Mt. Mansfield State Forest Expansion (Pinneo Forest)

From sweeping forests and mountain peaks to community trails close to home, the Green Mountain State is special. That’s why Trust for Public Land (TPL) is working with partners across Vermont to protect the landscapes that the state’s communities enjoy and rely on.

In Bolton, TPL is partnering with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to conserve 261 acres known as Pinneo Forest and add it to Mt. Mansfield State Forest. Surrounded on three sides by existing state forest, protecting this land will create a more connected and resilient landscape by safeguarding wildlife habitat, protecting clean water, and strengthening the link between two beloved public lands: Mt. Mansfield State Forest and Camel’s Hump State Park.

Healthy forests like Pinneo play an essential role in protecting nearby communities. For example, Pinneo Forest’s trees absorb stormwater, reduce erosion, and help prevent flooding in the Winooski River Basin. The protection of the forest will also safeguard more than two miles of high-elevation streams and critical wildlife habitat. Conserving this landscape also enhances scenic views along nearby travel routes and helps maintain the rural character that Vermonters and visitors alike cherish.

Once it’s part of Mt. Mansfield State Forest, Pinneo Forest will be open to everyone to explore year-round. Visitors will be able to hike, snowshoe, ski, hunt, and fish while enjoying wetlands, wildlife, and mountain views. The property will also connect to Vermont’s broader recreation network, from nearby backcountry ski routes near Bolton Valley to the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers’ extensive snowmobile trail system. Protecting this place ensures that this special place remains a vibrant destination for outdoor adventure while supporting climate resilience and biodiversity.

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