ESSEX COUNTY, NY (Jan. 21, 2020) - The Open Space Institute (OSI) and the Lake Champlain Land Trust (LCLT) today announced the conservation of two forested properties in the Champlain Valley. The protected parcels, which together total close to 500 acres, improve forest connectivity and provide additional wildlife habitat near Baldface Mountain Preserve and Trembleau Mountain.
“Through these lands, OSI is continuing its commitment to protecting the scenic beauty of the Champlain Valley,” said Kim Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute. “Success stories like these highlight the conservation work achieved through strong partnerships and the generosity and support of donors.”
“We are so grateful to the landowners and OSI for partnering with us to protect these critical forestlands,” noted Chris Boget, Executive Director of LCLT. “These important conservation efforts advance several of the Lake Champlain Land Trust's regional conservation goals, including protecting wildlife habitat, conserving scenic beauty, and safeguarding the Lake's water quality.”
The “Baldface Mountain Addition” and “Trembleau Mountain Addition” both protect the scenic viewshed of the Champlain Valley and were permanently protected with the help of local donors.
Baldface Mountain
The Baldface Mountain Addition project includes more than 350 acres adjacent to Baldface Mountain Preserve in the town of Chesterfield, Essex County. This private working forest is situated within a large forested block of wildlife habitat that connects the Champlain Valley to the Adirondack High Peaks, and the newly protected property is visible from several vantage points, including the popular fire tower on Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain.