Vermont Land Trust - Vermont Landowners Speak Out for Conservation Funding

Our family operates a certified organic vegetable farm in Peacham, Vermont called Old Shaw Farm. There is no doubt in our minds that we would not be in business if it were not for the Vermont Land Trust...

We provide fresh, good-tasting produce, at an honest value, for the local community. Our agricultural methods contribute to a safe environment, a sustainable food system, and a diverse regional economy.

Before us, several generations of the Shaw family of Peacham operated a dairy farm on our property for over 100 years. The Shaws also sugared, raised vegetables and smaller livestock, and operated a summer boarding house for over 30 years.

The land on our farm is prime agricultural land... The previous owner of our farm had donated the development rights to our property to VLT. That decision enabled us to afford the property and use it for an agricultural use when it came on the market years later.

We are convinced that if developers had been interested in this land, we could not have afforded to buy it.

Today our farm continues to provide food, jobs, and a sense of community for our town and region. We currently market our organic vegetables and culinary herbs through our CSA, at local farmer's markets, at a farmstand on our property, and to several wholesale accounts. We have about five acres in active production, with two greenhouses and two and a half hoophouses, and with room on our property to expand significantly.

We are extremely grateful to the Vermont Land Trust for making our farm possible, and for working to protect family farming and a diverse local economy in Vermont.

--Peter Griffin, Old Shaw Farm

Hardwick: Dairy acquires more agricultural land through conservation

We were pleased to conserve part of our farm for future agricultural activities. Some of the fields we've worked for over 30 years. When our 90+ year-old neighbor passed away, her farm became available. We felt her barn and fields should be kept in active agriculture, not become just another summer residence. With the help of VLT we were able to keep the land and barn actively farmed and conserved for future generations.

In Hardwick, as elsewhere, the certainty of ag land availability in the future is the basis for economic investment today. Because the land was conserved, the funds provided through VLT enabled us to upgrade the buildings and make land improvements.

The excitement generated by an agricultural rebirth in our area is based on the preservation of the land base. The protection of these ag lands enabled our sons to participate in a brighter future for Vermont agriculture-- producing quality organic milk, growing bio-fuels, using wind and solar energy and helping to keep Vermont ..... Vermont.

--Stephen and Patricia Meyer, North Hardwick

Danville/Peacham: Community enjoys the conserved recreational land and wildlife habitat of Keiser Pond

I am writing to support the continued funding of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. As a member of the Danville Conservation Commission, I have witnessed first-hand how grants from the VHCB Trust Fund can leverage other funds and enable organizations to purchase or acquire easements to protect ecologically critical land.

In 2008 VHCB, the Vermont Land Trust, the Passumpsic Valley Land Trust, and the VT Department of Fish & Wildlife collaborated with landowner Wil Merck to conserve the undeveloped shoreline of Keiser Pond. This pond, which lies on the border of Danville and Peacham, is a tributary that eventually flows to the Passumpsic and Connecticut Rivers. It is also the habitat of four rare aquatic plants, loons, wood ducks, otter and beaver.

Such an undisturbed, ecologically rich pond and associated wetland ecosystem of this size is extremely rare in this section of Vermont. There is a state boat launch site and many people canoe and kayak to enjoy the "wilderness" landscape, view the wildlife, or fish.

There is no doubt that without the enabling funds provided by VHCB, the future and long-term value of this ecological jewel would remain uncertain as development pressures increase.

-- David and Janet Houston

Tinmouth: Conservation protects farmland, forestland, and wildlife habitat

My wife and I have been directly or indirectly involved in a number of conservation projects in our town, Tinmouth, starting in 1980. Each project has a different in-depth story. Almost all of them have involved assistance from the Vermont Land Trust. The last two have brought affordable housing into town, at the same time as they conserved farmland, forestland and corridors and habitat for wildlife.

