FALL BROOK PROJECT
STRENGTHENING THE LINKS OF CONSERVED LAND
We are thrilled to share a new, exciting extension of the Missing Links project with you: we have the opportunity to conserve three contiguous parcels, totaling 159 acres, in Dummerston. The land buffers the existing Missing Links trail system along the Fall Brook headwaters. This acquisition is a crucial step towards extending conserved ridgeline land and trails south through Dummerston, connecting to Prospect Hill.
A Legacy of Conservation
For years, the Putney Mountain Association (PMA) has worked tirelessly to protect the natural landscapes of southeastern Vermont. Our mission is rooted in the understanding that human well-being is intricately connected to the health of our environment. By conserving land, we ensure that wildlife habitats are preserved, water resources are protected, and people have access to the natural spaces that sustain us all.
Why This Land Matters
The land we seek to acquire in Dummerston is not just any piece of property—it’s a keystone in a broader conservation strategy. This area is a designated “highest priority interior forest block” by Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, part of a 6,700-acre expanse of forest that provides essential habitat for iconic species like black bears, moose, and bobcats. These animals rely on large, undeveloped landscapes to roam freely, find food, and raise their young. Fragmentation of this forest would threaten their survival, and with it, the ecological balance of the region. Moreover, this land falls within a “high priority connectivity block,” serving as a crucial corridor for wildlife movement. Protecting this area means safeguarding the future of Vermont’s wildlife.
Our Commitment to Stewardship
At PMA, conservation doesn’t end with land acquisition. We are committed to improving the health of the land. We plan to remove invasive species and control erosion on old logging roads to protect sensitive areas.
Additionally, the ridgeline trail that runs through this property connects the northern and southern portions of the Windmill Ridge Nature Reserve, and creates a continuous, non-motorized recreational trail all the way to Grafton. This trail offers a place for enjoying the tranquility of nature, furthering our mission of promoting responsible human access to these lands.
Projected Budget
Your Role in This Vision
Expenses
Acquisition
390,000
PMA stewardship endowment
58,500
VLT conservation easement
25,150
Closing costs, appraisal, & admin
18,325
Stewardship
15,825
Closing costs, appraisal, & admin
18,325
TOTAL
$507,800
Income
VHCB grant
300,000
Foundation grant requested
40,000
Foundation grant awarded
134,500
Individual donations, fundraising
33,300
TOTAL
$507,800
This project is about more than just land—it’s about preserving the very essence of Vermont’s natural heritage. By contributing to this effort, you are playing a vital role in protecting these critical habitats and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our region.
We need your support to make this vision a reality. Every dollar you contribute brings us closer to securing this land, preserving wildlife habitat, and creating a lasting legacy of conservation. Join us in safeguarding this extraordinary piece of Vermont for the benefit of all—now and for generations to come.
As you can see, we rely on a substantial number of individual donors to make projects like this one happen, and every contribution helps. You can support this project in the following ways:
- Write a check and mail to:
Putney Mountain Association
PO Box 953
Putney, VT 05346 - Donate online via PayPal:
- Contact us at putmta@gmail.com to discuss other ways to donate.
If you’d like to discuss this project with a board member or get more information, please send us an email or give us a call (802-387-0310) and we’d be happy to talk about Fall Brook with you!
