Vermonters, Tell Your Legislator: Invest in Farms and Housing

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Dear Vermonters,

Have you ever been to the statehouse in Montpelier?  Do you know your legislators? Regardless of whether you answer “yes” or “no,” you probably value many things about living in this small state, and you might be interested to know that there is a great chance coming up to step into the gold dome on State Street and share and hear stories about some of these things – in particular, land conservation and affordable housing.

On Wednesday, February 26, 2014 the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition will hold its annual Legislative Day at the Statehouse in Montpelier.  The coalition consists of a unique group of nonprofits – housing organizations and land conservation groups – that receive state grants from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), a unique dual-goal agency.  VHCB, now celebrating its 25th year, has been a primary driver for Vermont’s status as a national leader for affordable housing and community development linked with land conservation and historic preservation.

LaMountain Farm, Thetford - Conserved in 1989 by Rita and Earl LaMountain and UVLT with funding from VHCB. Asked why they chose to conserve this productive place for future farmers, Rita offered: “We love to look at it and we want to think that it’ll always be open.”

LaMountain Farm, Thetford – Conserved in 1989 by Rita and Earl LaMountain and UVLT with funding from VHCB. Asked why they chose to conserve this productive place for future farmers, Rita offered: “We love to look at it and we want to think that it’ll always be open.”

The Upper Valley Land Trust has brought state and federal investment, through VHCB grants, to the Upper Valley since 1989.  By working closely with farmers and foresters and community groups, UVLT has helped conserve places that grow and produce local foods and wood products, and provide places for affordable and well-built housing, all while promoting shared access to open space, outdoor recreation, and community involvement. Conservation efforts underway in Hartland and Pomfret will push the total acreage conserved with VHCB over 10,000 acres!

We invite you to join us as we head to Montpelier to share our stories of the good work that has come from the partnerships with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, and let legislators know just how this type of investment in Vermont does indeed benefit everyone.  Want to learn more?  Join us and join the conversations.  By attending Legislative Day, you will show lawmakers what matters – people who value the state’s investment in the production of healthy local foods, revitalization for land-based economies, and the development of sustainable and equitable communities.

Conservation Vice President Peg Merrens and Project Manager Sara Cavin will be driving from the Upper Valley on February 26, and welcome anyone who wishes to carpool with us – just contact Sara at 603-643-6626 x. 114 or email Sara for details.

LaMountain Farm, Thetford – view across conserved farmland in 2013.

LaMountain Farm, Thetford – view across conserved farmland in 2013.