One of these was directly supported with funds from the VHCB—a farm that held agricultural land, forestland, two major springs, and wildlife. If four small lots were to be sold outside the family, they would be sold at an affordable price. This project was a microcosm of the town's vision: a sustainable system of working farmland and forestland, significant wildlife habitat, residential and recreation areas—all available to residents of diverse income. Funds from VHCB have been essential to the success of Tinmouth's efforts, and we hope that they will continue to support projects important to sustaining the fabric of Vermont.

--Robert and Susan Lloyd, Middletown Springs

Wells: VHCB funding secures land that allows dairy and beef farm to expand

My diversified dairy and beef farm has depended on the availability of the abutting Moore farm for over 35 years. It provides needed hay and pasture. When word got out that the elderly owner was considering selling, he received many calls from brokers wanting to list the farm. With extensive frontage and wonderful views, it would quickly have been subdivided and developed.

The market value of the property far exceeded the agricultural value and placed the farm out of our reach. We were concerned because loss of the Moore farm would have endangered the economic viability of our home farm. Fortunately, the owner was receptive to working with the Vermont Land Trust.

With funding from VHCB, the farm was conserved and we were able to purchase it at its agricultural value. The 125-acre Moore farm is now protected by a very restrictive conservation easement that ensures that the farm will always be used for farming and we can move forward with our business plan to expand the organic dairy. I urge continued support for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Their investment in conserving Vermont farms has been an important factor in maintaining the economic viability of our agricultural economy. Thank you.

--Richard and Cynthia Larson, Wells

Burlington: VHCB funding supports the Intervale’s work to foster the next generation of farmers

Working with VLT and VHCB, the Intervale Center was able to purchase 179 acres from the Burlington Electric Company (BED) and conserve 232 acres, which included the BED land and the 53 acres donated by the Calkins family. This ensures that viable agricultural enterprises could continue to prosper in close proximity to Vermont's largest city in an innovative mixed use area that also supports education, conservation and recreation. The purchase and conservation of this land is an amazing benefit to the greater Burlington area and the state as a whole.

Since the purchase, more than a dozen farm enterprises have grown to produce a million pounds of fresh produce a year for local consumption. Hundred of young people have been introduced to farming and gardening, and an innovative youth leadership development program that operates in the summer has been recognized nationally for contributing to food security.

In 2009 one of the existing farm enterprises was able to "graduate" to a new conserved farm just outside of Burlington increasing its size by 500%. Coming in behind it at the Intervale are potentially three new incubator farm enterprises that will be nurtured and grown, allowing young agricultural entrepreneurs a chance to learn and test their skills.

Perpetuating this cycle of growth for new agricultural operations in the state would not have been possible without the advice, encouragement and funding from VHCB. Working with VHCB, staff at the Intervale Center also work with growing farms throughout the state to increase the viability of their operations... The groundbreaking work supported by VHCB is a critical element in building the new 21st century agricultural economy of the state.

--Glenn McRae, Executive Director, The Intervale Center

North Bennington: VHCB for Makes Key Land Purchase Possible

Field and farm with Bennington Monument in the background.

Although VLT now holds an easement on most of the Mt. Anthony Preservation Society (MAPS) land (500 acres or so), I will speak specifically to the help that the VHCB gave us to secure one important parcel in west Bennington.

The Bennington Museum was in dire need of funds and decided to sell a 47-acre parcel that had been gifted to them years earlier. This parcel was located on a prime spot for Route 9 sprawl. The museum had in fact had an offer from a local developer to buy it.

This property sits at the base of Mt. Anthony, and is the first view that many have of the mountain when entering Vermont. MAPS made an offer for the land contingent on receiving VHCB money to help in the purchase. Additionally, MAPS leveraged some of its land as a match...Because of this [VHCB] money, an important view-scape of west Bennington is forever preserved and the land has been, and will continue to be offered to the community for outdoor festivals and the like. It is also an important trail link to other VLT lands south of the mountain.

--Matthew Patterson, North Bennington, VT

North Bennington: Conservation protects Robert Frost’s historic farm and opens a new trail

Our conservation project was part of a community effort to connect North Bennington and Shaftsbury by a foot path, and to preserve the farm property where Robert Frost wrote "Stopping by Woods."

