Land Use - Current Use - Use Value Appraisal A misunderstood Program

One of the most misunderstood programs offered to Vermont land owners is the

“CURRENT USE – LAND USE – USE VALUE APPRAISAL Program

So many times, I have heard:

(1)   “No one is going to tell me what to do with my land”

     (2.)   “I will not participate in a giveaway program”

      (3.)  “I have seen no evidence of tree disease in my forest”

(1.)  Actually, you design a plan for your property with the help of knowledgeable professionals and all that is asked is that you conform to your plan.  It could be as simple as just allowing the forest to grow for an extended period of time.

(2.)  If you think about the program, it makes sense to pay taxes on the land for what it’s use is rather than what someone might pay if it was developed.  Please read the attached information from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to better understand the program.

(3.)  Many of the trees in Vermont already have diseases i.e. butternut, beeches, hemlock, maple, elm and now the Emerald Ash Borer which is destined to kill our ash trees in the next few years.  Who better to help monitor your forest than professional foresters who are knowledgeable and deal with these situations on a daily basis.

https://fpr.vermont.gov/forest/your_woods/use_value_appraisal