More Than 26,000 Acres Purchased

In 1997, the Vermont Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy created the Atlas Timberlands Partnership (ATP) to purchase and manage 26,789 acres of forestland, now the second largest timberland holding in Vermont.

The goal of ATP is to sustainably manage timber stock while protecting the land's ecological integrity.

Public access is encouraged on all Atlas lands, where logging roads provide access for skiing, dog sledding, hiking, hunting, walking, and wildlife viewing (see maps below). Please note that portions of the property will be closed to public access during timber harvests due to public safety concerns.

A Learning Opportunity

The purchase provided VLT and TNC a first-hand opportunity to learn the challenges associated with managing large tracts of timberland while balancing the ecological, economic and social values associated with the management choices. Many of the parcels adjoined state-owned properties or other timberland ownerships, presenting an opportunity to conserve large blocks of forestland over time.

ATP's multiple parcels are located primarily in the northern Green Mountains and its management reflects the overlapping missions of the two conservation organizations. The land is Forest Stewardship Council certified through Smartwood. Sustainable forestry practices are implemented throughout the timberlands with the help of McMath Forestry.

Funding

The land was purchased for $208 per acre. Funding for the purchase came entirely from private sources. The organizations received a $5 million grant from the Freeman Foundation, which covered most of the $5.5 million cost of the land. In addition, the John Merck Fund contributed $250,000 and the remainder of the purchase price was borrowed.

Recent Developments

In 2007, the partnership sold three non-strategic parcels to families who wanted to establish investment properties for their children. These properties had been identified as being located outside of the core ownership block in the northern Green Mountains and their sale had been planned prior to our taking ownership.

Some of the proceeds have been reinvested in the property in particular on road work, boundary maintenance and the purchase of a 100-acre in-holding in Lowell. Other funds have been set aside for conservation opportunities that match the partnership's priorities.

ATP has created an even stronger bond between the Vermont Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. In addition to maintaining traditional public uses and contributing to the local economy and culture, the two organizations are learning from their efforts to manage for timber while protecting an array of biodiversity values consistent with the missions of the two owners.

Maps of the Atlas Timberlands

To get maps of the Atlas land, use the interactive map below which shows Atlas land shaded in red. Clicking on a property will give you an option to download a map. Or, click directly on one of the PDF maps listed at the bottom of this page. Please note that portions of the property will be closed to public access during timber harvests due to public safety concerns.

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For PDF maps of the Atlas Timberland parcels either click on the properties shaded in red in the map above, or click on one of the maps listed below. (Maps may take a while to load on slower internet connections.) Please note that portions of the property will be closed to public access during timber harvests due to public safety concerns.