We were able to secure the key parcels necessary for creating this footpath, and we arranged for perpetual conservation a key Frost site. A local museum will be restoring some of the farm landscape from Frost's day, and the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps has worked on the trail. We've opened up a rich woodland and natural area to public access for the first time.

--Robert E. and Margaret Woolmington, North Bennington, VT

Jay: Conservation brings a community together and results in affordable housing

House under construction

I was fortunate enough to be serving on Jay selectboard when the opportunity arose to partner with the VLT and VHCB to conserve land in town for recreational use. It requires many hours of meetings and a couple visits to Montpelier, but the end result is a section of beautiful land that will be conserved for generations of Jay families and visitors.

In particular, the acquisition of the land has rejuvenated our community's spirit and led to events such as scavenger hunts, Christmas tree donations, work days, and fundraisers to benefit the development of the land for recreational use. It is truly a community resource and will only serve to strengthen the town and surrounding areas through our pursuit of continuing to preserve land for future uses.

One of the additional benefits for our particular project was to provide affordable housing for Jay families on a section of the land. More are planned, which will help to retain members of our community who may otherwise be forced to live elsewhere as prices in the resort area continue to rise.

--Chris Young, Jay

Williston: Conservation helps family transfer farm to son

As farmers, we value the preservation of farms and open land. Because of the Vermont Land Trust, our farm is providing a living for our family and protecting the environment…

Since our sale of development rights, we have been able to sell our farm to our oldest son (5th generation) who has changed the former dairy farm operation to diversified agriculture with the planting of Christmas trees, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and an enlargement of the maple operation…

Farmers could not hold on to their land and preserve it without help, as their income is so low and expenses so high. They need to be encouraged to work with organizations such as the Vermont Land Trust rather than go the route of development……It is our hope that the Vermont Land Trust funding will continue to preserve a special way of life for Vermonters and non-Vermonters to enjoy.

--David and Virginia Isham, Williston

Charlotte: Land conservation has boosted affordable housing in town
I have been involved in assisting seven farm preservation projects in the town of Charlotte and every one had an affordable housing component.

Sometimes there were [plots set aside] for family and employee housing that never would have happened if not for the purchase of development rights. Sometimes the purchase of development rights allowed a young farmer to have enough funds to build a small home of the farm. Sometimes the purchase of development rights allowed the next generation to continue to farm and live in the family farmhouse, which was always affordable.

--David and Susan Miskell, Charlotte

East Charleston: Lakeside farm conservation has far-reaching benefits

Aerial photo of Echo Lake, farm, fields and forests

I just finished working with VLT to conserve a beautiful 165-acre farm that borders Echo Lake in East Charleston, VT. The conservation of this farm, in my opinion, was essential to the long-term viability of the lake’s ecology, vistas, heritage and overall beauty. This conservation effort would not have been possible without the VLT spearheading efforts to coordinate negotiations and the fundraising efforts of local property owners. Through my experience with VLT it became evident that the organization has created close relationships with supporters, which is an essential ingredient to their success. The successful history of this organization has constructed a continuously productive machine for conserving land, something that does not happen overnight.

--Katie Bednaz, Westfield, MA

Fletcher: Conserved land provides kids who live in affordable housing a place for summer camp

Youth that live in affordable housing have had a difficult time finding a summer program that offers them the opportunity to experience the best of what Vermont has to offer—open fields and trails through the woods along streams and rolling hills. Fortunately, there is Camp DREAM. Camp DREAM offers an outdoor summer experience at a beautiful Vermont Land Trust–conserved location. It is a place for environmental education, nurturing creativity, and gives kids a sense of belonging to a community that is larger than their neighborhood. Camp DREAM shows kids the value of conservation by teaching them what it means to care for a piece of land.

