The Mount Holly Conservation Trust has acquired the 33.5-acre Maple Crossing property, strategically located between Awasos Wildlife Management Area and Okemo State Forest along Route 100 South in Weston. The acquisition was supported by a generous grant from The Nature Conservancy’s Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund.
The property fills an important gap between already conserved public lands. It includes forested seeps and headwater streams used by wildlife including bobcat, fisher, turkey, moose, and red-backed salamanders, while also expanding opportunities for low-impact wildlife-based recreation such as birding, hiking, hunting, and angling.
“We’re especially excited by the acquisition of Maple Crossing because it forms a vital bridge between already conserved public lands.”
Brigid Sullivan — President, Mount Holly Conservation Trust
The parcel’s headwater streams also benefit brook trout both on the property and downstream.
“We are pleased to support this important conservation project. In addition to protecting critical habitat and facilitating safe wildlife passage, this land provides the local community with more recreation opportunities and improves flood resilience in the area.”
Eve Frankel — State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Vermont
To complete the protected connection between Awasos Wildlife Management Area and Okemo State Forest, MHCT plans to convey Maple Crossing to the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife later this year.
“We are thrilled to once again be working with the Mount Holly Conservation Trust to conserve more of this critical wildlife corridor. DFW and the MHCT have partnered on three conservation projects which began with the creation of Awasos WMA in 2022. Partnerships between state and local non-profit partners are fantastic examples of how collaboration can lead to meaningful success.”
Will Duane — Land Acquisition Coordinator, Vermont Fish and Wildlife