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Proposed Designation:
National Conservation Area
Towns:
Middlebury, Ripton, Bristol
Acreage:
3,500
Topography:
2,000 foot escarpment
Water:
Abbey Pond
Natural Features:
20 natural communities, many rare plants
Points of Interest:
Abbey Pond Trail
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Click map for larger view
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The proposed Abbey Pond National Conservation Area would protect 3,500 acres of the 8,000-acre Robert Frost Mountain area in the Green Mountain National Forest. South of the Bristol Cliffs Wilderness Area, west of the Breadloaf Wilderness, and spanning the towns of Bristol, Ripton, Lincoln, and Middlebury, the Robert Frost Mountain region is predominantly wild in character despite repeated logging by the Forest Service. The area has high ecological value because of its valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife, including black bear and migratory songbirds dependent on unfragmented interior forest. In addition, there are outstanding opportunities for backcountry recreation, education, and scientific research. The Abbey Pond Trail, which leads up the steep escarpment into this area, is popular with local residents for hiking and picnicking. |
The Forest Service has logged the Robert Frost Mountain area for approximately 50 years, employing intensive logging methods such as clearcutting and other even-aged management, and building roads. Despite the land’s superb natural values, the Forest Service has only proposed placing less than 500 acres near Abbey Pond off limits to logging and road building. Ensuring the area’s ecological characteristics will require the inclusion of much more land in protected status. |
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The core of the proposed Abbey Pond National Conservation Area hosts at least three rare plants: Jacob's ladder, ovate spikerush, and matted spikerush. Great blue herons have nested on one of the wetlands. Large mammal research has revealed regular use of the proposed NCA by bears, which forage on the sedges, beech nuts, acorns, and apples found there. The proposed NCA borders Middlebury College's Battell Preserve on the north and east. This 109-acre old- growth forest, with northern hardwoods, huge hemlocks, and native red pines, can provide a window into the potential future of the area. The proposed National Conservation Area has no fewer than 20 natural communities, all within walking distance of one another. While individual community types like these are found elsewhere in Vermont, it is their close convergence here that makes the area such rich habitat for a wide range of native wildlife. Protecting this area will increase the stability and viability of local wildlife populations.
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Proposed Wilderness Areas and Additions, NRAs, and NCAs
Romance Mountain Wilderness
Glastenbury Wilderness
Lamb Brook Wilderness
Lye Brook Additions
Robert Stafford NRA
Moosalamoo NRA
Abbey Pond NCA
The Cape NCA
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