The Vermont Land Use Review Board (LURB) will host four public information sessions across
the state to introduce Vermonters to a new Act 250 review criterion that goes into effect on
January 1, 2028. Criterion 8(C) only applies to projects that already require an Act 250 permit
and does not affect when a permit is needed. This criterion is aimed at ensuring forest blocks
and habitat connectors are considered in the Act 250 review process. The LURB’s formal
rulemaking process will begin in 2027, but the LURB would like to inform and hear from
Vermonters ahead of time.
The LURB welcomes both in-person and remote participation. More information, including

remote connection details, is available online at https://act250.vermont.gov/modernizing-land-
use-review/criterion-8c-forest-blocks-and-habitat-connectors

• September 29, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Essex – Act 250 Conference Room, 111 West
  Street, Building 2, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
• September 30, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – West Burke – Burke Town Office, 212 School
  Street, West Burke, VT 05871.
• October 1, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Brattleboro – Brattleboro Town Office, 230 Main St

#108, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

• October 6, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Rutland – Regional Planning Commission Office, 16
  Evelyn St, 2nd Floor, Rutland, VT 05701.
  These informational sessions will focus on: what are forest blocks and habitat connectors and
  why are they important; what Criterion 8(C) rules must include; critical considerations for the
  drafting process; rulemaking timeline; ways to keep Vermonters updated and opportunities for
  public input. Each session will include time for questions and comments.
  Two Frequent Questions:
  Why Criterion 8(C)? The Legislature’s stated intent is to, “discourage fragmentation of the
  forest blocks and habitat connectors by encouraging clustering of development.” Will this
  mean more land is subject to Act 250 review? No. Criterion 8(C) does not change when or
  where an Act 250 permit is required.