The forest supports a variety of wildlife, including beaver, moose, coyote, black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse.

The forest, being situated in Vermont's Green Mountains, has been referred to as the granite backbone of the state.

In descending order of land area, GMNF is located in parts of Bennington, Addison, Rutland, Windham, Windsor, and Washington counties.

Planned expenditures include road construction, recreation and heritage, and wildlife management.

Projects in the latter category include: land/water modification in support of ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, bear, trout, salmon, Bicknell's thrush, and the plant Jacob's ladder.