Vermont Purchased Wheeler Mountain for Public Access
The state acquired 118 acres to incorporate into the Willoughby State Forest.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in National Parks
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The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has purchased 118 acres of land, including Wheeler Mountain, for $105,000. This acquisition incorporates the property into the existing 7,800-acre Willoughby State Forest to ensure permanent public access.
Why it matters
This land purchase preserves recreational territory while maintaining a critical wildlife corridor for moose, black bears, foxes, and birds. By securing the site, the state prevents future private development and guarantees the area remains open to the public.
The state secured 118 acres for $105,000, significantly expanding the 7,800-acre Willoughby State Forest footprint. The site encompasses Wheeler Mountain and sits near Wheeler Pond, where the Green Mountain Club maintains public cabins.
The players
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
This state agency is responsible for managing public lands and protecting natural resources across Vermont.
John Krieble
He is the former landowner who initiated the transaction to guarantee the long-term public preservation of the Wheeler Mountain site.
Green Mountain Club
This organization is a nonprofit group that operates and maintains cabins near Wheeler Pond for outdoor recreation.
The details
The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation utilized a combination of state and federal funds to finalize the purchase from former owner John Krieble. The land is situated in the town of Sutton, which has a population of over 900 people and a history dating back to its 1782 chartering as Billymead.
Timeline
The town of Sutton was originally chartered as Billymead in 1782.
The town was officially renamed to Sutton in 1812.
The acquisition of Wheeler Mountain was announced on September 23, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The purchase follows a pattern set by the 7,800-acre Willoughby State Forest to consolidate regional land for conservation. This expansion mirrors broader efforts by state agencies to protect corridors for native wildlife like moose and bears while ensuring permanent public recreational access.
Residents and visitors can expect future updates as the state develops its long-term management plan for the new recreation site. Hikers should continue to utilize established public access points as the state integrates the new acreage into the forest network.
The takeaway
Land acquisitions like this provide essential protections for wildlife corridors while expanding the outdoor options available to the public. Residents interested in local conservation should monitor state forest updates for upcoming opportunities to explore the newly acquired Wheeler Mountain terrain.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation efforts in the region by exploring National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wcax.
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