Diverse, Secluded, Special: Morey Mountain Natural Resource Inventory Presentation
Monday, December 2, 2019 — “Any visitor to this forest, in the first steps out of their car, will see why this land so special." says the Upper Valley Land Trust's Vice President for Stewardship and Strategic Initiatives John Roe. "There are very few tracts of forest left in the Upper Valley where one can see and experience a forest that is approaching a condition of being “fully-stocked.” Roe is speaking about Morey Mountain - a 150 acre conservation area in Fairlee, VT that is owned and managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT). Max Nash-Howe, a graduate student from the Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources, will be giving a presentation on his Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plan for the Morey Mountain Conservation Area on Thursday, December 12th at 7pm at the Fairlee Town Hall Auditorium.
The Morey Mountain Conservation Area begins near the shores of Lake Morey and slopes upward to the top of the mountain, serving as the scenic backdrop for the entire western and northwestern shore of the lake. The property was purchased in 2017 by the Lake Morey Foundation, which was concerned about housing possibly expanding away from the shores of Lake Morey and into the forest. The Lake Morey Foundation gave the property to UVLT to secure protection of the land from development and also to ensure that one of the most biodiverse sites in the county would be would be managed to preserve that diversity.
Morey Mountain Conservation Area is not only diverse, with quality forested wetlands and rare species but it also serves as a key corridor and connection for wildlife. "Morey Mountain is in a part of the forested landscape that makes up the most important east-west habitat connection between the Green and White Mountains. Ecologists sat that this connection is critical to maintain in order for species to be resilient in the face of climate change," said Jason Berard, UVLT Stewardship Director. Finally, Morey Mountain’s steep terrain has led to many large oak and hemlock trees. Due to pressures from logging and management of forests, trees of this size have become a rarity and their presence on the property truly makes Morey Mountain a special place.
Max Nash-Howe spent several months at the Morey Mountain property doing a Natural Resource Inventory and creating a proposed management plan for UVLT as an intern. On Thursday December 12th he will present his findings, which include natural community descriptions and maps, suggestions for forestry and wildlife management, and potential recreational human uses. Upper Valley Land Trust staff will also be present to answer any questions about management and plans for the property in the future.