Introduction
Sugar Hollow Pond Forest is well suited to long-term forest management, recreation and hunting. Terrain is quite variable with modestly steep slopes in some areas, a level plateau on Cox Mountain, and gentle to moderate slopes throughout the forest. There is a partially-constructed camp which could be finished to provide a perfect hunting or recreational getaway. The northern boundary borders a 25-acre secluded woodland pond.
Location
Sugar Hollow Pond Forest is located in Pittsford, Vermont between Rutland and Middlebury on scenic Route 7. The town is heavily forested with streams and brooks flowing into the Otter Creek and then on to Lake Champlain to the north. Rutland is a quick eight-mile drive to the south. Middlebury is only 24 miles away and Burlington is an hour and a half to the north. New York city is under five hours to the south via I-87, Boston is just over t...
Sugar Hollow Pond Forest is located in Pittsford, Vermont between Rutland and Middlebury on scenic Route 7. The town is heavily forested with streams and brooks flowing into the Otter Creek and then on to Lake Champlain to the north. Rutland is a quick eight-mile drive to the south. Middlebury is only 24 miles away and Burlington is an hour and a half to the north. New York city is under five hours to the south via I-87, Boston is just over three hours to the east on I-89 and Montreal is a three-hour drive to the north.
Access
Access to the property is currently only available by two, deeded woods trails. The southern legal trail begins on Sugar Hollow Road and is believed to lead into the woods just below the home at 861 Sugar Hollow Road. This legal trail runs 4,150' to the property boundary and is suitable for ATV use. At one time, before erosion along this trail occurred, the trail appears to have been used by a high clearance pick-up truck, however considerable trail work would be required to bring the trail back to that status. Once on the property, an extensive woods trail network runs throughout the forest and also heads to the camp and down to the pond located at the northern tip of the property.
The northern legal woods trail also leads from Sugar Hollow Road from possibly the driveway of the house at 935 Sugar Hollow Road. This legal trail runs 2,730' to the property boundary (the condition of this trail is unknown).
Site Description
Although much of the land is protected by a conservation easement from The Nature Conservancy, there are 272 acres of forest, a partially-built camp, and a secluded pond that could be yours to enjoy. All aspects are present with the highest elevation of 1,360' above sea level (Asl) situated along Cox Mountain Ridge, located centrally in the property and site of the camp. From this point, the property slopes downward in all directions with the lowest points at the pond (760' Asl) and a similar elevation at the western and southern boundaries. Given the land's relatively high elevation and sloping terrain, soils are well drained. There are a couple of small streams running into the pond which is at the northern end of the property. Sugar Hollow Pond is a 25-acre, scenic pond suitable for paddling and fishing, with little to no human traffic due to its "middle of the forest" location.
Note that per the property maps located to the right on this page, the adjacent 119-Acre Sugar Hollow Camp is also for sale with the price of $118,000. The existing access on the camp property would provide an easier access to this acreage and its pond frontage.
Timber
The forest timber resource is maturing and fully stocked, with a mix of hardwood and softwood species. Variable age classes are present with the majority of overstory trees comprised of two age classes. The older age class is of sawlog size and ranges from 12 to 18 in diameter. The younger overstory age class is 8 to 10 and is mostly growing stock (pre-sawlog stems). The hardwoods are maple, birch, oak and beech. The softwoods are white pine, spruce and hemlock.
House/Buildings
The camp is situated near the height of land along the internal access trail. Long views to the west are possible with tree clearing. The camp is of wood construction and has not been used in several years. The camp will need repairs in some places and new construction in others to finish it and make it habitable. When finished, it can serve as a great get-a-way deep in the woods.
Easement
The property will be sold subject to a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy (Tnc), the current owner of the land. TNC is one of the most respected conservation organizations in the nation. A working forest partnership with TNC offers the new owner predictability and cooperation, given the long history and solid reputation this conservation organization has established regarding the easement lands under its jurisdiction.
Easement highlights include:
Most sustainable forestry activities are permitted to support the long-term stewardship of the protected property;
The property can be posted against public access;
Silvicultural activities can occur under an approved forest management plan.
A copy of the proposed conservation easement is available upon request.
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