BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Vermont’s forests are thirsty as the drought drags on, and it could have a lasting impact on the state’s landscape.

Officials with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources conduct statewide flyovers to locate dry spots.

We’re told that trees growing in rocky or ledgy areas, which soak up less water, are struggling the most.

That’s leading to earlier and somewhat muted fall colors.

One state official explains that prolonged drought could lead to dieback, or fine branch death.

“The more that you have of that that’s going on, the less of the crown is able to produce foliage, which is responsible for photosynthesis and the function of the tree. So you basically are just losing the functional area of a tree over time,” said Josh Halman.

He says more drought and a d

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