VT S0038

Secretary of Natural Resources must establish a program to fund habitat corridors and wildlife crossings, including creating an amenable land inventory and conservation plan due by December 31, 2028

Creates the Habitat Corridor Conservation Special Fund, funded through sale of $20 Habitat Corridor Conservation Stamps, legislative appropriations, federal aid, and private contributions

Establishes a nonrefundable tax credit equal to 50% of conservation stamp purchases, capped at $40 per year per individual or jointly-filing couple

Prohibits taking wildlife or damaging wildlife crossings acquired under the program, with violators subject to restitution for wildlife care costs and habitat restoration

Appropriates $25,000 for public education on landscape connectivity and $125,000 for the land inventory and conservation plan in fiscal year 2026, effective July 1, 2025