Johnson Farm & Island
Johnson Farm & Island Easement
Name of Project: Johnson Farm Easement & Stephan’s Island Paddlers’ Campground
Location: Monroe, NH
River: Connecticut River
Type of Project: Public Access, River Corridor Protection
Public Access: Yes
Date Completed: March 2015
Size: 317 acres
Water Frontage: 2632 feet
Landowner: Vermont Riverlands, LLC
Funding Partners: Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund, the USDA NRCS Farm and Ranch Protection Program, the State of New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, the NH State Conservation Grant Program, Tillotson Foundation, TransCanada, and contributions from local donors.
Property Description: Johnson Farm & Island is a special property located on a scenic stretch of the Connecticut River. The property consists of a working farm and 2 islands. The silver maple-ostrich fern riverine floodplain forest found on the islands are unique to this area. Part of the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail, the second island, named Stephan’s island after Vermont River Conservancy’s founder Stephan Syz, serves as a campsite for paddlers who wish to complete a multi-day trip on the Connecticut River.
Project Background: This property was in the Johnson family for over 150 years. It is a former dairy farm, with remaining fields maintained by the owner for hay production. It also includes two islands in the Connecticut River. The goals of this project include the protection of prime agricultural soils, scenic views, water quality, wildlife habitat, and to provide new opportunities for low-impact recreational use, particularly for paddlers using the Connecticut River. This project was completed partnership with the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust, who holds the conservation easement.
