Preserving Family Lands

Vermont Wild Family Forest, September 2004

The Dykema Family has long enjoyed exploring their forest in southern Vermont on foot and skis. They know the trails, ravines and trees like family members. I hiked one day with Martha, the eldest daughter, and when we returned to the house, Martha excitedly reported with a smile "We hiked past the old raven site, by Alex's trail and then along the maple row." The other family members knew exactly what she was talking about.

This intimate connection to their property catalyzed the Dykema's interest in preserving their land as forever-wild. They want to watch the trees grow old and continue to share their land with the many animals that inhabit their property, such as bear and moose. In September the family preserved their land as wild through a conservation easement with the Northeast Wilderness Trust.

Mrs. Dykema said, "It was not a simple decision to put my land in conservation because there are always economic considerations. However, deep down I have always believed in the sanctity of land. From this point of view the decision was easy. The result is a continuing sense of rightness and personal satisfaction."

The Dykema family has a deep commitment to wild forests and seeing wild nature restored and preserved across the landscape. We hope their conservation action will spark other landowners to consider the numerous conservation options provided to landowners.