An Ecological and Recreational Assessment of Jay State Forest

Gross, Lucyanna

Item

An Ecological and Recreational Assessment of Jay State Forest

Gross, Lucyanna

Abstract

Jay State Forest encompasses 7,535 acres along Vermont's northern Green Mountains, and this assessment, based on fieldwork conducted in summer 2024, provides ecological and recreational data to support a Long-Range Management Plan produced by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Jay State Forest contains diverse natural communities influenced by elevation, geology, hydrology, and climate, including boreal talus woodlands, seepage forests, and a sweet gale shoreline swamp. Over 88% of natural communities found in the state forest are considered state significant. Jay State Forest also serves as critical wildlife habitat and a migration corridor for species like moose, black bear, and migratory birds. Its boreal forests and wetlands support snowshoe hare, beavers, amphibians, and numerous breeding songbirds, including Bicknell's Thrush. The forest's elevation gradients may offer refugia for both terrestrial and aquatic species adapting to anticipated climate fluctuations. Recreational use includes hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Illegally cut backcountry skiing trails were mapped during this assessment, raising concerns about their ecological impacts. Management recommendations address invasive species control, public access improvements, potential ecological restoration efforts, and recreational impacts on sensitive habitats. Overall, this assessment will inform future planning to balance conservation and recreation across this ecologically significant landscape.