About the William G. and L. Chila Russell Conservation Project

In the Spring of 2020 WLI was approached by L. Chila Russell, a landowner who was seeking to conserve this family-owned parcel. The landowner wanted to find an organization that would accept the donation of the property and would provide ongoing protection and stewardship for the benefit of the Waterbury community for the purposes of outdoor recreation, forest management, wildlife habitat, and water quality.  In December 2022, WLI took title to the property and began working to ensure its protection and use in accordance with the mission and purposes of WLI. 

Wildlife: 

The Property includes and supports quality wildlife habitat and is also part of a larger network of conserved and public lands within the greater Mt. Mansfield and Worcester Range. The Mansfield-Worcester Forest Block, which includes all 125 acres of this property, has been identified as a global-level Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. IBAs are globally important for bird conservation and are identified using a set of internationally agreed upon criteria. Approximately 109 acres of the property are located within one of Vermont’s highest priority connectivity blocks. Connectivity blocks represent an important network of forest blocks that provide terrestrial wildlife connectivity at a regional scale, supporting wide-ranging animals, genetic diversity, resiliency, and ecological functions. Approximately 106 acres of the property are also classified as a state-mapped deer wintering area. WLI stewardship will  prohibit activities that would impair wildlife habitat by preventing development and subdivision of the property.

The property contains several habitat types that support a range of native wildlife species. Mature hardwood and mixed forests offer resources for species like pileated woodpecker, hermit thrush, fisher, barred owls, and bats. The property has an array of hard and soft mast-producing trees such as American beech, northern red oak, black cherry, apple, and hawthorn. Those trees provide forage resources for many species, including American black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous other birds and small mammals. 

Project Description

The property, with its old fields and  maturing  forest, is symbolic of the mosaic of Northern New England land uses. Its proximity to other conserved public lands within the greater Mount Mansfield and Worcester Range forest blocks heighten the value of its varied habitats and role in facilitating regional wildlife connectivity. Further, its proximity to town-roads and the village make this property accessible to residents of Waterbury. 

The property is located off the western side of Blush Hill Road in Waterbury, VT. The property includes 125 acres of productive forestland, open land, and forested wetlands with multiple perennial and intermittent streams. There are no existing dwellings or developed structures on the property. 

In its current condition, the property has ~108 acres of productive forest land and approximately 17 acres of open land. The open land is underlain by prime agricultural soils that are classified by the State of Vermont as farmland of statewide importance. The Property does not contain any mapped wetlands as identified in the Vermont Significant Wetland Inventory (VSWI). However, site-level assessment and mapping conducted for the property transfer suggest there is likely an ~2-acre Class III wetland in the far northwestern corner of the property. 

Recreation: 

The continuous trail network that is found within but also connecting to trails in adjacent properties, is extensive and in good, stable condition. The trail network contributes to Waterbury’s outdoor recreation resources and social vitality, and potentially,  its economic vitality. The proximity of the Russell property to the village of Waterbury offers easy access to Waterbury residents and visitors for outdoor recreation. Area residents now use the property for   hiking, biking, snowshoeing and birdwatching. Currently parking is available by  the WDEV towers with a future location for a parking area along Blackberry Lane or Blush Hill.. 

The Russell parcel is located within close proximity to Brookside Primary School making it an ideal location as an outdoor classroom for educational activities.

Conserving this parcel will protect wildlife habitat and natural resources while preserving the traditional and current recreational uses of the property. 

Project Status

WLI’s Board of Directors took ownership of the property on December 19, 2022, following the completion of an updated survey and appraisal.  WLI has developed a stewardship plan in alignment with WLI’s mission which provides a framework through which the various uses of the property can be managed and the conservation values for the property can be sustained.

The property transfer and the ongoing stewardship, maintenance and ownership expenses have been funded primarily through private donations from community residents. Revitalizing Waterbury, Stowe Land Trust, and The Waterbury Area Trails Alliance are enthusiastic supporters of the project.

William G. and L. Chila Russell  Property Stewardship Plan