BURKE AREA NEWS
What's Going On In the Burke Area
Wheeler Mountain acquired and protected by Vt. Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation
announced July 15, 2024
From WCAX...SUTTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Vermont’s Willoughby State Forest is now 118.6 acres bigger as the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation purchased the land along Wheeler Mountain Road in Sutton from a private owner.
The acquired property includes Wheeler Mountain’s ridgeline, cliffs and summit. State officials say the purchase permanently secures public access to popular hiking trails and rock climbing areas.
The acquisition was funded by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Habitat Stamp program. The previous owner of the land, John Krieble, will maintain ownership of the rest of his property adjacent to the mountain.
“I’m thrilled to know that the Wheeler Mountain trails and cliffs will now be protected for generations of hikers and rock climbers to come,” said Krieble.
The property offers scenic views of the surrounding glacial landscape, nesting habitat for peregrine falcons, and also lies within a significant wildlife corridor that stretches from the Worcester range to the Northeast Kingdom.
The property will be managed by FPR and can be accessed from the Wheeler Mountain parking area and hiking trail off Wheeler Mountain Road.
