Based in Bolton, Vermont, Bear Island Forestry provides consulting forestry services to landowners, non-profits, companies, and municipalities. Offerings include drafting Forest Management Plans compliant with Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal (“Current Use”) Program, implementing forest management projects from start to finish, and providing mentorship and education for forest landowners, stewards and laypeople. Bear Island Forestry also provides remote consulting services for landowners outside of northwestern Vermont. Learn more about the services we provide here.

Bear Island Forestry specializes in ecological forestry and managing for old growth characteristics, using forest management to help forests heal from the wounds of the past, navigate the threats and stressors of the present, and become resilient and adaptive in the face of climate change. We believe that forest management can and must be restorative and regenerative: a vital tool used to build a more abundant and more beautiful world. Learn more about our philosophy here.

Bear Island Forestry was founded in 2024 by Ethan Tapper, the author of How to Love a Forest. Ethan is a decorated forester, author and educator, having received multiple regional and national awards for his work. After many years serving as the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Ethan started Bear Island Forestry with the belief that he could have even more of a positive impact on forests, forest management and conservation in the private sector. Learn more about Ethan here.

Ethan also provides additional services, including public speaking, trainings, communication consulting, writing and more. Learn more about other services that Ethan offers at EthanTapper.com