New Farm Operation Will Be a Source of Locally Produced Food

Athens and Rockingham. David Hassan and Emily Amanna. Conservation easement sale. 172 acres.

With the help of VLT's Farmland Access Program, which helps new farmers buy their first farm, David Hassan and Emily Amanna were able to find a home for their farm operation. They bought and conserved the former Sleepy Valley Farm. The farm's rich soils along Bull Creek will support the couple's growing dairy, vegetable, and herb operation known as Wild Shepherd Farm. They have planted over 30,000 garlic bulbs and are grazing cows and sheep. They grow other vegetables and meat seasonally, which they sell at their farmstand and at local farmers' markets. "We're ecstatic to finally be putting down roots, and look forward to a lifetime dedicated to this land," said Emily. "It is the conservation of the farmland that has allowed this to become a reality."

In addition to protecting the farm, the conservation easement establishes a vegetative buffer along two-thirds of a mile of Bull Creek, a tributary of the Saxtons River. Areas will be fenced off to grazing animals, and shrubs and trees will be planted to restore vegetation. "This project has been a great opportunity to partner with VLT, the USDA, and a private landowner to meet multiple objectives," said Shannon Pytlick, river scientist with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. "We used state funds to match federal dollars to conserve farmland, protect the stream ecosystem, and improve water quality."

The farm's conservation was accomplished simultaneously with the acquisition of nearby forestland in Grafton and Athens by the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association. A trail corridor is now reserved that will cross the Wild Shepherd farmland from the Pinnacle ridgeline and connect to old roads and trails in Grafton. Funded by VHCB (with matching funds from USDA NRCS), several private foundations, and over 120 individuals. (March)

Family Conserves Land Adjoining Farm and Wilderness Camp

Plymouth. Denman and Margaret Scott. Conservation easement donation. 40 acres.

Denman and Margaret Scott donated a conservation easement on 40 acres that is a mix of managed woodland and open meadow with stunning views of the Green Mountains. This property also adjoins recently conserved lands of the Farm and Wilderness Camp.

Since the early 1990s, the Scotts have been purchasing small parcels of land nearby, working closely with the Camp to make sure the area will remain as intact forest. "My wife and I are pleased that we have conserved and consolidated our several parcels into one," said Denman. "The beautiful vistas of our meadows and the mountains will be preserved forever." (March)

Couple Conserves Additional Forestland in Readsboro

Readsboro. John and Virginia Whitman. Conservation easement donation. 37 acres.

John and Virginia Whitman added 37 newly acquired acres to their previously conserved property for a total of 325 protected acres. The Whitmans have amended their original conservation easement twice to add land. This new land contains perennial and intermittent streams and is entirely forested; its conservation will complement John and Virginia's ongoing forestry and wildlife management efforts. (March)

Land Protected Near Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site

Plymouth. Jim and Mary Ottaway. Conservation easement donation. 263 acres.

In 1999, Jim and Mary Ottaway's commitment to protecting the forest and wetland surrounding the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site resulted in their donation of a conservation easement on 98 acres.

This year, with their son, Christopher, they conserved an additional 263 acres of adjacent land. The property is primarily forested and includes the ridgeline and lower slopes of Mount Tom and the summit of Soltudus Mountain. "We expanded our conservation easement to preserve the land, forests, and vistas important to the Coolidge historical site." explained Jim Ottaway. Their actions ensure that the area around Coolidge's birthplace and the cemetery where he is buried will remain undeveloped. (May)

Landowner Protects More Forestland in Halifax

Halifax. Mel Osborne. Conservation easement donation. 94 acres.

Mel Osborne donated a conservation easement on 94 acres of managed forestland he recently acquired and plans to sell after conservation. A meandering ridgeline is a dominant feature as are intermittent streams and several vernal pools. The property provides wildlife habitat for a variety of species and is within a mile of 420 acres he and his wife, Mary Thome, conserved in 2005. (June)

Further Conservation Efforts on Heller Forestland

Putney. George and Laura Heller. Conservation easement donation. 100 acres.

George and Laura Heller donated a conservation easement on 100 acres of forestland they first purchased in 1960. At that time, much of the land was open pasture. Now, most of the land is productive managed forestland, except for a small open knoll which serves as a viewing and picnic area. Recreational trails are well maintained and connect to other nearby land owned by the Hellers, including a conserved parcel formerly owned by the Connecticut River Watershed Council. (June)

VHCB: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
NRCS: Natural Resources Conservation Service