Vermont’s Return on Investment in Land Conservation

The Trust for Public Land conducted an economic analysis and found that every $1 invested in land conservation by the state returns $9 in economic value in natural goods and services, such as water quality protection, flood mitigation, and food production, to the Vermont economy.

State investment in land conservation also supports critical industries in Vermont that depend on the availability of high-quality protected land and water such as forestry, farming, outdoor recreation, and tourism. Conservation investments support jobs in these important industries and reinforce Vermonters’ strong sense of place.

Diverse and productive landscapes including forests, farmland, mountains, and river valleys have been protected by the state through the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, River Corridor Easement Program, Duck Stamp Fund, and Long Trail Fund. These conservation lands provide natural goods and services, bolster forestry and farming, stimulate tourism and outdoor recreation, propel economic development, support fiscal health, enhance human health, and leverage non-state dollars.