Victory Hill

Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is an outdoor-enthusiast’s paradise. At any time of year, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views and adventurous trails for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and skiing. But the area’s thick forests, clear streams, and remote mountains offer much more than recreational opportunities. Wildlife and unique natural communities depend on this diverse terrain.

One such place is Victory Hill. This area supplies critical habitat and connectivity for rare wildlife. The federally threatened Canada Lynx, state-endangered spruce grouse, and state-endangered American marten take refuge here. The 25 acres of nutrient-rich wetlands and 143 acres of riparian areas benefit migratory birds, bears, and brook trout, while the seasonal vernal pools sustain life for amphibians. And with a considerable range in elevation, the property provides opportunities for species to adapt to climate change and warming temperatures.

In addition to its ecological importance, the area is a destination for mountain bikers and hikers. Recreationalists travel here to enjoy a variety of mixed terrain trails with spectacular along the way. Protecting these important acres preserves the trail system’s viewsheds and provides refuge for wildlife affected by trail usage.

Until 2023, this privately owned inholding with proximity to Burke Mountain Resort was under threat of development and fragmentation as similar properties throughout the region were being sold for vacation homes. Together with the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, Trust for Public Land has preserved this biodiversity hotspot through a Healthy Forest Reserve Program conservation easement, connecting it to the larger protected landscape, expanding wildlife connectivity, and preserving access to beloved trails.