WOLCOTT, Vt. (WCAX) – Since the flooding experienced by many towns last summer, many are exploring options on how to mitigate climate concerns that could cause future disasters. That includes Wolcott, which is investing in a forestry project to expand green space and outdoor opportunities in Lamoille County.
“The town has been very interested in a couple pieces of land here for recreational use,” said Kurt Klein, a Wolcott resident. He says his small town could attract more visitors with new upgrades to outdoor recreation. “I think it is an excellent idea. With the rail trail coming through town, this really provides a lot of opportunity.”
The town of Wolcott is looking to establish hiking, biking, and walking trails on two pieces of land surrounding the town. Officials say the $2 million project can also be used as an educational opportunity. “There’s a number of significant conservation elements within the property. With wildlife assessments done on the property, they identified a handful of state-significant populations of rare species,” said Gordon Young, a member of Wolcott’s Forest Stewardship Committee.
Town officials hope to add the forest to their map with the completion of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, adding another driver to bring more people to the downtown. “We were quite excited because it really opens up a lot of opportunities for recreation in town. It’s exciting for Wolcott. There is a lot going on in the town to make it more vibrant. This will add to it,” said Wolcott Selectboard Chair Linda Martin.
Shelby Seemes with The Trust for Public Land says the 734-acre community forest will also have the ability to hold and slow stormwater upstream from the village. “What’s really interesting right now is that we are seeing a number of communities across New England — and really across the country — are identifying priority lands that can really help address climate concerns,” she said.
Town officials aren’t sure when the project will be complete but are hoping within the next two years that trails will be ready for people to walk on.