Saunders Public Access Easement
Bristol, Vermont
New Haven River
- Public access: Yes
- Activities: walking, birding, swimming, photography, fishing
- Caretaker: Town of Bristol
Saunders Public Access Easement
Though there are no designated trails here, it’s a great place to wander through the hayed farm fields, and find a quiet spot by one of the many braided channels of the New Haven River. Bring binoculars and spot birds, bring a fishing rod and cast your line, or bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon on the water.
The Saunders Family farmed here for generations, but when Tropical Storm Irene left behind sand and gravel across their farm fields, they weren’t sure it made sense to keep farming in the river’s path. A natural floodplain, this is exactly the kind of land the Town of Bristol wanted to keep as open space, a conservation effort that’s good for water and wildlife, and keeps Bristol homes and roads safer from flooding.
The Saunders Family and Town of Bristol worked with Vermont River Conservancy to buy the land, add a public access and conservation easement, and then donate the land to the Town of Bristol. Thanks to this partnership, the river can ebb and flow as it has for millenia, and people will always have access to this special waterway.
Conservation Details
- River: New Haven River
- Acreage: 40.10
- River frontage (ft): 3,900
Funding Partners
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
- Bristol Conservation Commission
Directions
Rt 116 south of Bristol. Park at the bridge downstream of the site, and walk .5 miles north to access property.
