The Salisbury easement properties include diverse forest in both high and low terrain, which support habitat, refuge, and safe passage for myriad species including black bear, moose, beaver, mink, otter, fisher, porcupine, deer, red fox, coyote, timber rattlesnake, and other important wildlife species. Three of the preserves are adjacent to the Appalachian Trail Corridor (Pope, Belter Lime Rock, and Shostak); Better Lime Rock and Shostak are also part of a protected block along the Housatonic River.
“It’s been exciting to be able to collaborate on forever-wild conservation efforts in the beautiful forests of northwestern Connecticut,” Sophie Ehrhardt, Wildlands Partnership Coordinator at Northeast Wilderness Trust, said. “Salisbury’s approach of providing community access to nature while conserving the natural resources and wildlife habitat in the area made them a perfect candidate for the Wildlands Partnership program.”