Why is Housing & Habitat Important in Jericho?

Housing in Jericho is a three-legged Stool.

Jericho, Vermont  Conservation Newsletter VOL IV: Why is Housing & Habitat Important in Jericho, Vermont? 

Public Engagement for People & Nature

Remember to leave room for wild things

Say YIMBY to nature & rewilding

 ~Bernie

See the Information for the May 3 Community Forum - 

New Town Plan,  further below.  

 Further thoughts for consideration and discussion.

 Earth-centered Community: Will we recognize the community of life on Earth, the ecosystems, and the natural processes on which life depends as having fundamental rights instead of as property, or natural “resources” to be exploited? - If Nature Had Rights

How to put nature at the table: Legally, Politically, Economically. Empty chair for nature? A proxy or voice for nature? Generational equity (i.e. 7 generations view). Children's voice. 

Are we recognizing the growing demands of an ever-growing population and the climate-driven immigration and other people movements occurring at ever-increasing rates including in Vermont? Do we know the capacity('s) or will we fill until (land, water, sewage, and environmental) resources are entirely drained?  

“Housing growth in and near United States protected areas limits their conservation value”. Beautiful nature attracts people. Radeloff et al.

Are we viewing the tip of an iceberg of undeveloped and Agricultural land that is melting away before we recognize the extent and consider the long-term implications?  "When in crisis mode we tend to lose sight of the long term; we can act now, and act strategically". SJ Dube, Jericho Housing Committee Chair. 

Are we recognizing the pressures on our freshwater resources?

As farmed food becomes more nutrient deficient and supply struggles to meet demand, how will the capacity to grow local nutrient-rich foods factor into our land management decisions?

Tax Abatement or Exemptions as incentives to build the types of housing desired (like Affordable housing). 

"There is just one hope for repulsing the tyrannical ambition of civilization to conquer every inch on the whole earth. That hope is the organization of spirited people who will fight for the freedom and preservation of the wilderness."

 —Bob Marshall

Related topics: 

Habitat degradation: Will we address invasives that disrupt ecosystem processes to the point that they no longer support native wildlife.

Changing hydrology and water chemistry due to more area converted and maintained as a shallow-rooted non-native, lawn. 

Read more at

VERMONT CONSERVATION DESIGN - MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING AN ECOLOGICALLY FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPE

Give nature a seat at the governing table