---Ashleigh Ellsworth-Keller, Steve Addison, and Mike Loner
The DREAM Program, Inc., Winooski

Bolton: Quarry land promotes outdoor recreation

Bolton Quarry with trees and mountain views

The 30.6-acre Bolton Quarry is one of Vermont’s most exceptional and irreplaceable climbing areas. In winter the Quarry, located in Bolton, Vermont, is the only substantial ice climbing area within 30 minutes of Vermont’s two major population centers, Burlington and Montpelier…. Aside from the rock itself, the area above and surrounding the quarry offers excellent snowshoeing, cross-country and telemark skiing, and hiking on several logging roads.

[The land] supports a variety of wildlife, including whitetail deer, wild turkey, moose and bear. … With the assistance of conservation funds from VHCB, CRAG-VT acquired the quarry in 2005. CRAG-VT partnered with the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) to create a Conservation and Public Access Easement on the property, which will keep this area open for climbing and public recreation in-perpetuity.

The conservation of the Bolton Quarry [brings] new low-impact recreational activities to this rural area. This benefits local retailers who sell outdoor equipment, colleges, universities and guide services who frequently use the land for instruction and leadership courses, and brings dollars to local stores in Richmond and Bolton. This protected property has been a valued addition to the Bolton community, which has explicitly identified outdoor recreation as part of its town plan and an important part of it's vision for economic development.

--Travis Peckham, Underhill

Athens: Community uses VHCB funds to leverage dollars for ridgeline trail system

Sign "Welcome to Putney Mountain and the Putney Town Forest"

The following tells an inspiring story of citizen involvement in land conservation that has led to the establishment of a nature reserve and trail system along the Windmill Ridge in Windham County. The ridgeline reserve now covers some 1,800 acres, extending from Rockingham in the north to Dummerston in the south, and contains about 19 miles of foot trails. Volunteer citizens have supplied the vision, energy, dedication, and labor—but without the funding of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) there would be no reserve.

The reserve and trail system are the pride of the six included towns and their citizens… Since 1996, VHCB has made nine enabling contributions to the Pinnacle Association that have provided over 40% of the funding to acquire the more than 1,500 acres that make the Pinnacle Association's part of the ridgeline Reserve. These were marvelous gifts in and of themselves, but it is equally important to note the sums those contributions leveraged.

These [leveraged] funds came from private foundations, outright gifts of land, and literally thousands of individual donations. VHCB grants have been a very good investment for the State; in fact, they have made possible what is in essence a small state park running entirely on volunteer labor…

…Most of these lands are also open for hunting, in the traditional Vermont way. In an area where development pressures are strong, and the "No Hunting" signs pop up overnight, it is crucial to keep the wildlife corridor functional.

None of this could have happened without the steady support of both VHCB and VLT. We of the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association cannot say strongly enough how important it is for conservation funding to continue. The returns for now and into the future are impressively solid.

-- Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, Athens

Marlboro: Town rallies to protect mountain

In 2006, the citizens of Marlboro were presented with a unique opportunity to purchase and conserve 600 acres on Hogback Mountain in southern Vermont that were under the threat of imminent residential development.

Conserving this magnificent property will protect wildlife habitat… it will help to offset the continuing fragmentation of woodland… it will restore to public use a large outdoor recreation area… it will protect high-elevation wetlands that are important in aquifer replenishment… it will help ensure the continued purity of the headwaters of the Green River and Deerfield River watersheds… it will preserve a pristine 100-mile scenic view that draws more than 250,000 visitors each year from both inside and outside the state.

How could a small Vermont town of some 900 people succeed with such a large project? In response to townspeople’s vigorous affirmation of support by vote, the Hogback Mountain Conservation Association (HMCA) formed to raise public and private funds to buy Hogback Mountain, conserve it and present the property to the town. The $1.7 million cost of such a project was daunting. While generous donations have been made by individuals, the town and private foundations, there was no way that this goal could be reached without the continued support of the State through VHCB. In September 2008, VHCB awarded a sizable grant for this project, spreading the amount over two fiscal years. This grant will fund 20% of the required budget. It is absolutely critical to the success of the project to receive the second annual allocation of the VHCB grant in FY 2010. This infusion will put the project at 80% of its overall goal as of mid-January 2009.

