MANCHESTER — The Nature Conservancy and the Southern Vermont Arts Center announced last week that the Conservancy has acquired 312-acres of forested land located behind the Arts Center. Eight years in the making, this deal protects a example of a rich northern hardwood forest — one of the largest and best-preserved examples in all of New England.
In making the announcement, SVAC Executive Director, Christopher Madkour said "This is a win-win situation on so many fronts. This sale preserves the integrity of the forest, allows for continued recreational use by the public, and the proceeds will fund an endowment trust devoted to furthering the Arts Center's mission."
A year ago, with grants already secured from national foundations and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), the Conservancy launched a local fund-raising push to complete this $850,000 project.
Realizing the commitment needed to conserve this forest, three local residents stepped forward in the summer of 2009 with a $100,000 challenge grant, to which the community responded with more than 120 contributions. In total, more than 160 local residents, individual donors, foundations and the VHCB have contributed to this important conservation effort.
"Our ability to bring this project home in such a difficult year is a testament to the determination and conservation ethic of the Manchester community. We give our heartfelt thanks
Klein noted that the Conservancy's vision for this includes a trail from Manchester to Merck Forest, and that a local group has begun working on this.
Over the last 20 years, including Pew Forest and the SVAC parcel, the Conservancy has protected a total of 2,364 acres.
"We are continuing to pursue opportunities to further our vision of connecting the patchwork of conserved lands reaching from Manchester to Merck Forest," Klein said.
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Vermont Chapter is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and has helped conserve over 183,000 acres of significant natural areas. It owns 54 nature preserves throughout the state.
The Southern Vermont Arts Center, Vermont's longest established cultural institution, is an educational non-profit organization supported by membership and tax-deductible donations. For more information about SVAC, call 362-1405 or visit the Arts Center on West Road in Manchester, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5 p.m., or any time at www.svac.org.
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