April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018
Duxbury Town Forest
The most important accomplishment of the year was receiving the conservation easement on the 169-acre Duxbury Town Forest. The land was transferred to the Town at no cost from the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. The conservation easement which the Duxbury Land Trust holds stipulates the permitted and non-permitted uses necessary to protect the property for forestry, conservation and passive recreation in perpetuity.
Property Stewardship
DLT properties were monitored and all were determined to be in compliance with the terms of the easements. Boundary markers were installed on the Swimming Hole property. Alan and Jim cut up some trees that had fallen across the trail on the Ridley Brook properties. Plantings done after the 2011 flood are healthy and flourishing.
Natural History Event
In August, Rachel Sargent, a Duxbury naturalist led a nature journaling activity. She introduced a group of enthusiastic participants to nature journaling using tree and plant identification. The event was the first-ever to be held in Duxbury’s new Town Forest off Hart Road. Exercises included nature observation, drawing exercises, and practice journal entries.
Land Trust Standards and Practices Revised
The DLT is a member of the Land Trust Alliance that provides resources, guidance, and support for land trusts nationwide. As a condition of membership, the DLT is required to adopt the Alliance’s 12 Standards and Practices. Each Standard was addressed including: Ethics, Mission, and Community Engagement; Board Accountability; Fundraising; and Financial Oversight.
Strategic Planning
Board members spent a portion of the program year focusing on updating our strategic plan. Three overriding goals were identified:
- to promote the growth and sustainability of the DLT
- to ensure protection of land and conservation easements
- to identify and pursue potential land conservation opportunities
Many thanks to all our members for their support during the year.
Duxbury Land Trust 