State assistance has been and remains a key component of this significant project: for its funding support, for the VHCB staff assistance and guidance which has given HMCA the confidence to tackle this project and for the imprimatur that a VHCB grant provides as we seek our final private donations to complete this project.

--Bob Anderson President, Hogback Mountain Conservation Association
Lucy Gratwick Chair, Marlboro Selectboard Member, Board of Directors,
Hogback Mountain Conservation Association

Middlesex: VHCB joins town conservation fund in creating town forest

As I write this testimonial, the Town of Middlesex is within days of closing on our first Town Forest. This is the culmination of almost three years of effort to conserve this 403-acre property on the Worcester Range that will become the Town Forest.

The Middlesex Conservation Commission (MCC) was approached in 2006 by Eleanor Ott and Cynthia Steed, the owners of the property, about their need to sell the land and her desire to see it conserved and seeking the Commission's assistance… [Two years earlier] the Town of Middlesex established a Conservation Fund of help conserve the town's natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. The fund was created through an initial $5000 appropriation at Town Meeting. The fund has grown through two additional appropriations approved by the voters as well as private donations. We always realized that it was unlikely a town of the size of Middlesex would be able to build a large enough fund to conserve any significant property relying solely on our town fund. Rather we hoped it would demonstrate the local commitment to conservation that would enable the town to seek more significant funding from other organizations.

This was the situation when the MCC was working with Eleanor and Cynthia…. The Middlesex Conservation Fund alone was not nearly enough to complete a project of this size. It was only with the funding provided by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) and the invaluable assistance and expertise of the Vermont Land Trust that we have been able to turn this dream into reality.

It is very gratifying to see that a small town, with a modest conservation fund, can see local support for conservation multiplied many times through such partnerships… We look forward to many years of Vermonters enjoying this special piece of our great state. The MCC would like to express our sincere appreciation for the Vermont Legislature's support of conservation in Vermont through funding for the VHCB. Although it cannot be denied that we are currently in very challenging economic times, the MCC urges the continuation of this financial support so that great projects that benefit the citizen's of Vermont, such as the Middlesex Town Forest, continue to happen.

---David Shepard and Susan Warren, Middlesex

Leicester: Conservation helps one farm expand and young couple to start a new farm

Three people standing in front of a wind turbine.

It is difficult to overstate the positive impact of VLT and conserving our farm on our farm business, and that of our neighbors, Andy and Deb Hogan.

They were a young couple hungry to start farming, but needed a way to get started on their own. And we were a farm that needed to expand our land base. An opportunity arose in 2001 when a neighboring farm came up for sale. There was a problem in that they needed to sell the whole farm as one. It made no sense for us to buy the whole thing, but by working with VLT, we were able to buy the neighboring farm by selling the development rights on that farm and ours together. We were then able to rent the rest of that farm to the Hogans at a reasonable rate with an option to buy it in the future.

Because of VLT and their ability to act flexibly and fast, they made all the difference for two farming families. They preserved valuable farmland for the future, and allowed a young couple to get started. The Hogans have been at it for eight years now, and have won many milk-quality awards. They have plans to buy the farm.

As for us, the added land put our farm on a more solid footing, making us more profitable when things were good and saving us in years of weather extremes. It also allowed us to invest in a 10-kw wind turbine to cut our energy costs down the road.

We are not unique. Stories like ours, thanks to VLT, happen again and again. By allowing them to do their good work, we invest in the agricultural future of Vermont. Many young people would like to start farming but access to affordable land has gotten even more difficult. VLT is a necessary link in what is becoming a thriving local food economy. Keeping farmland available and therefore strengthening the farm economy into the future ensures Vermont and New England's food security, which should be of highest priority. We urge continued funding of VLT.

