Thursday marks the official start of fall, which also means we’re just a few weeks away from foliage season in our region.According to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions we saw this summer could make for extremely vibrant colors in the mountains. However, the forecast in the coming weeks will determine how successful of a season we see. “As we look to seasonable fall weather, those crisp fall nights, bright sunny days, gentle rains, that should trigger the next wave of true foliage,” said Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mike Snyder.Across the lake in the North Country, forestry professor Randall Swanson at Paul Smith’s College said shifting weather patterns each year create some unpredictability.“Once the tree has started to change color, how long those leaves are there to be seen depends on how many windy days we get, we get some really hard rain,” explained Swanson.Foliage season may only last for a month, but it makes up for about 10% of Vermont’s overall visitation and economic impact for visitors.“That translates into over a million people who we’ll expect to see come through the state and about $300 million in visitor spending,” said Vermont Department of Tourism Commissioner Heather Pelham.
Thursday marks the official start of fall, which also means we’re just a few weeks away from foliage season in our region.
According to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions we saw this summer could make for extremely vibrant colors in the mountains.
Advertisement
However, the forecast in the coming weeks will determine how successful of a season we see.
“As we look to seasonable fall weather, those crisp fall nights, bright sunny days, gentle rains, that should trigger the next wave of true foliage,” said Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mike Snyder.
Across the lake in the North Country, forestry professor Randall Swanson at Paul Smith’s College said shifting weather patterns each year create some unpredictability.
“Once the tree has started to change color, how long those leaves are there to be seen depends on how many windy days we get, we get some really hard rain,” explained Swanson.
Foliage season may only last for a month, but it makes up for about 10% of Vermont’s overall visitation and economic impact for visitors.
“That translates into over a million people who we’ll expect to see come through the state and about $300 million in visitor spending,” said Vermont Department of Tourism Commissioner Heather Pelham.
