Logging encroaches Strafford fen
A logging operation is encroaching upon a well-known rich fen in Strafford, Vermont. The fen straddles the boundary between Cobb Town Forest and an unnamed property protected by the Upper Valley Land Trust. As of September 22, logging on UVLT land has come within 200 feet of the fen.
The fen in Cobb Town Forest is well known for its diversity, especially orchid species. Any loss of fen habitat to logging would be a huge loss.
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@marchantia @origamilevi @mickicolbeck FYI
Can you please be more specific about where this property is? Is it part of the Hemenway Forest? Are you sure it is managed by the UVLT?
@mickicolbeck thanks for the response. I made a map so that this would be easier to discuss: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EKhYxN29nQV0WcJNt9grjAK3Bsc6l4hB/view?usp=sharing
The red line is the Taylor Valley Trail. According to the VT Protected Lands Database, that property is managed by UVLT. In any case, there is an active logging operation there (the trail is now a logging road). The two red dots are points where the logging has come closest to the fen (about 200 feet away).
@j_berard Jason, Given your role in charge of land stewardship for UVLT, could you please just provide reassurance to this group that UVLT is aware of and/or managing this logging operation and that you are confident that the fen will not be adversely impacted? Thanks!
Hi,
I hiked the fen and the Taylor Valley trail yesterday. Saw some selective thinning that did not concern me. Our SCC meets tonight. We'll discuss it. The Forester in charge has been in contact. Thanks for making us aware.
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