Danielle Fitzko

The bimonthly business meeting included general updates and a round-robin discussion among steering committee members. Key topics included updates on recruitment efforts for open positions, including the VTGC motorized seat, and discussions regarding potential modifications to the executive order governing committee seats. The implementation of Move Forward Together Vermont was reviewed, focusing on identifying partnership gaps and opportunities for engagement sessions scheduled around the Vermont conference on parks, trails, and recreation, and the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance's outdoor economy summit. Additionally, discussions covered the intersection of public health and outdoor recreation, referencing national findings regarding social, physical, and mental health benefits, and models used to estimate economic impacts. Committee updates highlighted summer activities, including creative production projects, strategy development for BIPOC visitation, and efforts to mitigate impacts from strained Canadian market relations through messaging and discount promotions. State park visitation reported overall good performance, with strong instate use compensating for dips in out-of-state (Canadian) camping. Significant time was dedicated to updates on the Act 59, the Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act, including feedback from regional stakeholder meetings and ongoing synthesis by the technical advisory committee. Finally, updates from the Northern Forest Canoe Trail detailed stewardship work, including building stone steps, improving access at Marble Mill Park and Highgate Falls, executing river cleanups on the La Moyal River, and adapting plans related to flood resilience funding. Work also proceeded on the trail accessibility hub's waterway access page and trip descriptions for paddlers with disabilities.

The meeting served as the December business meeting and focused on a Year In Review session, emphasizing reflection and forward planning. Key discussions included a review of Vorex's work throughout the year, categorized into base program work, core projects, and special initiatives, against the established foundation document's impact areas (data, funding, technical assistance, and storytelling). Significant accomplishments highlighted included supporting outdoor recreation day, tracking federal-level shifts and publishing a memo regarding their impacts, funding partner work through the Northern Border Regional Commission (including innovation panels and trail video tutorials), and providing updates on the Vermont CORE Toolkit development. The status of the Vorex Community Grants Program was reviewed, noting the closure of numerous grants and the continued support for active grantees across all 14 counties. The meeting concluded with a look ahead to the next steering committee meetings, planning for the VORC action plan discussion, and preparing for the CORE Toolkit launch in early 2026.

The meeting focused on providing general updates following the 2025 Legislative Session and addressing current matters, particularly concerning Canadian visitation impacts. Key updates included the successful passage of the housing financing tool (chip, or mini TIF) aimed at infrastructure projects for housing. Discussions covered the significant decline in Canadian visitation, evidenced by a 30% drop in border crossings and a 45% decrease in cumulative hotel reservations for the year, with organic website traffic down 70%. Strategies to combat this decline and foster long-term brand stability involved developing French-language messaging, a discount/deals program for Canadians, and a specific public relations campaign. Furthermore, updates were provided on the implementation of Act 59, including the establishment of the Technical Advisory Committee and planning for regional stakeholder meetings in late July. There was also a detailed discussion regarding a recent cross-border meeting with Quebec tourism officials focused on future collaborations, specifically in agritourism and biking tourism.

The meeting included updates on recruitment of new steering committee members, with nominations accepted from Justin Suterra, Clare Rock, and Nick Mahood. Discussions covered implementation of Move Forward Together Vermont, including events and awareness initiatives. Updates were provided on the Vermont core toolkit, aimed at helping communities generate data on the economic impact of outdoor recreation. The meeting also touched on Act 59 and ebike policy edits for state lands.

The strategic plan for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Division of Forests, outlines the vision, mission, and priorities for managing Vermont's forests from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. It focuses on promoting climate resilience, expanding communication and outreach, supporting a robust forest economy, increasing conserved and sustainably managed forestland, monitoring forest health, and managing forests for the well-being of residents and visitors. The plan includes both external and internal operational priorities, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making, staff development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and maintaining staffing levels.