The following conservation projects for the Champlain Valley region are reported in VLT's Spring 2010 Newsletter:

The 22nd property conserved as part of the Chittenden County Uplands Conservation Project has added 123 acres of forest, wildlife habitat, and wetland to the Wolfrun Natural Area, owned by the Jericho Underhill Land Trust (JULT). Wolfrun hosts many of Keeping Track’s wildlife educational programs run by Susan Morse.

The West Bolton Golf Club conveyed the land to JULT; it was the golf club’s fourth sale of land for conservation purposes in the past 10 years. The conservation transaction was negotiated by VLT in cooperation with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. The willingness of General Manager Jeff Brown to work with VLT and its partners has resulted in the conservation of about 1,100 acres. As in all Forest Legacy projects, permanent public access to the property is ensured. For JULT, the purchase was particularly significant because it provides superior access to Wolfrun from Stage Road in Bolton. Funded by the federal Forest Legacy Program and JULT donors. (August)

7. Productive Fletcher Forestland Conserved
Fletcher. Deborah Lynch. Conservation easement donation. 87 acres.

Trained in forestry at the University of Vermont, Deb Lynch manages her forestland with great care. After piecing together several parcels of land over the years, Deb donated a conservation easement on 87 acres, ensuring that the forestland will remain unfragmented. The property also includes a meadow that is hayed by a nearby farmer. The woodland is primarily a mix of hemlock and northern hardwoods, and a large portion of the property is a state-mapped deer wintering area. Deb is a long-time supporter of conservation; the donation of an easement on her land brings her conservation legacy to her home woodland. Supported by the Freeman Foundation. (September)

8. Collaboration with City and Town Gets Next Generation onto Farm
South Burlington and Shelburne. Leduc Farm, Inc. Conservation easement sale. 144 acres.

The Leduc family sold a conservation easement on 144 acres of their former dairy farm in South Burlington and Shelburne just north of Shelburne Pond. The farm was then sold at its agricultural value to Adam Wilson and Corie Pierce, co-operators of Bread and Butter Farm.

Adam and Corie were selected as the new owners of the farm after submitting an extensive proposal and business plan through a competitive process conducted by VLT as part of its Farmland Access Program. This conservation program helps diversified, experienced farmers gain access to productive, affordable farmland. Adam has moved his raw-milk dairy and bakery business to the farm, and Corie will be growing vegetables with a focus on winter greens. They also plan to engage the community through on-the-farm events. There is special protection in the easement for a stretch of clayplain forest, and there are provisions for a public trail. Funded by VHCB, City of South Burlington, the South Burlington Land Trust, the Town of Shelburne, the Castanea Foundation, the Forrest and Frances and Lattner Foundation, VLT’s Revolving Fund for Land Acquisition, and individual donors. (September).

9. Additional Land on Berry Farm Conserved
Charlotte. Clark and Suzanne Hinsdale. Conservation easement add-on sale.  17 acres.
Clark Hinsdale III and Suzanne Hinsdale added 17 more acres to the conservation easement on the Charlotte Berry Farm on busy Route 7, which they conserved in 2004. The newly conserved land included a field with statewide-rated agricultural soils. The total conserved land on the farm is now 104 acres. Supported by the Charlotte Land Trust. (October)

10. Habitat Linkage Protected in Chittenden County Uplands
Jericho. Scott and Carolyn Hallock and Mary Pratt Copans. Conservation and public access easement sale. 78 acres.

The Hallock family and Mary Pratt Copans sold a conservation easement on productive forestland and wildlife habitat in Jericho to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, with assistance from VLT. The land is an important component of the Chittenden County Uplands Conservation Project; moose, black bear, and other wide-ranging species use the property’s forest ridge to travel between a large stretch of conserved forestland, the Ethan Allen Firing Range, and the Mt. Mansfield State Forest. The land will continue to be open to the public for pedestrian uses, such as hiking, hunting, and skiing. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and VLT worked together to help the landowners access funding from the Forest Legacy Program. Funded by the federal Forest Legacy Program. (October)

Jon and Beverly Rutter conserved 141 acres of their dairy farm in November 2009. It was a special moment for Jon because they also conserved 93 acres they had recently purchased across the road at the same time. Jon wanted to add this land to the farm for many years. Sadly, Jon passed away in March, so he never had an opportunity to fully integrate the land into the farm.

“It is with great sadness that we mourn Jon’s passing,” said Allen Karnatz, VLT Champlain Valley regional director. “He was an asset to Vermont agriculture. Farmers across the state will miss him. In his quiet, unassuming way he set a shining example by adopting many sustainable farming practices, being a mentor to new dairy farmers, and enrolling land in conservation programs. But what will be really missed is Jon’s way of touching so many people with his warm, open heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rutter family as they cope with this great loss.”

The Rutters’ land includes 197 acres of statewide-rated agricultural soil and 27 acres of rare clayplain forest. The project adds to one of the largest blocks of protected farmland in Vermont. Funded by VHCB. (November)

13. Langrocks Donate Third Conservation Easement
Salisbury. Peter and Joann Langrock. Conservation easement donation. 63 acres.

For nearly 50 years, Peter and Joann Langrock have looked after their land on Upper Plains Road. Over the past decade, they have conserved 193 acres—protecting pasture, woodland, a beaver pond, and thousands of feet of frontage on Hanlon Brook, which is known for its trout. In November, Peter and Joann donated their third conservation easement. The most recently conserved parcel is primarily managed forest that contains a vernal pool—a critical habitat for amphibians—and is located one mile from a known nesting area of the federally endangered Indiana bat. “We’ve owned this land since 1961 and we’ve managed it for the long haul,” said Peter. “Conserving with VLT was a good match for us.” Supported by the Freeman Foundation. (November)

14. Fairfield Donation Protects Forestland
Fairfield. William and Amy Roberts. Conservation easement donation.
105 acres.
Bill and Amy Roberts donated a conservation easement on 105 acres near their home. They are expanding their sugaring operation onto this land and are in the process of installing a new pipeline and thinning trees to favor their maples. An avid hunter, Bill has become atuned to how wildlife species use the property in different seasons and conditions. The Roberts actively incorporate wildlife habitat needs into the management of their forestland. The property also has 15 acres of open land with high-quality agricultural soils. Supported by the Freeman Foundation. (December)

15. Georgia Family Adds to Previously Conserved Land
Georgia. Rod and Elizabeth Vallee. Conservation easement donation add-on. 38 acres.

In the 1990s, Rod and Elizabeth Vallee conserved over 450 acres of farmland and forestland in Georgia. Recently, the Vallees added to their conserved land when they donated a conservation easement on 38 acres they recently purchased. The land is a mix of woodland and open land with prime agricultural soils. Rod and Elizabeth, both wildlife photographers, plan to restore an impaired wetland on the property and to time the cuts of their hayland to maintain habitat for nesting grassland bird species. (December)

16. Donation Adds to Conserved Land on Richmond–Williston Boundary
Richmond. Margaret Roland. Conservation easement donation. 45 acres.

Along the Richmond–Williston town line there are more than 3,000 acres of forestland that stretch from Yantz Hill to the south along Richmond Ridge. Margaret Roland protected 45 acres of this forest by donating a conservation easement. The conservation of Margaret’s land, located on the southern flanks of Yantz Hill, adds to over 400 acres of conserved forestland along the ridges that form the town line. Margaret’s forestland is a mix of pine and hardwoods and includes an impressive cliff that offers views out to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks on a clear day. (December)

Conservation easements co-held by VLT, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.

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