Land Trust Completes Purchase of Hartland Property

The Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) has purchased a 75-acre tract of farm and forest land located just north of the village of Hartland Three Corners. “Conserving this land has been a longstanding community goal,” says UVLT’s Peg Merrens, describing the initiative that secures land at the core of a popular Nordic ski trail system, provides new all-season pedestrian access, protects working farmland and sets aside an area for potential development of affordable housing. 

Owner Tim Pohl knew how much his land contributed to the vibrancy of the village, says Merrens, who is UVLT’s Vice President for Land Conservation. “When he needed to sell the property due to declining health, UVLT worked with area residents to find a solution,” Merrens said. Meeting with representatives from a regional housing trust, as well as Aging in Hartland, the Hartland Conservation Commission, Hartland Winter Trails, and the Town’s Selectboard, UVLT determined that 7 acres of the Pohl land could be suitable for much-needed housing development without substantially compromising the trail network currently enjoyed by Nordic skiers.

The result is a “multi-goal” achievement supported by a $100,000 Town Meeting appropriation, a $228,000 grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, and a fundraising campaign led by Hartland residents that raised nearly $300,000 from more than 40 households.

The property, which will be known as the Timotheus Pohl Conservation Area, has frontage on three roads and its meadows offer long views from the Quechee Road and Bischoff Lane. For years, the land has served as the hub of the Town’s vibrant, volunteer-led Nordic ski program, Hartland Winter Trails, with 3.5 kilometers of trails looping through the woods and around the fields and connecting to an extensive network across many other properties. It’s a short walk from the post office, village store, and town services.

“This is easily the most significant conservation project in Hartland in decades,” says Rob Anderegg, the Chair of the Hartland Conservation Commission. “A public park of this size so close to the village is an amazing accomplishment.”

Next, UVLT will be securing a lease with the local farmer who uses the fields. Merrens says that under UVLT’s ownership, some existing winter trails will be open for four-season use. UVLT will work with and continue to encourage housing advocates to explore options for development in the area reserved for affordable housing. Sadly, Mr. Pohl did not live to see the realization of the community's effort to conserve the property he loved, but the conservation area that bears his name exemplifies the character and legacy that makes Hartland Three Corners so special.

Contacts:

Peg Merrens, UVLT VP, Land Conservation: peg.merrens@uvlt.org

Rob Anderegg, Chair, Hartland Conservation Commission: rob.anderegg@outlook.com, 802-436-3996

Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board: gus@vhcb.org

Andrea Ambros, Hartland Winter Trails: andiski2live@gmail.com, 802-436-2472

Gordon Richardson, UVLT Trustee, former Hartland Select Board member: gordonlrichardson@gmail.com, 802-436-2362