Bouchard Farm & Landmark Meadow - Conserved 1998

Paul Percy has been farming the Bouchard farm since 1976.  Like most farmers, his life revolves around his land and crops, and his barns and animals.  Stowe Land Trust accepted a conservation easement from Mr. Percy on the 180-acre Bouchard Farm and then sold the 16-acre Landmark Meadow to Mr. Percy subject to a conservation easement.  The Bouchard Farm to the west and the Landmark Meadow to the east are separated by the scenic Little River, Mountain Road and Stowe Recreation Path.

When asked why he conserved his farmland, Paul said, “I wanted to keep this land as a viable farm, big enough for it to stay a farm in the future.”  He added, “By conserving the farm and acquiring Landmark Meadow, even if I do not farm it in the future, it will stay a farm for a long time to come."

The preservation of the Landmark Meadow and the Bouchard Farm protects prime agricultural soil and provides some of the most stunning views of Mt. Mansfield in the Town of Stowe.  For over a mile the bucolic scene of pastured cows and open meadows against the Mt. Mansfield backdrop can be enjoyed while biking, skiing or walking the Stowe Recreation Path, which winds along the Little River and the east side of the Bouchard Farm.  Cross-country ski trails from Trapp Family Lodge also cross the meadows and forest of Bouchard Farm and give more visitors and residents a chance to enjoy its natural beauty.

To protect these critical pieces, Stowe Land Trust received support from the Freeman Foundation, Edward and Brian Bronfman, neighbors, and SLT members.  It is the hope of Stowe Land Trust that efforts such as the preservation of these properties will help ensure the continuation of farming in Stowe in the future.