Vermont Woodlands Association is holding an essay contest for high school students in Vermont, with the winning essay appearing in the spring issue of Northern Woodlands magazine.

The essay needs to be 600 words or less about why working forests in Vermont are important and how they contribute to the quality of life of all Vermonters. Along with publication in the magazine, the first prize is $1,000; second prize is $750; and third prize is $500.

A statement released by the association said, “Today, the loss of family dairy farms is being paralleled by the closing of sawmills and a decline in forest-based enterprises. It will be up to the next generation of forestland owners, citizens and voters to continue, or reverse, this trend.”

Email entries to info@vermontwoodlands.org, or send them to Vermont Woodlands Association, P.O. Box 6004, Rutland, VT 05702 and include a daytime phone number. All entries must be received by Jan. 1.