INTRODUCTION

Vermont's landscape is a mix of both old and new, representing progress and tradition. In many rural areas views have changed little over the past centuries. In our villages and towns reminders and layers of the past link us not only to a local and state history, but a common national heritage. This blending of tradition and change gives Vermont special qualities, felt and cherished by residents and visitors alike.

Vermonters realize the importance of their rural landscape. Concerned and active residents responded to the challenge of protecting the environment during the 1960's and 70's enacting the bottle bill, restricting roadside billboards, and implementing the strict safeguards of Act 250. Today, because of these efforts and others the natural beauty and ecology is carefully considered as Vermont continues to grow.

In the news media, in the legislature and at town meetings, concerns over the dissapearence of farmland, development pressures, taxes and the need for more and better planning have brought these issues to the forefront. Yet the argument is too often made that Vermont must chose between its rural landscape and economic growth. The polarization and labeling of "developer" versus "enviromentalist" can only obscure the real issues before us. Increasingly, residents and officals must understand and be able to balance both concerns, blending them wisely into the future.

Vermont is now experiencing a new wave of urban and suburban influnces on a scale that many other northeastern states witnessed two decades ago. We are fortunate to have much of our historic landscape in tact, while at the same time having not only the potential for growth, but the will and means to shape the changes. This booklet focuses on conservation of the rural and historic landscape, but it is not against growth. Economic growth continues to be a major goal of the state, as it should be. The challenge arises as we shape and control growth.

There are both traditional and creative methods for managing change. Some work well, while others may not adapt to rural situations and may need to be adjusted to special circumstances. As towns welcome new growth they face a wide range of affects including increased traffic, demands for new and improved services and economic competition to the traditional business centers. In the countryside, where agriculture and open land dominate the landscape, planning methods address the relationship between the buildings, open land, farms and forests. Rural preservation as a national issue has formed both new techniques and creative uses of more common approaches.

While one particular method or program may address a given situation, to be most effective, a total approach is most useful. Using the framework provided by the town plan, communities can identify and plan for individual needs and create new ways to protect what they consider important for the future.

The key to any successful planning effort is an active citizenery willing to express themselves and bring together a wide range of people. Local, state and national organizations can be extremely helpful during the process for information, assistance and funding to make a community's efforts successful.

RURAL PRESERVATION: SHAPING VERMONT'S FUTURE including this resource booklet and the accompanying narrated slide presentation are intended as a guide to inspire and assist Vermont citizens and town officals as they set about to find the balance between what we value today and what we may need for the future.

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The Vermont Heritage Network
The University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program
Wheeler House, University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-3180
http://www.uvm.edu/~vhnet
E-mail To: vhnet@zoo.uvm.edu