There’s a story about forests that you’ve probably heard. Some environmentalists want to protect old trees, and leave the forests alone to sequester carbon. Others say there are good reasons for humans to actively manage forests. Those advocates include loggers and foresters, who earn their livelihoods from the land, but also scientists and other members of the environmental movement. 

But amid a heated scientific debate about what is best for forests, and for people, some researchers warn against a false dichotomy. A bill is now working its way through the Vermont Legislature. It seeks a delicate, three-part balance, setting aside sections of forest with varied degrees of permanent protection. Some would become “forever wild.” Other tracts would allow some human intervention and sustainable forestry. 

In this episode, VTDigger reporter Emma Cotton explains the different schools of thought in forest conservation. Bill Keeton, a professor of forest ecology and forestry at the University of Vermont, describes the benefits of mixed-method conservation. Sam Lincoln, formerly the deputy commissioner of Vermont’s Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation and owner of Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting, discusses some of the ethical and economic challenges of permanent easements. Ecologist Shelby Perry guides us through “forever-wild” forest.