As Vermont Public adapts to the loss of federal funding, we’re focused on building a more sustainable future through diverse and resilient sources of support. We also know that many of our listeners, viewers, and readers want to do even more to strengthen this essential public service.

That’s why we’ve partnered with FreeWill — a free, easy-to-use online tool that helps you create or update your will in as little as 20 minutes, at no cost.

Just as Vermont Public works every day to keep our communities informed, entertained, and connected, we also want to help you protect what matters most and plan confidently for the years ahead.

This week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, a great time to think about:

• Cultivating peace of mind for you and your loved ones
• Ensuring your assets go to the people and causes you care about
• Naming someone to make health care decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so

By taking these steps today, you can protect your family’s future — and help ensure Vermont Public remains a strong, trusted source of news and storytelling for generations to come.

Together, we’re empowering public service journalism and the future of connection across Vermont.

Get started with FreeWill

If you’ve already included a gift to Vermont Public in your will, we’d love to thank you personally. Please reach out at philanthropy@vermontpublic.org.

Gov. Phil Scott has chosen a replacement for the Democratic state representative who resigned and moved to Canada this summer out of fear for a second Trump administration.

On Oct. 17, Karen Lueders, an attorney and fellow Democrat from Lincoln, was appointed to fill the open Addison 4 seat, which Mari Cordes vacated in June to start a job in Nova Scotia after six years in the Legislature.

Cordes attributed her departure to fears that the Trump administration might cut Social Security, continued concerns about her safety as a queer woman in the U.S and a loss of work hours at her nursing job at the University of Vermont, according to VTDigger.

Before she moved to Canada, Cordes occasionally made the news for her activism, especially regarding medical and social issues. In 2018, she was arrested in Washington, DC, after joining hundreds of other women to protest U.S. immigration policies.

Vermont might not be a huge state but the amount of land the largest landholder owns might surprise you.

The World Population Review drew on 2025 data and found the biggest land owners in each state of the country.

“Approximately 60% of land in the United States is privately owned, and just a few individuals and families control a significant proportion of this land,” they said.

Here’s what the World Population Review said.

What is Weyerhaeuser

Owning 86,000 acres of forestland, Plum Creek Timber Company was the largest landowner in Vermont, but it merged with Weyerhaeuser in 2016, the Review said, technically making Weyerhaeuser the biggest landowner in Vermont.

Weyerhaeuser also owns land outside of Vermont.

The state website said that the Kingdom Heritage Lands that encompasses the West Mountain Wildlife Management Area as well as the public easement on private timber lands are currently owned by Weyerhaeuser.

“Essex Timber Company acquired 84,000 acres for working forestry, with easements protecting certain natural resources and guaranteeing perpetual public access,” the Vermont government website said. “This land was subsequently purchased by the Plum Creek Timber Company and again purchased by Weyerhaeuser.”

Today, the company manages land for wood production, conservation, and recreation. There are 20 miles of hiking trails as well as rock climbing opportunities.

According to investor.weyerhaeuser.com, Weyerhaeuser owns and manages 10.4 million acres of timberlands across the United States, making its overall market capitalization approximately $17.2 billion.