New Public Access to the New Haven River
Friday, June 19th, 2020
Vermont River Conservancy is pleased to announce expanded public access on the New Haven River. With support from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Trout Unlimited, New Haven River Angler’s Association, Praecipio Consulting, and generous support from local donors, VRC added 14.7 acres to the Saunders River Access for permanent floodplain protection, revegetation, and public access. This expanded protection means:
- Protected water quality. This property floods almost yearly, and its floodplain vegetation actively filters and stores sediment, nutrients and organic matter from upstream sources. The revegetating floodplain forest slows the velocity of flood waters and reduces erosion during high-water events. Because it isn’t planted in crops, less soil and nutrients are washed downstream during flood events. Town acquisition of these 14.7 acres ensures that the newly-established riparian forest is protected.
- Expanded public access to the New Haven River. This property will be forever protected for public access. These lands merged with Saunders River Access to the north – a day-use area that provides a point of entry to the New Haven River for fishing, kayaking/canoeing, bird-watching, horse-back riding, walking, and recreating. Together, the parcels comprise 54 acres of floodplain forest and 3,800 feet of frontage along the New Haven River.
- Enhanced wildlife corridors. This vital riparian habitat for birds, amphibians and mammals will be managed and enhanced.
Thank you to the many local donors who helped us realize these goals by donating to the acquisition of the 14.7 acres of easement lands!
Kristen Underwood (Bristol Conservation Commission), Mark Martin (Vermont Housing and Conservation Board), Lydia Menendez Parker (Vermont River Conservancy) along the cobble river shore
