In the 20 years since the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board's (VHCB) inception, it has sought to provide Vermonters with affordable housing, farm- and forest-related job opportunities, as well as public access for recreation. In doing so VHCB has made a substantial investment in the enhancement of our rural economy and our quality of life.

In Washington County alone, VHCB funds have resulted in the protection of 22 farms encompassing more than 5,000 acres of agricultural land and nearly 5,000 additional acres of land protected for its natural or recreational significance. The Waterbury Conservation Commission would like to encourage the Legislature to continue to fully support this critical funding source for conservation. Funds from VHCB enable communities to leverage other public and private dollars giving them greater flexibility to work with landowners to protect places important to their community's identity.

At a time when our state is attempting to address escalating health-care costs and the adoption of a good energy policy, we can't lose sight of the important role our abundant forests and open lands play in enhancing the quality of life for all Vermonters.

Rebecca Washburn, co-chairman

Waterbury Conservation Commission