To the editor:
I attended the informational meeting, January 24, regarding the Buffalo Mountain Town Forest expansion. It was impressive to hear how the Hardwick Conservation Committee is collaborating with the Trust For Public Lands, the Northern Rivers Land Trust (NRLT), and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to gather funds to purchase and preserve a 329 acre forest property, for the benefit of present and future residents.
I learned the history of the project and how the town will be able to own this land for a contribution of $25,000, a small fraction of what the total project cost is estimated to be ($800,000). The partners involved have all pledged support recognizing the lasting benefits of a town forest to the Hardwick community.
As a taxpayer, I realize this land will be pulled from the grand list resulting in a tax loss of roughly $5,000, yet the recreational, environmental and economic benefits will more than make up for this. A steering committee, composed of residents, will have the opportunity to decide what the permitted uses will be now and into the future.
As we sit here today in 2026, I believe subsequent generations will look back with gratitude on the foresight the current residents had to make this land available to all. If you have further questions I encourage you to read the proposal on the website of the Hardwick Conservation Committee. In closing, I hope you will show up for town meeting and vote in support of this project.
Janet Bellavance
Hardwick
