Muddy Moose
Muddy Moose: A Conservation Trifecta
A conservation project that has it all – one of the area’s most beautiful scenic gorges, an extensive multi-use trail network for public access, and a 150-acre forest vitally important for flood mitigation and wildlife. Welcome to Muddy Moose!
Stowe Land Trust and Downstreet Housing & Community Development have partnered to purchase the Muddy Moose parcel, conserving 150 priority acres for water quality and flood prevention, placing them under a conservation easement to ensure permanent public access to the property's established trial system. Meanwhile, Downstreet will transform the existing cabins on the remaining 18-acres into single family homes for full-time residents.
Once conserved, Stowe Land Trust will give the 150-acre forest, which encompasses the trail network, to the Town of Morristown, but retain responsibility for the conservation easement.
Stowe Land Trust needs to raise $250,000 to conserve Muddy Moose.
Will you help us protect this land from development and ensure public access to the stunning gorge, riverfront, and trails on the property?
The Case for Conservation
Recreation & Community Vitality
With awe-inspiring waterfalls, nearly three-quarter miles of river frontage, and multi-use trails that wind through a forest inhabited only by wildlife, Muddy Moose offers incredible recreational opportunities. Once conserved, the 150-acre forest that encompasses the trail system will serve residents and visitors in Hyde Park, Morristown, Johnson, and Stowe, and strengthen the region’s outdoor recreation economy.
Conservation & Climate Resilience
Interior forests like the one at Muddy Moose play an important role in regional water quality and flood mitigation. Situated on low-lying land alongside Jacob’s Creek and the Lamoille River, floodplain forests naturally absorb fluctuating water volumes while filtering runoff—a critical function in an era of intense storms. The area is considered a high-value climate corridor by The Nature Conservancy and a priority for water quality protection by the State of Vermont. Additionally, the conservation of this land will protect wildlife habitat for dozens of species, including mink and otter, yellow warblers, wood turtles, and more.
Permanently Affordable Housing
Mature trees, sweeping views, and wide lawns surround the cabins at Muddy Moose. After being renovated by Downstreet, the 1-3 bedroom cabins currently being operated as short-term rentals will be sold as single-family homes for full-time residents.