The USDA Forest Service is inviting your comments for the proposed Northern Escarpment Ecological Restoration and Fire Resilience Project pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. The project proposes to utilize prescribed fire, non-commercial timber management and targeted herbicide application to reintroduce the conditions and processes required to allow for perpetuating and enhancing fire-adapted natural communities in the northern portion of the Green Mountain escarpment geologic feature. The project area is located on the Middlebury Ranger District, Green Mountain National Forest, Towns of Leicester, Middlebury and Salisbury, Addison County, Vermont.
An in-person public open house to learn more about the project proposal is scheduled for January 21, 2026 at 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Brandon Town Hall, 1 Conant Square, Brandon, Vermont. After a brief introduction, the open-house format will provide an informal opportunity to ask Forest Service staff questions regarding proposed activities. Maps and information will also be available for review. The intent of the open house is an information sharing opportunity to clarify the proposed action and answer any questions you may have so you may submit meaningful comments. It is not a forum to express your concerns or disagreement with the proposal.
You can also review the specifics of the project proposal, associated project map(s), other supporting information and submit comments on the Project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/projects/67318.
You are invited to provide your input during the project comment period ending February 11, 2026
