"To advise, foster and sustain a community wide vision that Vernon's natural resources are an integral part of who we are and what we seek to conserve, restore and improve upon for the mutual benefit of all its inhabitants."- Vernon Conservation Committee mission statement: (Ratified 10/ 26/2021).
This is the third part in the series that includes "Hunting for Autumn" and "In Search of Autumn." I previously discussed the work of the Vernon Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club's efforts to maintain and establish trails within Vernon's borders and the Vernon Recreation Department's initiative to develop a master plan that in part aims to improve and extend to Vernon residents a connection to a town wide trail system. In this edition (as promised) I will bring you on an Autumn picture walk on a portion of Vernon VAST trail 1 which traverses VT state lands in the Roaring Brook Wildlife Management Area.
For reference purposes, I do not recommend that motorists attempt to access the trail from the end of West Rd as this route bisects the driveway of a horse farm and a small scale logging operation. Additionally, the resident dogs are wholly unappreciative of automobiles.
Not far from the posted yellow state sign, we came upon a familiar gate harkening back to our April adventure, From Miller Farm to Maynard J Town Forest. We had first found this gate after a long hike which began with us parking at the Vernon Town Hall. We were surprised by the quick access to VAST trail 1 from the top of West Rd.
One quick picture of Autumn leaves resting on an Eastern Hemlock sapling,
and we were upon the powerlines, a view of NH mountains and the Connecticut River Valley.
Though we had achieved our goal in short order, Wayne decided that we should continue south to the
Roaring Brook Extension trail.
We never made it to the extension as I voted to take an unmarked trail heading west.
Well perhaps not so much as a trail as an adventure.
Many seasonal pools remain due to a wet summer
Power lines to the east of us
Power lines to the west of us
We decided on the east trail.
Though still on her long lead, Luna felt the need to blaze her own trail.
We found ourselves above the vista on the VAST 1 trail. VY can be seen from here.
I spent some time performing an "archaeological" dig.
I was pretty proud of my pottery reclamation, though I'm not entirely sure of what it was.
and it was time to head back.
How could I resist one more picture?
A while back Don Rosinski made a request of Vernon residents that we pen letters to the state in an effort to persuade them that Lillis Pasture (on the north side of RBWMA / off of Tyler Hill Rd) be purchased and added to the the Roaring Brook Wildlife Management Area. I along with many others obliged in this request. This land acquisition is now completed. I believe that in cooperation with the state of VT, the Vernon Selectboard, Vernon Planning Commission, Vernon Recreation Department, Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club and the newly formed Vernon Conservation Committee, this could be the ideal opportunity to locate parking on the north end of the RBWMA. Parking combined with intentionally developing / improving equitable access to the trail system and our natural resources for persons of all abilities, in my estimation should be a community and state priority. -Norma Manning
AS an FYI the State ANR has begun improvements to the Lillis Pasture Road and it will be somewhat impassable until the work is completed for the end of the week. Water bars and essential drainage work up to the first snowmobile bridge should be done this week. I highly recommend folks avoid it until the drains and water bars have had time to work. As we all know it has been a VERY WET year and this much needed maintenance is well deserved. Any questions regarding this should be directed to the Agency of Natural Resources.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this article Norma!
ReplyDelete