CONSERVED LANDS
Farm & Wilderness Conservation is committed to conserving its property and has taken significant steps to protect it through the Forest Legacy conservation easement program. This national program utilizes federal funding to empower states to acquire property development rights while land ownership remains private. This proactive approach was initiated due to growing concerns about private landowners succumbing to economic pressures and converting their forestlands for alternative purposes.
The Forest Legacy program safeguards ecologically significant forests from development and fragmentation and allows for sustainable practices such as timber harvesting, hunting, fishing, and recreational activities. By enrolling most of their property in the Forest Legacy program, Farm & Wilderness Conservation ensures the perpetual conservation and preservation of the land, even if the ownership changes hands in the future.
Forest Legacy Program
The land within the Forest Legacy program allows for public trail use, hunting, and sustainable timber harvesting, ensuring that visitors and local communities alike can enjoy the natural beauty and resources of the land.
The Woodward Area, spanning 604 acres, dedicates 444 acres to the Forest Legacy program. The remaining 106 acres encompass the Woodward Reservoir, where four camps, farms, and offices are situated. In the Ninevah Area, a vast expanse of 3,544 acres is under the Forest Legacy easement. However, it's important to note that the land surrounding the three summer camps in this area is excluded from the program. These excluded portions of the property are designated for private use, while public trails are exclusively present within the Forest Legacy easements, ensuring a balance between conservation and privacy.
The conservation efforts undertaken by Farm & Wilderness Conservation, in collaboration with neighboring properties and established state and national forests, contribute to creating an extensive network of permanently conserved land, promoting the long-term sustainability and biodiversity of the region for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
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Permanently conserved land, both privately and publicly held, is shown in green. Farm & Wilderness property forms a critical connection with neighboring conserved properties. Source: Maps from the Resilience at Farm & Wilderness. An Ecological Study by Conway School
The state of Vermont is known for its mountain towns, resourceful and friendly citizens, and vast forested land. The state is committed to protecting its wild landscapes for future generations.