Large, Connected Forests – Why They Matter

 

Not all forests are created equal. Small woodlots and roadside trees provide some habitat, but large, unbroken forests—called Interior Forest Blocks—support a far greater diversity of species and allow natural processes to play out more fully.

In larger forests, species like black bears, bobcats, and deep-woods songbirds can thrive without the pressures of roads, development, and human disturbance. These forests also store carbon, regulate water cycles, and give plants and animals room to adapt to changing conditions.

But not all interior forests are the same. Vermont’s geologic diversity—from limestone valleys to granite ridges—creates a wide range of soil types, moisture levels, and growing conditions. Keeping these diverse landscapes connected ensures that as the climate shifts, species can move to find the habitats they need.

Connectivity is key to maintaining ecological functioning. Even the largest forest blocks can’t function in isolation. Wildlife needs to move, seeds need to disperse, and natural communities need space to shift over time. But roads, buildings, and clearings can break these connections, leaving species trapped in shrinking, isolated patches.

The Vermont Conservation Design prioritizes keeping large forests intact and connected so that Vermont’s natural landscapes continue to support wildlife, clean air and water, and ecological resilience for generations to come.

Take a look at the BioFinder map to see where the important interior forests and habitat connections are near you: https://anr.vermont.gov/maps-and-mapping/biofinder