Gov. Scott taps Danielle Fitzko to lead Forests, Parks, and Recreation

April 24, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Danielle (Danny) Fitzko has been named commissioner of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Photo courtesy FPR

Gov. Phil Scott recently announced the appointment of Danielle Fitzko as commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.

A 20-year veteran of the department and resident of Stowe, Fitzko has served as interim commissioner since January.

Prior to this year, she served as director of forests for the past four years. She succeeds Michael Snyder, who stepped down as commissioner in late 2022 after 12 years in the post. 

"Danny has demonstrated a deep commitment to Vermont and our natural assets over the course of her two decades of service to the department,” Scott said. “I’m confident she’ll continue that good work leading FPR.”

Fitzko will lead Forest, Parks and Recreation’s 130 full-time employees across four divisions, and over 400 seasonal workers who mainly operate our the Vermont State Park system, including two state parks in Waterbury. The department also oversees state forest lands in the Green Mountains surrounding Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump and the Worcester Range.

The department is one of three in the Agency of Natural Resources along with the Fish and Wildlife Department and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore said Fitzko’s leadership in the forests division factored heavily making her the choice to lead the department. “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,” Moore said. 

Before heading up the forests division, Fitzko spent 15 years managing the Urban and Community Forestry Program, which helps add trees and vegetation into developed areas of the state. 

“I am grateful for the chance to serve as commissioner and look forward to continuing to collaborate with FPR's brilliant and hardworking team,” Fitzko said. “With a deep-rooted passion for Vermont’s forests, the mission and people of FPR, and public service, I am excited to help steward Vermont's natural environment and connect people to them on behalf of the people of Vermont.”

The department’s efforts focus on promoting, managing and preserving the Vermont landscape that includes scenic vistas of mountains, lakes, and rivers and the state’s rural identity of working lands, outdoor lifestyle, and traditions, the state announcement noted. More information about the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation is online at fpr.vermont.gov.