Investing in Vermont’s future

A generous donor reflects on naming VLT in his will

Rick Fritz was born in Vermont and feels strongly invested in its future. It’s one of the primary reasons he has chosen to name VLT in his will.

“We need family-owned farms, managed forests, and open spaces to preserve the environment, tourism, and community-knitting that keeps Vermont special,” he said. “Vermont Land Trust represents an incredible asset to Vermont and to the preservation of these landscapes.”

Rick’s grandfather operated a sawmill and grain mill on the Battenkill River in Arlington. After decades in banking, Rick served as chair of the Middlebury College board during the college’s transition to carbon neutrality. He shares leadership of the fourth-generation Vermont family business, Miles Lumber, and lives with his wife, Martie, on an old farm in Cornwall.

Rick has been donating to VLT every year for over two decades; he has also named VLT in his will. Both kinds of gifts are important for our work.

He believes Vermont’s healthy forests, farms, and stunning landscape are tangible drivers of tourism, outdoor recreation, and Vermont’s many farm- and food-based industries – all of which generate sustainable income for Vermonters and revenue for state and local government.

Rick and Martie have donated every year to VLT for more than two decades. When asked what inspired him to take the next step and leave a gift to VLT in his will, he cited trust in the organization and confidence in its longevity. He pointed out that stewardship of conserved lands is inherent to our work.

“A charitable bequest to the Vermont Land Trust is a vote of confidence in its future stewardship of the spectacular landscapes around us,” he explained.

Making plans for the future can feel like an intimidating process, but Rick said it’s provided him peace of mind. He knows that his interests are ensured no matter what the future holds.

VLT’s Donor Relations Director, Christa Kemp, agreed. “I’ve heard this often from the generous people who have made a bequest to VLT,” she said. “They feel assured after completing their wills and having their affairs in order.”

Another common thread is a shared love of the land. “Their gifts are a vote of confidence in our work protecting and caring for Vermont’s land and waters, and an investment in the future of this special landscape,” Christa added.

She went on to explain that no matter the size of the gift, it can provide VLT the stability and resources to plan for long-term projects and make a difference for generations to come.

“Those gifts enable us to weather economic instability when markets fluctuate. They also enable us to innovate—for example, donations like these have been crucial for our work on clean water, restoration, and climate resilience.”

“We’re so grateful to Rick and others like him who have named VLT in their wills.”