Conservation Commission

The mission of the Conservation Commission is to preserve the town’s natural resources and rural character by encouraging sound environmental stewardship, providing community outreach and education, and advocating for sustainable town planning.

Help Shape the Future of Brushwood Community Forest!

The West Fairlee Conservation Commission invites you to stop into the West Fairlee Community Building (during business hours) over the next couple of weeks to participate in an informal survey about conservation and recreation activities in Brushwood Community Forest.

The survey is also available on-line HERE .

We are interested in learning what our community cares about in this amazing community asset as well as the recreational activities you would like to be able to participate in within our Community Forest. This survey will be available during any hours the Community Building is open.

Guided Mountain Bike Outing A Success!

Guided by Coyote Hill Mountain Bike Camp, a West Fairlee recreational business, mountain bikers explored trails in Brushwood Community Forest in late September. Thank you to Conservation Commission member Tomas Masterson for taking the lead in organizing the event!

Monarch Menagerie - photo by John Pietkiewicz

Pollinators Series

"Seed-saving and Putting the Garden To Bed For Winter" is the final session in a series of free programs on the vital need for pollinators like bees, butterflies and more will be held Sunday September 25th at 3 pm at the Thetford Center Community Garden. All are welcome, you do not need to have attended earlier sessions. (click headline for additional information)

Black Bear

Town Natural Resources Inventory Completed

West Fairlee's Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) has just been completed by Arrowwood Environmental, a Vermont-based ecological services consultant. The NRI is a town-wide inventory of significant natural resources. . . (click headline to continue reading)

Opportunities

Trees For Streams

As a landowner living by the Ompompanoosuc River, you may be eligible for free trees for riparian buffers - streamside planting, with all planting provided - through the Trees for Streams Program.

Trees For Streams promotes tree and shrub planting along Vermont’s waterways. Plantings filter out sediment and excess nutrients and help stabilize streambanks. Mature trees reduce stream temperatures which is important to fish, provide valuable habitat and provide safe corridors for wildlife to move along. A healthy river buffer results in cleaner water and general enjoyment of the river.

There is no cost. If you are interested in learning more we would be happy to set up a time to visit your property and answer your questions. Please contact your West Fairlee neighbors Rebecca Wurdak or Peggy Willey; or Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist for the White River Conservation District.