A Conservation Win for Vermont’s Forests, Wildlife, and Communities

We’re excited to celebrate a major conservation milestone in Chateauguay Forest, one of Vermont’s largest unfragmented forest blocks. Thanks to critical support from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program-Land and Water Conservation Fund and our partners at the state of Vermont in both the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), more than 1,600 acres are now permanently protected. This achievement expands Coolidge State Forest and Les Newell Wildlife Management Area; ensures public access for hiking, hunting, and fishing; supports sustainable forestry; and helps safeguard vital wildlife habitat and clean water for generations to come. Here’s a look at what this win means: 

• 1,600+ acres permanently protected across one of Vermont’s largest unfragmented forest blocks — supporting habitat, recreation, and sustainable forestry. 
• Public access secured forever for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor traditions Vermonters hold dear. 
• Sustainable timber harvesting on these working lands will continue to support local forestry jobs and Vermont’s rural economy. Future management activities will be planned under a comprehensive process with public input. 
• Expands two major units of public land, including Les Newell Wildlife Management Area and Coolidge State Forest. 
• Protects habitat for rare wildlife, such as endangered bats, and helps preserve high-value trout streams in the Connecticut River Basin. 
• Keeps iconic views and trails intact, including views from the Appalachian Trail, Vermont’s Long Trail, and scenic byways. 
• Aligns with local conservation plans to protect the rugged, roadless landscape where four towns converge in the heart of the Chateauguay-No Town area. 
• Leverages Land and Water Conservation Funding through the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program to protect Vermont’s most important forestlands. 
• Part of a broader regional strategy as The Conservation Fund has spent over 25 years helping protect high-priority forest blocks across the Northeast — including this one. 

“This project shows what’s possible when local communities, state, and federal partners come together to protect places that matter. By conserving working forests like Chateauguay, we’re not just protecting wildlife — we’re investing in clean water, outdoor recreation, and rural jobs for generations to come,” said Sally Manikian, Vermont and New Hampshire state director at The Conservation Fund. 

“Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is thrilled about the new addition to Les Newell Wildlife Management Area in Stockbridge. Our partners at TCF and Vermont Forest Parks and Recreation have led the way to an outstanding conservation outcome that will benefit Vermonters and visitors for generations to come. Partnerships like these are so important to our work to conserve land for wildlife habitat, public access, and other forestland values,” said Will Duane, Land Acquisition Coordinator for DFW.  

Kate Sudhoff, Land Conservation Program Manager for FPR, shared, “This project is a big conservation success for FPR and would not have been possible without the federal Forest Legacy funds. FPR is thrilled to have the grant funds put to their intended use, protecting more than 1,600 acres of important forestland in perpetuity for the benefit of the public.” 

👉 Read more about our 25 years of work in the region. 

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org. 

Contact
Media Contact: media@conservationfund.org