To the editor,
Karen Collier posted several questions on Front Porch Forum about the Buffalo Mountain Town Forest that people around Hardwick are asking. Thank you, Karen. Here are the responses.
What is the long-term plan for the property? The town forest will be a community resource with free public access forever.
Northern Rivers Land Trust and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board will hold a conservation easement protecting the wildlife habitat and ensuring public access to the property.
A Steering Committee of Hardwick residents will meet over the summer to seek community input on future recreational and economic uses and make recommendations to the select board this fall. If you’d like to be on the committee, the select board is accepting applications through May 15. Email [email protected] with your interest in joining.
How will the town offset lost tax revenue? There is very little town revenue loss to offset: about $5,000 per year, an average of $3 per Hardwick property owner. The town could make that up with revenue from timber harvests or maple sugaring leases if the steering committee recommends it and the Select board approves. School taxes are state taxes, so any school tax revenue loss will be made up by property owners statewide.
Who is responsible for maintenance costs now and in the future? Since the property currently has no structures on it, there will not necessarily be maintenance costs. Future maintenance depends on uses the steering committee recommends and the select board approves. The town will receive $25,000 from the project budget for future management. In Wolcott’s town forest, trails were built using grant funds and are maintained by volunteers.
Should the town be in the business of owning land? Town forests have a rich history in Vermont and New England. They are community assets, providing access to nature close to home, educational opportunities, watershed protection, forest products and economic stimulus from outdoor recreation.
What demands might this place on emergency services? Would additional equipment be required? The public already has access to Wright Farm Road, which runs through the property, and people hike, snowshoe and ski on the property. Greater trail access is unlikely to increase the volume of calls for emergency services or require new equipment beyond small tools.
More information about the Buffalo Mountain Town Forest is available at the Hardwick Conservation Commission website at hardwickvt.gov/government/committees-commissions/conservation-commission/.
Paul Cillo
Hardwick
