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Conservation group to buy 60 acres in Snow Valley; Forest Service transfer expected
Summary
Representatives from the National Forest Service and a conservation nonprofit told the Winhall Selectboard that a 60‑acre parcel in Snow Valley is slated for purchase and eventual transfer to the Forest Service; the nonprofit said there is "no legal access to this land except by foot."
Martina Barnes, listed as a National Forest representative, and Sally Manikian of the Conservation Fund briefed the Winhall Selectboard on plans for a 60‑acre parcel within Snow Valley that the Conservation Fund would purchase and hold until the U.S. Forest Service takes ownership. Manikian said there is "no legal access to this land except by foot," and explained that if the Conservation Fund completes the purchase the parcel would enter current‑use status pending a formal transfer to the Forest Service, which could take several years.
Selectboard members asked about tax implications for the town and why the Forest Service would acquire more acreage given it already owns more than half of Winhall. The board did not take formal action but requested staff continue to monitor the proposal and bring updates to future meetings. No timelines or purchase prices were disclosed at the meeting.
