Vermont Housing & Conservation Board - Vermont Legislature

s In 1989, Governor Madeleine Kunin celebratedwith residents following the purchase ofNorthgate apartments in Burlington, home to336 households. VHCB funding was also used topurchase Applegate, Westgate, and Highgate,three other federally-subsidized developmentsat risk of conversion to market rate—a total of657 apartments.t Historic downtown buildings like this one onPortland Street in Morrisville have been restoredfor housing and commercial space, revitalizingtown centers in the process. Locating housingin growth centers and maintaining open land foragricultural and recreational use is a hallmark ofthe Board’s mission and policy.12 / Celebrating 25 YearsWith support from the Stateof Vermont, federal programs,donations, fundraising and privatefoundations, VHCB has collaboratedwith state agencies, municipalitiesand non-profit organizationsto create and conserve:• 10,780 homes & apartments• 594 farms with 144,000 acresof agricultural land• 253,200 acres of recreationland & natural areas• 57 historic buildings restoredfor community useCaleb Kenna/VLT photos Since 1987, VHCB has supported the conservationof nearly 600 farms with 144,000 acresof agricultural land, helping farmers expand,diversify, reduce debt and plan for retirement.The Vermont Farm Viability Program, now in its10 th year, has assisted more than 500 farmersand ag-related businesses with business planningand technical assistance, helping to buildVermont’s agricultural infrastructure.s Conservation of the Champion Lands in theNortheast Kingdom, completed in 1999, wasthe largest public/private conservation easementto date in Vermont. More than 133,000acres were conserved for public access, forestmanagement, and watershed protection withland held by the State, the U.S. Fish and WildlifeDepartment and by a private forestry investmentcompany.t In 1989, The Nature Conservancy purchased1,500 acres of farmland with high, exposedledges at the southern end of Lake Champlainin West Haven. Today, with 4,010 acresconserved, the property is part of the largest andmost ecologically diverse natural area managedby The Nature Conservancy in Vermont. Theproperty features trails and views and providesprotection for rare species, wetlands and wildlifehabitat. TNC/Murray McHugh photo