HARDWICK – A presentation and discussion of the Buffalo Mountain Town Forest proposal will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Parker Ladd Room at the Jeudevine Library. Refreshments will be served.
Right now the Town of Hardwick has an exciting opportunity to convert 329 acres on Buffalo Mountain, in the heart of Hardwick, to a community forest owned by the town. This proposal is not an outright purchase by the town, but one in which grants, facilitated by the Trust for Public Land and the Northern Rivers Land Trust, will cover over 95% of the costs.
Once the land is under town ownership, activity and uses on the land would be directed and managed by the town itself, through a stewardship committee, and the select board. The January 24 presentation will be a review of the project, with full information, and updates of where it is now.
What could happen in a town forest on Buffalo Mountain? While conserved from outright development (for which it is largely unsuitable due to the terrain) there would be many possibilities. These lands also contain some significant ecosystems and species worthy of protection. Existing uses, such as snowmobile and ATV trails, will continue, as will hunting, if the town so wishes.
Some ideas are for mountain biking, back country ski trails and educational nature trails for children.
Could we have a picnic spot overlooking the village, rock climbing, an accessible-trail so that everyone could enjoy some refreshing moments in a forest?
Could there be overnight camping sites, to allow through-riders on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail to spend a night and have dinner in town?
Some areas could be logged, or sugared, to create income.
The residents of Hardwick will be the ones to decide.
In addition to the recreational enjoyment, the conservation of the land will enhance flood resiliency and protect an important wildlife corridor and habitat.
The proposal is underway now, but is not yet finalized. At this time, as the proposal moves ahead, we want to hear from residents, to share ideas and any concerns about the project. There will be a vote on Town Meeting Day about supporting this extraordinary opportunity. Residents who have an interest in serving on the future stewardship committee are invited to attend the meeting.
Surely, the most effective and well-rounded committee will be made up of different voices and priorities, so folks from all interests are invited to get involved.
As Vermont faces increasing development pressure and forest lands are being splintered and broken up, preserving our own Buffalo Mountain for the public will be a permanent and priceless gift to the residents of Hardwick; something that future generations will be thankful for.
Complete information about the proposal can be seen at the Town of Hardwick website, on the page for the Hardwick Conservation Commission, hardwickvt.gov/government/committees-commissions/conservation-commission/
For further information, contact Rachel Kane, co-chair of the Hardwick Conservation Commission at (802) 472-5512.