--- Catlin Fox and Anne Claghorn, Leicester

Barnet: Conservation helps farmers retire debt and invest in their business

Green farm field with trees and mountains in the background.

Conserving our farm gave us the financial ability to go ahead and get where we needed to be on our farm. It enabled us to retire debt and invest in the farm in a way that we couldn't have otherwise. This farm was in the Laroque family since the 1940s, then we took it over. Most of the Laroque family is still around, and now we all know it will stay a farm, which makes everyone feel good.

--Thomas and Virginia Simmer, Barnet

Westfield: Investing in farmland is an investment in our community and our future

Tractor and driver on a field.

… Many government programs favor larger corporate, highly specialized farms, which is not the typical New England model. Other programs favor the accumulation of debt which is not sustainable for a family run farm. The Vermont Land Trust takes a broader view of preservation. It helps farmers reinvest in their farms by seeing the value of the land for future generations. It is doing what present business models have failed to do for farms: it has taken the long-term view.

Why is helping farmers in Vermont reinvest in their farms important? …Investing in farmers and their land simply staves off the loss of farms, farmland, and farming expertise. How many farms are now left in Vermont? … On a business level, a thriving farm supports local businesses more than a regular family of residents; hardware, tractor and equipment, veterinarians, suppliers, grains, food processing facilities. We employ local residents. We participate in apprentice programs. We host field trips and workshops. We support the local food shelf. The web is large…. By investing in farmers you are investing in creative growth. We will build another greenhouse and increase our retail sales area which in turn will make us stronger and more productive. It gives us the capital to pause, think and plan of new ways of generating energy on the farm and conserving the energy we have both mechanical and human. This in turn is given back to our community.

… Investing in farms by conserving them insures green space for Vermont. It insures our ability to feed ourselves. …Other projects and budget needs will be pressing and given more or less weight. Without land to produce your dinner, all other needs will soon seem secondary.

--Rosemary G. Croizet, Westfield

Shaftsbury: Conservation kept farm in family as older generation reached retirement

Pollymeadows Farm Registered Jerseys sign.

Alvan owned the farm and wanted to retire. He preferred not to sell the farm for his retirement money as he wanted to pass it on to his children. His son, Melvin, was still operating a dairy farm on the land. Al had thought about conserving the farm several times and finally, with an outpouring of support from Bennington County and the Vermont Land Trust, most of the farm was conserved for agriculture. The sale of the development rights allowed for Alvan to stay living on the farm until he died. Melvin and his wife to continue to farm the land and Al's wife, Eleanor, was able to live in her home until she died. This is a beautiful farm and anyone who comes to visit or to hunt loves it. We feel closer to our community and enjoy sharing with them.

--Melvin and Jennifer Lawrence, Shaftsbury

Swanton: Dairy farmers use conservation to invest in more land and alternative energy

David & Cathy Montagne with VLT's Jon Ramsay

We feel that land conservation has several roles in Vermont agriculture. In our case, we applied to the Vermont Land Trust in hopes of keeping some excellent agricultural land in agriculture for future generations. In the process land conservation enabled us to purchase more farmland closer to our "home farm". In addition, we incorporated the proceeds from conservation into a methane digester on our dairy. The power that is produced from cow manure, which is sold on the grid, not only furnishes around 150 or more homes with electricity but also provides bacteria-free bedding for our animals.

Farming is a way of life, and despite our present economy, farmland conservation is important to Vermont's agricultural industry. It provides some farmers with the ability to continue working the land and milking the cows that are so precious to them and their families. It helps them to maintain their heritage and dignity. It is very difficult for a farmer to see the land they worked so hard on being developed into houses. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Vermont Land Trust and conserve over 600 acres of our property and hopefully future generations will have the same opportunities.

--David and Cathy Montagne, Swanton

North Troy: Conservation is a long-term answer to our economic health

Wintery view of the Chaput Farm barn and silos.

