What seemed impossible – the conservation of the largest remaining unprotected privately-owned forest tract in Stowe – is now within reach for the Stowe Land Trust. Join STP in celebrating and helping them reach their goal.
Brownsville Forest is a beloved place to many in the Stowe community for its history, quiet character, remote feel, beautiful woods, and many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Until it was posted several years ago, neighbors and community members long used and appreciated access to the Brownsville Forest for hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross country skiing, walking and more. Almost two miles of Class IV roads pass through the property connecting to the VAST trail and providing access to thousands of acres of state land. Some of the first mountain biking trails were built in Brownsville Forest, including a local favorite called Inberno. And once the land is purchased by SLT, they plan to transfer the Brownsville Forest to the State of Vermont as an addition to the adjacent C.C. Putnam State Forest. It will be open and available to the public for non-motorized recreation subject to a conservation easement held by the Land Trust and a management plan which will be prepared with an opportunity for public input.
Beyond being a recreational gem for Stowe, the Worcesters (including Brownsville Forest) have been identified by the State of Vermont and the Nature Conservancy as a highest priority area within Vermont and the region for maintaining biodiversity and an ecologically resilient landscape in the face of climate change.
If SLT is successful in raising the remaining 10% of acquisition costs plus project expenses and a contribution to its stewardship endowment, Brownsville Forest will be its largest – in acres and dollars – land purchase for conservation since it was founded in 1987. Please join us in celebrating and helping to make this dream a reality for our community.
