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Hardwick pledges $25,000 toward acquisition of 329-acre Buffalo Mountain town forest
Summary
After a substantive presentation by the Conservation Commission and a wide-ranging floor debate about costs, access and stewardship, voters approved contributing $25,000 (to be matched by more than $700,000 in other funds) toward acquiring roughly 329 acres on Buffalo Mountain for a town forest.
Hardwick voters approved Article 7 to contribute $25,000 toward acquiring approximately 329 acres on Buffalo Mountain to be held as a town forest, matched by more than $700,000 in public and private funds.
Rachel Payne of the Hardwick Conservation Commission outlined the proposal and funders involved, including Northern Rivers Land Trust and Trust for Public Land partners, and explained that the town contribution is a small but important demonstration of local commitment that helps unlock larger grants. Payne said the acquisition would guarantee permanent public access for recreational uses, protect habitat and river water quality, and provide outdoor educational opportunities for local schools. She noted an existing $100,000 commitment from a conservation fund and that the town contribution would be returned to the town when the property closes.
Opponents and questioners pressed for clarity on long-term maintenance costs, lost grand-list revenue, and whether the town should form a steering committee to set uses and management plans before voting. Supporters stressed the value of protecting large contiguous forest near town for future generations and pointed to possible revenue streams such as sustainable timber harvest or sugaring that could offset maintenance. Organizers said a steering committee of citizens will be formed to develop a management plan for selectboard approval following the acquisition.
After discussion the meeting moved to a hand vote; the moderator declared the ayes had it and Article 7 passed. The town will set up a designated fund to handle the reimbursement and initial management costs once the transaction closes.
What happens next: the conservation partners will continue due diligence, the steering committee will be formed to recommend a management plan, and funds will be placed in a restricted account to support opening and initial stewardship of the town forest.
Speakers quoted or cited in this article are taken from the meeting transcript and are attributed to their first references in the record.
