DUMMERSTON — Putney Mountain Association recently announced that it is in the last stages of conserving land that will connect Prospect Hill/Dummerston trails with the existing Putney Mountain and Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association 45-mile trail system to Grafton.
Members say that “all that stands in the way of making this a reality is raising the last $9,500 needed to complete the purchase and conservation of the second of two parcels which will fill the gaps in the trail system.”
The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board awarded $116,000 toward the project in December. Private foundations and local residents have provided most of the rest.
Known as the “Missing Links” Project, the route wends its way through a forested landscape on a new trail designed by master trail artist Roger Haydock.
The trail will cross properties of five Dummerston residents who have donated trail easements.
This new trail, from Prospect Hill near Dummerston Center to the Putney Mountain trails, will provide public access for hiking, snowshoeing, and other recreational and educational activities. It will protect an important wildlife corridor within a densely settled area.
The purchased land will be conserved by the Vermont Land Trust, thereby making it accessible to future generations.
View a slideshow, photos and maps of the area on the PMA website at putneymountain.org. Want to help build the trails? Join the trail crew by contacting Richard Fletcher at rafletch5@gmail.com or 802-387-6017.
Donations may be made online or sent to Putney Mountain Association, Missing Links Projects, P.O. Box 953, Putney, VT 05346.