Conservation Commission

Information can be found in the Vermont Statutes Title 24, Chapter 118.

Upcoming Events

Understanding Rivers

The Huntington Conservation Commission organized a program entitled “Understanding Rivers: Managing for Flood Resilience, Habitat, and Water Quality” at the Huntington Public Library on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Watch the video here:

Huntington Flood Resiliency Information

Projects and Programs

Town Forests and Properties

The 2023 Town Forest Management Plan for the Huntington Town Forest off Bert White Road prepared by Chittenden County Forester Ethan Tapper is presented in a “StoryMap” format and is easily viewable online at:  https://arcg.is/1P8G0z0 

The Huntington Community Forest established in 2020 has its own webpage. The 2019 planning documents for the Community Forest, including the Conservation Fund application, can be found here.

Planning for the Future of the FEMA Buyout Properties
Through a FEMA buyout due to severe landslide erosion, the Town acquired the property at 266/288 Texas Hill Road (planning documents available here). Several properties at Huntington Acres and two parcels on the Main Road just south of Shaker Mountain Road along the Huntington River are also now owned by the Town of Huntington as a result of FEMA buyouts. The Conservation Commission is assisting with the planning and restoration of these parcels in collaboration with the Selectboard.

Amphibian Protection

The Huntington Conservation Commission needs your help, and so do the town’s amphibians! Helping salamanders and frogs cross the roads is fun, but it’s also important! Crossing Guards help to reduce salamander and frog deaths where they must cross roads to reach their breeding pools in the spring. The long-term survival of vernal pool breeding amphibians is threatened in areas fragmented by roads. The loss of amphibians will impact the viability of remote vernal pools and will degrade the forest food web.

When do amphibians migrate?

What does a Crossing Guard do?
Guards walk up and down an assigned section of road where amphibians are crossing. When you see a frog or salamander, you gently pick it up and move it across the road in the direction it is heading. Volunteers also collect and submit data about the species they find.

How do I get started?
Sign-ups to become a volunteer crossing guard usually happen in late February/ early March. Watch Front Porch Forum for an announcement.  You can also contact program coordinators Cindy Sprague (cindys@madriver.c*m) or Jennifer Esser (jen.a.esser@gm**l.c*m)

Adopt a Crossing Program 2025
Spring Migration Data Collection Sheet
Data Submission Form

To learn more about salamander crossings and amphibian monitoring, including species identification and other tips, check out the following websites:

North Branch Nature Center
Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center
For information on all the reptiles and amphibians in the State of Vermont, check out the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.
Take the Frog Call Quiz to test your abilities to identify frog calls!

Climate Adaptation 

In spring 2024, University of Vermont students in Amy Seidl’s Adaptation to Climate Change course investigated critical questions regarding adaptation strategies in Huntington, including: How can Huntington adapt to extreme weather? In May of 2024 they presented their findings to the Huntington Planning Commission, Huntington Conservation Commission, and the community.  View the slideshow as a pdf.

Pollinator Protection

In June 2022, the Selectboard unanimously endorsed a Pollinator Protection for Municipal Property resolution that municipal properties and easements in Huntington shall be free or nearly free of pesticidal agents. This resolution is reviewed and renewed annually.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Ad-Hoc Committee

EAB has been discovered in both Richmond and Bristol – which now makes Huntington an “EAB hot spot.” The committee has completed an inventory of ash trees on Town property and within town road rights-of-way and produced the Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan for the Town of Huntington.

HUNTINGTON’S NATURAL RESOURCES

In 2013 Arrowwood Environmental produced an inventory of Huntington’s natural resources called the Science to Action report. They mapped and assessed the natural heritage elements that are important to the preservation of biological diversity in four towns: Bolton, Huntington, Richmond and Jericho. Described are Huntington’s wildlife habitats, geology, wetlands, significant natural communities and more. Download the report, maps, and data here.

Dragonflies & Damselflies of the Green Mt. Audubon Nature Center

Finding more species diversity than anticipated, Wally Jenkins has been studying the Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) in Huntington since 2008. See a couple of his photographs or learn more about his findings.

Huntington Conservation Fund

Brief History of the Conservation Fund
Conservation Fund criteria, forms, and applications, can be found in the documents section below.

External Links and Resources:

Birds of Vermont Museum
Green Mountain Audubon Society
Audubon Vermont
Huntington Historical and Community Trust
Keeping Track

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