Barrett Conservation Area at Wrights Mountain
UVLT’s purchase of 61 acres along Route 25 and Wrights Mountain Road in Bradford protects water quality and contributes to the integrity of a large block of conserved forest land. The parcel adjoins over 800 acres of contiguous UVLT-protected woodland, which includes two privately-owned parcels and as well as the Wrights Mountain/Devil’s Den Forest owned by the Town of Bradford.
There are steep slopes, exposed rock ledge, and mixed wood forest stands that primarily consist of hemlock, white pine, red spruce, and balsam fir. Two direct tributaries of the Waits River descend the south facing slopes to feed the Town of Bradford’s aquifer and riverine wetlands are associated with these streams. The land is ranked as having high resiliency, biodiversity and connectivity — characteristics prioritized in UVLT’s strategic plan.
Conservation of the property was a priority for its owners too. Part of Bradford native Betty (Pierson) Barrett’s estate, her children knew that their parents had hoped the land would remain undeveloped in perpetuity. Betty and Earl Barrett grew up in Bradford and Fairlee respectively and though they lived all over the world during their 62 happy years of marriage, their Upper Valley roots and local family connections remained deep. This property had previously belonged to Betty’s brother, Bob Pierson. A sale to UVLT made perfect sense and will make enjoying the land possible for generations of Vermonters to come.
UVLT’s acquisition is a step toward a longstanding goal of the Bradford Conservation Commission to provide improved access from the southern side of the Wrights Mountain/Devil’s Den area. Next, UVLT will be working with the Commission to install trailhead parking and trail connections at the new property and decommission a tiny, unsafe access presently located on Route 25.
The Wrights Mountain summit was acquired and conserved by the Town of Bradford nearly 31 years ago. Once appreciated primarily for the recreational trail and wonderful view from the top of the mountain, over time the addition of adjacent tracts has created an ecologically significant area stretching almost two miles from north to south. Today, the Wrights Mountain/Devils Den area is for people and nature, protecting many species of plants, animals, birds and aquatic life. Funding for UVLT’s acquisition was awarded by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board and the Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program of the Nature Conservancy. The Bradford Conservation Commission will be contributing to the stewardship endowment and a local donor has made a gift to support the planned trailhead improvements.
