A NEW COMMISSIONER TO LEAD FORESTS, PARKS & RECREATION

In April, Gov. Scott made it official: Danielle (Danny) Fitzko of Stowe will take over as commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR). Fitzko has served as interim commissioner since January 2023, and has worked at FPR since 2003, including as director of forests for the past four years. She replaces Michael Snyder, who served as FPR commissioner for 12 years.”Danny has demonstrated a deep commitment to

Vermont and our natural assets over the course of her two decades of service to the Department,” said Governor Scott. “I’m confident she’ll continue that good work leading FPR.”

Fitzko will lead FPR’s 130 full-time employees across four divisions, and over 400 seasonal workers that mainly operate the Vermont State Park system. The agency has also been instrumental in developing the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative and its Community Grant Program.

“Danny’s vision, energy, and optimism for the future of Vermont’s forests and the role forests can play in making Vermont more resilient to the effects of a changing climate were among the reasons she was selected for the role,” said Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore. “She has a proven record of setting a clear vision and establishing effective pathways to implementation.”