HARDWICK, The newly formed Buffalo Mountain Steering Committee convened for the first time on June 1, beginning work on a management plan for the town-owned forest. Town Manager David Upson opened the meeting and called for nominations for a chair. Paul Cillo was nominated but suggested delaying the vote until the next meeting due to a lack of quorum.
Attendees introduced themselves, including members of the Conservation Commission, residents, hikers, and representatives from the Trust for Public Land and the Northern Rivers Land Trust. Topics of discussion included gathering public input through surveys, farmers market tables, and post office flyers; potential swimming holes on the Lamoille River; and the legality of camping within the conservation easement.
Upson noted that the town has already received a strong survey response and has systems in place for communication. Jack Travelstead of the Northern Rivers Land Trust outlined the committee's responsibilities: collecting public input, consulting experts, and drafting the management plan. Hannah Redmon of the Trust for Public Land described a proposed Ecological Protection Zone for cliff areas, which would prioritize ecological management.
The group debated camping and lodging options, with some members favoring private lodging over campsites. Redmon and Upson reminded the committee that the management plan is updated roughly every decade, so not every future use must be addressed immediately.
The committee plans to meet twice monthly on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m., with a location to be determined.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Artaxerxes (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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