MARLBORO — Bob Anderson explained that HMCA will continue as a “friends of” the organization. The official job of maintaining the land falls to the town of Marlboro and the newly created Hogback Conservation Commission. The commission will develop policies and management plans for the recreational area as well as manage monetary issues and the $120,000 endowment fund.
The Vermont Land Trust holds the property's conservation easement and will monitor the area each year to ensure stipulations in the easement are met.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and the Agency of Natural Resources provided grants, helping HMCA reach their goal.
Private funds were provided through the Northeast Land Consortium of the Pew Charitable Trusts and from those who gave 300 individual donations.
Bob and Nancy Anderson will be honored with the Richard W. Carbin Community Conservation Award at the next Vermont Land Trust meeting on June 12.
“They are a very impressive group,” said Christine Hart, chair of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
Hart said preserving Hogback and opening the public trails created an important asset accessible to everyone in the community and Vermont.
Bob Anderson says that the land belongs to the town now, but that HMCA will continue to promote Hogback.