Wildlife Habitat and Public Access Protected on 151 Acres

Shared Love of “Snake Mountain South” Strengthened Family Bond

Bridport, Vermont—29 November 2005—The Vermont chapter of The Nature Conservancy announced today the protection of 151 acres on a southern extension of Snake Mountain. Situated high above the valley in the town of Bridport the property, which features dense forest habitat, dramatic cliffs and undisturbed woodland pools, is home to Vermont’s rare four-toed and Jefferson salamanders.

Gary and Donna Pittman, owners of the property, wanted to conserve this beautiful natural area in memory of their grandson, Kevin Joseph Pittmann, who died at the age of 18 in 2003. "He was always very interested in nature," says Gary. "He loved this place. We would go out walking here together, grandfather and grandson." Gary and Donna have placed memorial plaques at the property entrance and at the overlook where they spent time together with Kevin.

Once an island peeking out from an ancient sea, this southern extension of Snake Mountain is now home to a rich variety of wildlife. Rare amphibians like the four-toed and Jefferson salamanders overwinter on the ridge, hawks soar on the air currents above the cliffs as they migrate south, and far below beavers tend the growing expanse of marsh and wetlands. Dwarf chinquapin oak and fragrant sumac feature among the numerous rare and uncommon plant species found here.

Jim Andrews, amphibian expert and research biologist at Middlebury College commented, “Protecting low elevation areas like Snake Mountain and its southern extension, which provide a mix of foraging and breeding habitats, is tremendously important for most of our unusual salamanders. Only a handful of these areas remain. Higher elevation areas, such as Mt. Mansfield, have generally received more protection since they were less suitable for agriculture and development."

Rocky crevices, decaying logs and a dense carpet of leaf litter protect hibernating salamanders during the cold winter months. In the spring snow melt and rainfall are captured in woodland depressions, creating temporary bodies of water known as vernal pools. Rising temperatures prompt an early amphibian migration to these pools to breed. Without the predatory fish found in permanent bodies of water, these pools provide a safe haven for young salamanders, wood frogs and spring peepers.

When driving from Rutland to Burlington, look east. You’ll notice a progression of lower elevation peaks preceding the ridgelines of the Green Mountains. The rocky cliffs and promontories of Snake Mountain, Buck Mountain, Mt. Philo and Pease Mountain are especially visible in the winter months, and provide year-round habitat for shy and reclusive creatures in the Champlain Valley.

The Conservancy plans to keep the property open for pedestrian public access. A VAST trail, sited on the lower portion of the parcel where any impact to sensitive natural areas is minimized, will remain in operation.

Critical funding for the project was awarded by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. This institution, which is unique to Vermont, recognizes that the vitality of Vermont’s economy requires balanced investment in both affordable housing and land conservation. Since 1987 VHCB funding has conserved more than 500 farms, created more than 7,800 units of affordable housing, and protected over 245,000 acres of forests, natural areas and recreation lands.