As we all know, the state is facing difficult economic times, as is the rest of the country. Everyone recognizes that in the quest to balance the state budget, there will have to be compromises and sacrifices made. As a dairy farmer and businessman, I can appreciate the need to show economic responsibility in order to bring the state to a solid financial footing.

But as a businessman, I also recognize that it is important not to take short-term steps that could have negative long-term consequences. Too many times, business and governments react by making cuts without considering the long-term health that those cuts will have on those respective institutions. Whether it is something as basic as breeding cows for genetic gain on our dairy farm or investing in education at the state level, it’s imperative that we never lost sight of where our decisions will take us and that we continue to make the investments needed that will lead to good long range economic health.

I know from personal experience that without VLT, our dairy farm would not exist. We would never have been able to make the original purchase of our farm as well as two necessary expansions, to make this a growing and successful operation. As a dairy farm that supplies 22 jobs and millions of dollars to our local and state economy, we are only a small slice of the good work that VLT has done for Vermont in it’s mission to conserve Vermont’s farms. They have become an important tool in the survival of our dairy industry, which not only supplies thousands of jobs to our state but also plays a key role in our tourist industry. Together, dairy and tourism are essential to the economic health of our state, and so it is that we need VLT to continue its mission.

It’s my hope that Vermont continues to recognize the far-reaching benefits of land conservation and seriously reconsiders its decision to cut funding for Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. It’s important not only for us as Vermonters but also for the future generations that will be making Vermont their home. Regardless if we are dairy farmers or just lucky enough to live in Vermont, VLT is something we need, for now and always.

--Reginald Chaput, Chaput Family Farms, North Troy

Enosburg Falls: Farmers restructure finances and improve practices

Green field with barn and woods in the background.

Joining the Vermont Land Trust was the beginning of our education in the impact our farm has far beyond our farm borders. The belief at that time that a farm as small as ours was considered valuable enough to be a part of a conservancy was encouraging enough to keep us working hard with renewed energy.

Not only did we receive funding that allowed us to restructure our farm finances, it brought to our attention other programs that were eager to teach us better farm practices and help us implement them on a cost share basis.

--Carolyn Boomhower, Enosburg Falls

Wolcott: Conservation helps new farmers afford land

I would like to state my position on the appropriation of monies to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. I would not want to see this funding cut.

Currently I own property with 87+ acres of conserved agricultural farmland. As a manager of two farmers markets in the state, member of NOFA, and buyer of local agricultural products I believe that if conservation programs were to be discontinued it would be very difficult for your and up and coming farmers to access land at an affordable price.

Without this program administered by the Vermont Land Trust and several other land trusts around the state all possible parcels of land would become high priced and unattainable and purchased mostly for speculation and development.

Wolcott, the town I live in, still has two-acre zoning and the pasture/fields that I conserved are rated as the highest quality soils possible. It would have been shameful to have lost that asset. In perpetuity, that property can only be used for farming and sold to a farmer. Maintaining the rural and agricultural character of the state enhances our food system, fosters self reliance and maintains traditional ways and values.

--Barbara Conn, Wolcott

Bolton: Protecting land for wildlife and public access

The Preston Pond watershed in Bolton is an important crossroads for wildlife and recreation. A tract of 400 acres, which sits strategically in the middle of the Chittenden County Uplands Conservation Project, was conserved through the efforts of local citizens, and via support from a diversity of local and regional sources, including VHCB.

Encompassing a section of the Long Trail and the VAST Route 2 trail; peregrine falcon nesting site; rare red pine natural community; undeveloped nine-acre pond; documented habitat for bobcat, bear, moose, otter, and fisher; future timber potential; and now a network of walking and skiing trails managed by the Bolton Conservation Commission; this property will serve as a model for how Vermonters can live in a manner compatible with the long-term health of the land.

If Preston Pond had not been conserved, house lots would have sprung up and access by humans and wildlife alike would have been restricted or cut off altogether. With a conservation easement held by the Vermont Land Trust, this project helped to build momentum for regional conservation activities continuing to this day.

--Lars Botzojorns, Bolton

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