A Landowner's Dilemma: The Story of How One Landowner Seeks to Balance Multiple Land Management Objectives

Jockey Hill Farm - 630 Coldham Road, Shrewsbury, Vermont

In Collaboration with Vermont Coverts and Vermont Woodlands Association

Managing woodlands for multiple management objectives can feel overwhelming. Join us for a walk at Jockey Hill Farm (172 acres) in Shrewsbury to learn about how one family is pursuing many land management objectives to achieve their goals for addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation, improving biodiversity, enhancing wildlife habitat (including 65 species of birds), increasing the forests' ability to sequester and store more carbon, and building the age and species diversity of the trees. We will explore how these landowners are handling the dilemma inherent in prioritizing these objectives including balancing planned timber harvests with the goal of storing more carbon; shifting to new field management strategies for habitat breaking their tradition of mowing fields every year, planting climate resilient trees in pristine, unobstructed fields, transitioning from a relatively "clean" forest to a messy, healthier forest, all while balancing costs and timing across all objectives so they can share the land with future generations. The walk will begin with a brief overview of the history of Jockey Hill Farm and what they are striving to achieve. Then, we'll explore some of the property, sharing their targeted land management strategies. Tim Stout who co-owns the farm with his brother Chris and their families will lead the walk. We can't promise you'll find all the answers, but we can promise a robust conversation with lots of learning and sharing. Tessa McGann, our new Rutland County Forester, will be joining us.

If you have any questions or need directions, please contact Tim at 617-899-1011 or stoutim@gmail.com. Coffee and blueberry muffins will be served. For planning purposes, please email Tim if you plan to attend.

Event Info

Nov 27, 2024, 10 AM to 12 PM

Nov 27, 2024, 10 AM to 12 PM

Dec 1, 2024, 4:30 to 6 PM