Submitted to: Vermont Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation. Attn. Jeff Dube, Springfield, VT

PREFACE: We appreciate the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation’s (FPR) efforts to preserve the original character of the Hamilton Falls Natural area as described in some of the language in the Low Use Scenario of the draft Master Plan 2024. (PDF) (Concept Drawings) In lieu of a current management plan, the principles of the original 1988 management plan help to inform the management of this area today.  The 1988 plan states that the primary purpose of this area is to “protect the waterfalls and immediate environs. Its secondary purpose is to allow public enjoyment of the falls through compatible recreational opportunities.” (Land Management Plan, Jamaica State Park, Hamilton Falls Natural Area,1988, p.7).

To protect the site from disturbance, the 1988 plan states that no timber management or harvesting will be conducted within the Natural Area, except to fell individual trees that may pose threats to safety of visitors. Even then, these trees will not be salvaged, but left where they fall (unless across a trail), to keep disturbance to a minimum.” (p. 17) The proposed Falls connector trail, stairs, viewing platform, gate and fencing outlined in the draft Master Plan are directly at odds to the established goals of this natural area.

The 1988 plan under Recreation states that “…the Department will not actively encourage recreational use because of the existing hazardous conditions at the falls. No property identification signs will be erected along the West Windham Road and the existing trails, and foot paths will not be maintained or improved unless a condition exists which may cause adverse impacts to the site.” (p. 18) Featuring Hamilton Falls on the Jamaica State Park website is contrary to the goal of minimum use and therefore, safety. Construction of urban-style park accessories, outlined in all three scenarios of the draft plan, are completely incompatible with the stated goals of this natural area.

Since Natural Areas in Vermont are "limited areas of land that have retained their wilderness character" and “Land uses and practices in natural areas shall be subject to regulations of the Department to carry out the purposes of this chapter to manage or maintain the areas for the preservation of their natural condition” (10 V.S.A, section 2607), minimum human disturbance is critical. We appreciate FPR’s efforts to protect Cobb Brook, a Class A tributary of the West River. Thank you also for encouraging hikers rather than cars. We support the four parking spaces for people unable to make the walk from Jamaica State Park, Ball Mountain Dam, or LT 10 (State Forest Highway).

We, the undersigned, submit this petition in support of FPR’s Low Use Scenario with the following stipulated modifications:

(1) No viewing platforms or gathering place structures. (2) No new trails. (3) No new or enlarged parking areas. (4) Preserve and protect existing trees and leave tree roots intact for erosion control and to protect the riparian buffer. (5) Leave natural boulders and stones in place for the brook to rearrange as it will. (6) Please continue intermittent monitoring by Ranger indefinitely (at least several times a week, May to October). (7) No portable toilets. (8) Use brush and fallen tree branches to cover up and discourage new trails from developing.  (9)  Increase signage to educate visitors about the importance of Natural Areas and the Class A stream and to encourage their participation in preserving this beautiful place.