EMBRACING
SUSTAINABLE LAND USE
Farm & Wilderness Conservation landholdings support diverse forest communities, wetland features, and habitat types. The uniqueness of this area is the result of the underlying bedrock. The rich variety of plants, wildlife, and stunning landforms create a beautiful landscape enjoyed by many people who interact with the land.
.png?width=512&height=512&name=bear%20(1).png)
FOREST ECOLOGY
.png?width=200&height=200&name=mountain%20(1).png)
- Enhancing Forest Resilience: We utilize methods that replicate natural disturbances to strengthen the resilience of our forests. We create a diverse range of tree ages within the forest through uneven-aged management, long harvest cycles, and minor patch cuts. This approach, mimicking natural disturbances, helps the forest adapt and withstand potential challenges like windstorms or pest infestations, ultimately fostering a more resilient ecosystem.
- Restoring Natural Patterns: Given the historical land use for agriculture, the forests on Farm & Wilderness Conservation property are relatively young. However, the organization is committed to restoring the natural patterns of death and regeneration within these forests through careful management. While they already employ sustainable timber harvesting practices, they express further interest in reducing the frequency of such activities. This ongoing restoration process involves planning and management efforts to reintroduce the diverse structure and age composition depleted when the land was cleared centuries ago.
- Conservation Measures: Farm & Wilderness Conservation implements specific measures to safeguard the forest ecosystem. One such measure is the exclusion of timber harvesting above 2500' elevation, which aligns with the permit requirements in Vermont. By refraining from cutting in these montane areas, which typically have slower recovery rates after disturbances, we ensure the forests remain free from harvesting stress. Furthermore, we prioritize the preservation of oak trees, particularly around Wilderness Ridge. Oaks, known for their climate resilience, are left untouched to encourage the continuous regeneration and growth of new oak trees, contributing to long-term forest resilience.
WATERSHED
- Farm & Wilderness Conservation contains two beautiful lakes - Woodward Reservoir and Lake Ninevah. These lakes are home to numerous natural communities of plants and wildlife species, such as loons, which have returned from near extinction in this region.
- Restoration and preservation of wetlands: We demonstrate a commitment to wetland restoration by decommissioning a dam and converting Peggy's Pond into a wetland. This passive restoration approach allows native seed stock to germinate and promotes the emergence of a wetland. This practice emphasizes the importance of restoring natural habitats and supporting biodiversity.
- Prevention of invasive species: The implementation of ecologically-minded practices to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plant species in Lake Ninevah and Woodward Reservoir. Through the Vermont Public Access Greeter Program, greeters educate visitors, conduct boat inspections, and promote the cleaning of boats before entering and exiting the water. This proactive approach helps maintain the health of the lake ecosystem by controlling the spread of fast-spreading non-native species like Eurasian Milfoil. Regular monitoring and removal of harmful non-native species contribute to the preservation of native plants and the overall ecological balance of the lake.
WILDLIFE MOVEMENT & HABITAT
- Our lands are part of a large forest block that is an essential habitat for some animals. Nestled between segments of Coolidge State Forest and Okemo State Forest, Farm & Wilderness Conservation land is an integral piece of this region’s conservation puzzle. Many wildlife species rely on large areas or “blocks” of forest habitat and connections between these habitat blocks. Ensuring connectivity in interconnected forest areas is crucial for supporting genetic diversity within populations. This genetic diversity plays a pivotal role in species richness and is a protective measure against the risk of extinction.
- Fragmentation of forests and increased recreation around vernal pools and wetland seeps are also harming the creatures that depend on this natural community. Farm & Wilderness Conservation protects numerous acres of wetlands, vernal pools, and wetlands seeps from development; however, a changing climate remains a threat to wetlands.
- Farm & Wilderness Conservation manages its forests and wetlands to maintain the highest quality habitat for various species. We continue conserving these areas under the Forest Legacy, easements, and forest stewardship plans.