April 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016
Duxbury Town Forest
During the past year, the Duxbury Land Trust (DLT) focused on developing the conservation easement for the future Duxbury Town Forest. 169 acres will be transferred at no cost to the town for a future Duxbury Town Forest. The transfer is contingent on having a deeded conservation easement held by the Duxbury Land Trust. The DLT Board approved accepting the easement from the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation on January 21, 2016. The transfer requires a number of steps, including approval by the Vermont Legislature. That approval was granted on April 5, 2016. The last piece is the closing between the Town, State, and DLT.
Property Stewardship
The Camel’s Hump Swimming Hole property boundaries were marked last year. The Vermont Land Trust representative monitored all three DLT properties on the Camel’s Hump Road and determined that we are complying with all terms of the easements. Two conservation easements held by DLT were monitored and found to be in compliance. Baseline data was collected on the two latest easements held on the former Vermont State Farm.
Membership Outreach
DLT board members discussed sponsoring some outreach activities to retain current and
attract new members. A survey was developed and will be sent to all current members to obtain information that will guide how we proceed with outreach. Rachel Sargent offered to lead some nature-based events as one of our outreach strategies. Two events are planned for this year: birdwatching on May 14 with the Mad Birders and a brook walk on July 16 with Rachel Sargent. Our newsletter is slated to go out in May.
Dowsville Headwaters
The board celebrated the completion of the 2085-acre Dowsville Headwaters project spearheaded by the Trust for Public Land. Although not directly involved, the DLT partnered with the TPL by providing consultation and fundraising. Our membership fundraising appeal brought in nearly $5,000 for the effort. The DLT has long recognized the importance of this spectacular property, which has been added to the Camel’s Hump State Park.
Many thanks to all our members for their support during the year.
Duxbury Land Trust 