Over 100 people attended the meeting on Tuesday, March 22, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Rochester Elementary School gymnasium about the Robinson Integrated Resource Project. The Forest Service is hearing public input to help them identify specific land management activities on National Forest lands such as timber harvesting, enhancement of wildlife habitat, soil and stream restoration, and improvements to roads and trails. These activities would be scheduled for completion over a five- to seven-year period. Forest Service staff is also interested in working with willing private landowners to consider possible management activities on their land that could complement National Forest land management objectives.
District Ranger Chris Mattrick began the meeting with a brief introduction about the project followed by an opportunity for the public to visit with Forest Service staff representing various resources. Maps and information were be available for review at resource tables set up in the gymnasium. There was also staff from other agencies and non-government organizations to provide information regarding opportunities to manage private and state lands within the project area including USDA-NRCS, TRORC, White River Partnership, National Wild Turkey Federation, US Fish & Wildlife, VT Horse Council, Vermont Departments of Environmental Conservation and Fish and Wildlife, Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance (RASTA), GMC, VAST, and VASA. If you have questions or would like more information about the Robinson Integrated Resource Project public open house, contact Jay Strand at 802-767-4261, ext. 522, or email at [email protected]. https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48884
