Craftsbury Landowner Conserves Large Stretch of Little Hosmer Pond Frontage

Craftsbury. Mimi Grosser. Conservation easement donation. 9 acres.

Mimi Grosser has been coming to the shores of Little Hosmer Pond since the 1950s, when she and her late husband, George, first purchased property on the pond. Mimi's deep connection to her land and to the pond inspired her to donate a conservation easement on nine acres. The conservation easement ensures that 1,700 feet of undeveloped frontage, located near the Little Hosmer boat access, will remain forever wooded and free of development.

Mimi was one of the first landowners to contact VLT about conservation after a group of local residents, in collaboration with VLT, launched the Hosmer Ponds Watershed Initiative in 2007. The initiative's members run educational and social outings and workshops, in addition to promoting conservation. Mimi's commitment to protecting her land and the pond will positively impact water quality, wildlife habitat, and the scenic beauty of Little Hosmer. Supported by the Hosmer Ponds Fund. (April 2011)

Farm near Shadow Lake Protected for Agriculture and Recreation

Glover. Arland Stone, Jr. Conservation easement sale. 196 acres.

The Stone Farm is a visual and historic landmark in the Shadow Lake community. The farm has been in Arland Stone's family for generations. This spring, he generously sold a conservation easement for less than market value because he wanted to make sure that the farm will continue to be used for agriculture and will remain affordable for future farmers. "I conserved my land to give the next generation an opportunity," explained Arland. "I hope they get to enjoy this farm as much as my mother and father and I have."

Arland uses the farm to raise a small herd of beef cattle, which he markets to neighbors. The farm also has 1,300 feet of frontage on a stream that serves as the inlet to Shadow Lake. A section of rare northern white cedar swamp received additional protection in the conservation easement. In addition to conserving the farmland, wetlands, and a productive sugarbush, public access opportunities were protected. Funded by the Freeman Foundation. (June 2011)