk - Seat 140