Pease Mountain Natural Area Management Plan
Paradis, Richard
Paradis, Richard
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Abstract
This management plan for UVM Natural Area Pease Mountain describes the area, its history, and future planning objectives in the context of the wider program.
The Pease Mountain Natural Area Management Plan outlines the stewardship of a 180-acre ecologically diverse site in Charlotte, Vermont, which has been part of the University of Vermont Natural Areas System since 1974. The area features a prominent 800-foot hill characterized by mesic and dry hardwood forests, as well as fragile calcareous rock outcrops that host unusual flora. This landscape is a significant resource for research and education, supporting long-term avian studies by the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and a collaborative stewardship program with the neighboring Charlotte Central School.
The plan identifies several critical management needs, particularly regarding the trail system and property boundaries. Current trails face issues with erosion on steep slopes and drainage problems in low-lying areas, requiring rehabilitation and rerouting away from sensitive outcrop communities to minimize human impact. Additionally, while students recently updated boundary markings, the plan emphasizes the need to finalize this work and continue regular monitoring for invasive species and visitor impacts.
Operational objectives focus on integrating the natural area into university curricula, fostering collaborations with local stakeholders like the Charlotte Conservation Commission, and elevating the site’s profile as a model for ecological stewardship. Regular maintenance activities include bi-weekly site visits during peak usage periods and annual participation in community education projects to ensure the long-term protection of the area's natural features.
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Date
2016-10