PAWLET, Vermont – April 2012.  With its distinctly-shaped summit and rare habitats, Haystack Mountain is a treasured landmark for residents of Pawlet and neighboring towns.  Community leaders and residents have formed a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization called Friends of Haystack  with the goal of conserving a 65.56 acre parcel of land that includes the summit.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Haystack is a wonderful recreational resource for the local community and vacationing visitors alike; however, public access has been restricted in the past.  The Friends of Haystack will maintain the summit trail for the enjoyment of community hikers and visitors.

“The opportunity to preserve the top of Haystack forever is an exciting and rare opportunity for the residents of Pawlet and Wells and other fans of this amazing mountain.   The mix of acres conserved by a big national group like the Nature Conservancy, the in-state Vermont Land Trust, and now our own local community group is an ideal way to build collaborations. With the summit finally conserved, permanent public access to the peak will be secured for coming generations.  We think everyone will be excited to participate in this wonderful project,” says Susan Sargent, Friends of Haystack President.

For more information please visit: http://www.friendsofhaystack.org or on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfHaystack