HARDWICK – Hannah Redmon from the Trust for Public Land and Rachel Kane with the Hardwick Conservation Commission joined the select board at its October 2 meeting to share an update on the purchase of land for a proposed Buffalo Mountain Town Forest.
Redmon and Kane were there to answer questions and concerns raised at the prior select board meeting about the purchase, the potential loss of tax revenue and the intended use of the property.
At the September 18 meeting, area business owners and residents expressed their hesitation about a plan to purchase property on the flank of Buffalo Mountain, citing an array of concerns.
The proposed Buffalo Mountain Town Forest expansion consists of two adjacent parcels: 179 acres with frontage on either side of the Lamoille River and on either side of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and access from the Wright Farm Road, which runs south along the western
edge of the parcel, owned by Ken and Chris Davis; 140 acres containing the summit of Buffalo Mountain, with access from three roads in the village center, owned by Chris Davis.
At that meeting, Sue Rivard informed the board of a VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) trail running through the proposed town forest area. She said the language used in the proposal prohibits non-pedestrian travel, posing a major concern for many area business owners, residents and users of the VAST trail system. She was also concerned about the speed of the process, expressing a desire for more community input.
Michelle Demers, owner of the House of Pizza, explained the trail runs from the restaurant to Buffalo Mountain Powersports, interconnected with the VAST system, generating critical revenue for businesses like theirs during the slow winter months. She also expressed safety concerns about adding more trails to the proposed forest, citing prior trouble with drug users out back on the existing trail system.
After some discussion at that September 18 meeting, the board agreed to add an agenda item to the next meeting.
At the October 2 meeting, Kane and Redmon were joined by Paul Cillo, with Northern Rivers Land Trust (NRLT), to help address a number of questions.
Kane said a letter of intent with the seller was initiated and the seller took the property off the market. An appraisal is the next step, but according to Kane it is challenging to find an appraiser right now. Redmon clarified use of the property would be determined through the management planning process, which has yet to begin. First, the appraisal must determine if the value makes it a viable project. After the appraisal, the Trust for Public Land and the landowners will review the appraisal to see if they agree on the value. At that point, the town can form a steering committee and create a management plan for the property.
Discussion continued, with attendees voicing a number of concerns. Renaud Demers wondered about the potential loss in tax revenue, as well as ongoing maintenance costs. He also questioned whether another trail system was necessary.
Ashton Allen asked if the board knew if there was an appetite for the project, or if there was a way to quantify use of the town hiking trails.
“To me, it’s the timing,” said Rivard. While she agreed it’s a unique opportunity, “when is enough, enough? When do we focus on maybe trying to attract a pharmacy to come back to town, or all the vacant buildings on Main Street? Why aren’t we focusing on that?” She also expressed her frustration at the board for proceeding with the project with little community input.
Chair Eric Remick responded, saying, while he hears and understands Rivard’s concerns, the town government is large enough and well equipped enough to balance more than one ongoing project.
Board member Tim Ricardello said he agrees that public input is necessary, and he would not be opposed to taking it to voters at town meeting day, to which Rivard responded, “Well that being said, you voted to proceed without any of that.”
Ricardello said his understanding is the town is not locked into a commitment.
Board member Danny Hale remarked that he voted no at the July 10 meeting, and now the board is locked into moving forward.
Cillo interjected to clarify that, if the town does not want to complete the purchase, they do not have to. All of the parties, including the town and NRLT, have to agree on the management plan. If they cannot come to an agreement it will not happen.
“The reason we asked for that July 10 decision by the board, is essentially, intent. In other words, is there enough interest so that we should continue to do the work moving forward. We recognize that it may not be successful, and if the community doesn’t want it, it’s not going to happen, and it shouldn’t,” Cillo said.
Board member Ceilidh Galloway-Kane asked about the steering committee being formed sooner rather than later, given the amount of interest and perspectives about the project. Redmon explained the appraisal can take two to three months.
Discussions continued, with questions about the timeline taking the forefront. Rivard questioned whether it was fair to the seller. Redmon clarified the seller is aware of the potential for a longer sale process, as the management plan can take several months to complete as well.
Rivard questioned if the board takes the matter to town meeting day, whether voters can make an informed choice with an incomplete management plan.
Cillo said it varies from community to community if a vote is taken. Three things that need to come together are a willing seller, funding and the management plan, as well as the town accepting the property. If all of these elements do not exist, then the transaction will not happen.
Redmon added, the public part of the process comes with creating the management plan. “In some town forests, they’re all about timber for the local paper mill. Some town forests are all about the elementary school and outdoor classrooms, some are about hiking, biking, whatever it is. Public, resident, individual input usually comes in the management planning process, and the governance input comes on the side. Is this something that makes sense for our budget?”
Galloway-Kane concluded the discussion, saying the board should wait until the appraisal is complete, and it would be helpful to consider the future steering committee process, asking anyone interested to provide contact information.
Remick said, “I think this is a great conversation, and I think it’s great everybody came out.”
The meeting can be viewed at hctv.us/hardwick–select–board–october-2-2025/
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
