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A beloved series
of waterfalls and swimming holes is now permanently protected in
Ludlow.
Thanks to
the efforts of the Vermont River Conservancy (VRC) and many generous
donors, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation
now owns approximately 7 acres along Branch Brook, the site of "Buttermilk Falls," an area Vermonters and those who
visit Vermont have enjoyed for generations.
The series of waterfalls and popular swimming holes is listed
in the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources inventory of significant
waterfalls, cascades, gorges, and swimming holes.
The VRC purchased the property
from members of the Johnson family of Massachusetts and New York.
The family had owned the property since 1963. Upon purchase, the
VRC donated the property to the Vermont Department of Forest,
Parks, and Recreation, subject to a conservation easement held
by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB).
The conservation easement will ensure that the property can never be developed and the state will always allow public access to the site for swimming and enjoyment of the natural resources.
In May, the VHCB awarded the project a $30,500 grant for the purchase.
The project also required an additional $14,500 to reach the overall
$45,000 project cost. Response to the Vermont River Conservancy's efforts to raise the rest of the necessary funds was overwhelmingly
strong, with over sixty individuals and businesses contributing
to the project.
Learn how you can help the VRC |
When the land came up for sale, the State of Vermont contacted the VRC, who then organized the project and brought it to completion.
"We
were very, very excited to work with the landowners, the State of
Vermont, the local communities, and the many generous donors who
helped us accomplish this wonderful project," said Jeff Meyers,
executive director of the VRC.
The VRC is a 501 (c) (3) organization solely dedicated to the protection
of Vermont's exceptional water-related lands. The VRC works to ensure
that Vermont's precious waterfalls and gorges, swimming holes, paddling
and fishing areas-all the outstanding properties along our waters-are
protected in perpetuity for those who follow in our footsteps to
enjoy. The VRC is primarily devoted to real estate conservation
efforts and works in partnership with landowners, municipalities,
other conservation organizations, private businesses, and federal
and state agencies.
"Letters and checks came in from all sorts of people," said Meyers. So many people have been visiting Buttermilk Falls
since they were little kids and now they bring their grandchildren."
"We'd like to sincerely thank all who helped us seize this
opportunity to protect a site that has been loved by so many for
generations. Now it will always be available for enjoyment by all
those who come after us."
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (VT FPR)
will manage the property. According to Jay Maciejowski, District
Forestry Manager for VT FPR, the state has developed an Interim
Stewardship Plan for the Buttermilk Falls Property that will remain
in effect until a Long Range Management Plan can be completed.
The property will be cared for by staff from Camp Plymouth State
Park during the summer months and, according to Maciejowski, "the
state will be looking to volunteers to help keep the area pristine
and trash free during the rest of the year".
An Interim Stewardship Plan outlines the activities that the state
may undertake to protect the natural beauty of Buttermilk Falls
and Branch Brook as the public continues to enjoy non-motorized
recreational activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, fishing
and hunting at the site.
See more
pictures of Buttermilk Falls...
page updated 5/14/08 by Zephyr Sites |
