National Forest Allows

More Sugaring This Yr.

The Green Mountain National Forest recently renewed five maple tapping permits and is working with Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association, Sen. Patrick Leahy’s office, and other groups to look at areas for expansion of maple production within the Forest.

This decision would please the late U. S. Sen. George D. Aiken, who used to refer tountapped maples as "lazy trees."

As the demand for maple products rises, said Catherine Stevens of the Vermont Maple Syrup Industry, "The state is becoming more developed and there are fewer lands available for sugaring." said Stevens. So the industry is looking to state and federal public lands to provide areas for sugaring.

Four out of five permitted sugarbushes are in operation within the Green Mountain National Forest this spring, a total of 3720 taps, with the possibility of yielding 770 gallons, around $30,000 of revenue with current maple prices. The taps are located in Lincoln Stockbridge, Pomfret, and Mount Tabor and the Forest management is considering reopening two to three additional historic maple tapping sites.

"The Forest hopes to become a larger player in providing trees for the maple production industry, and help contribute to the local economy said Forest Supervisor Meg Mitchell.

"During fluctuating markets and uncertainly, the forest can help provide a steady economic base by providing and sustaining resources, more than just maple syrup, for the local economy and supporting employment through contracts and stewardship work," said Mitchell.

There are challenges to sugaring on National Forest lands, one of them being distance and drive time.

"If a sugar-maker abuts the Forest and simply expands their operation onto the National Forest, it is more economically feasible," said Rick Marsh of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association. When producers have to drive and haul equipment a great distance, the production becomes less cost effective.

The Green Mountain National Forest has the authority to suspend tapping if monitoring shows stand health has been compromised by insects or disease.

Forest staff monitor the sugarbushes for compliance with their permit terms and conditions, ensuring impacts on public lands and resources are minimized.