Conservation Commission

Mission Statement



To identify and protect Hartford’s natural resources, to educate our community about natural heritage, and to foster local environmental stewardship.

The Hartford Conservation Commission was established in 1990.  It's charge is to:

  • Acquire and protect valuable wildlife habitat, scenic view shed and watershed areas.
  • Develop an inventory of natural resources throughout Hartford.
  • Educate and increase awareness of conservation and recreation goals and impacts.
  • Encourage recreational uses consistent with the preservation of the natural beauty that exists within our town.
  • Maintain and preserve natural areas.

Members

Thomas Kahl, Chair Jonathan Bouton, Treasurer
Angela Emerson Katie Mann, Vice Chair
Mary Hutchins Lee Michaelides
​
 
Dennis Brown - Selectboard Liaison

Meetings


​​Town Forest Recreation Management Plan 

The Hartford Conservation Commission has revised the Recreational Management Plan for the Hartford Town Forest. The current draft is open for public comment.
 
  • Draft 2021 Recreation Management Plan (See attached)
  • Proposed Uses & Comparison with the 2002 (See attached)
  • 2018 Recreation Plan SE Group (See attached)
  • 2002 Recreation Management Plan (See attached)
  •   A remote community meeting was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.  The following are minutes of the community meeting and a link to the meeting video (MP4 download), or YouTube @  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLY8qq6m6Mc&feature=youtu.be
  • The public comment period will be open through February 28, 2021.
  • If you have comments or questions about the Draft Recreation Plan, please contact Matt Osborn at mosborn@hartford-vt.org or (802)295-3075 .

See here for Town Forest Trails Map   

 

Town Forest Resource Assessment and Forest Management Plan

 Since the fall of 2019, The Conservation Commission has been working on an update of the Town Forest Resource Assessment and Forest Management Plan (TFRA & FMP).

On November 2, 2020, the Hartford Selectboard adopted the (TFRA & FMP).

In addition, a remote community meeting on the update of the Forest Management Plan for the Hartford Town Forest was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. See video below.

  • Adopted Town Forest Resource Assessment/Forest Management Plan (See attached) (See attached) 
  • Three-page Summary (See here)
  • Forest Stands Map (See here)
  • Potential Timber Sale 2022 (See here)

The following is a link to a series of videos that County Forester A.J. Follensbee has put together on forest management and the planned winter 2021/2022 timber harvest. 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvBiL0iDmi_rOuCIPLFpD2w/playlists

If you wish to correspond with Members by mail please address to 171 Bridge Street, White River Junction, VT 05001.  To leave a message please call 802-295-3075.

Interested in getting involved???

If you are interested in getting involved with the Conservation Commission or have questions about their work, contact Matt Osborn at mosborn@hartford-vt.org

To view more information regarding the Hartford Conservation Commission, please visit us at https://www.hartford-vt.org/2227/Conservation