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Council approves resolution to seek grants for Mudbrook Wetlands preserve
Summary
Stowe adopted Resolution 24-226 to authorize grant applications for acquiring the Mudbrook Wetlands Preserve through a conservancy partnership; council members split over priority but majority approved.
Stowe City Council on Jan. 9 voted to authorize the mayor to pursue grant funding and a partnership to acquire the Mudbrook Wetlands Preserve (Resolution 24-226). Supporters said the acquisition offers a low‑cost opportunity to protect floodplain wetlands and preserve green space; some councilmembers questioned whether acquiring new land should be a priority while the city continues to invest in existing parks.
Planning and conservation advocates described the 21‑acre wetland corridor as a candidate for permanent protection that could help stormwater mitigation and provide future passive‑recreation access. “This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to actually prevent further encroachment on lands,” Councilmember Herman said during the committee discussion, urging the city seize an opportunity to protect open space.
Councilmember McIntyre opposed the resolution and said the city master‑plan and taxpayer priorities emphasize maintaining and improving existing park assets rather than adding acreage. McIntyre said the city should focus funds on improving current trails and facilities before taking on new property. Other councilmembers and the parks director noted the resolution merely authorizes grant applications and partnerships; substantial funding decisions and any required city commitments would return to council later for approval.
The resolution passed by roll call (majority in favor). City staff said grant applications and potential mitigation work — including a possible utility easement for water infrastructure that could affect eligibility — would be handled and brought back to council; staff also said that, in the short term, the site requires minimal maintenance.
The measure authorizes the mayor to file grant applications with partner organizations (including the Western Reserve Conservancy) to pursue acquisition and preservation funding. Council members who opposed the measure said they were not against wetlands protection in principle but questioned timing and competing budget priorities.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 24-226 — Adopted (roll call: Herman, Coffey, Baranek, Riehl, Fioka voted yes; McIntyre voted no).
