WELCOME, ROCK RIVER VISITORS

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New Year, New Land, New Responsibilities

Spring has finally started to arrive in the Rock River Valley. Soon, the days will be warm and it will be time for many to return to the river, as they have for so many years.

As you all know, last November, Rock River Preservation closed on the purchase of 21 acres of land formerly owned by the Swartz family. We are no longer squatters, but rather land owners! (See article below.)

This past winter has been a busy time for the Board of Rock River Preservation. In reviewing the purchase of the land, a number of items have come under consideration in order to make sure Rock River Preservation Inc is protected for years to come. It is important for us to continue to have the safe sanctuary that we have had for so many year.

• The insurance policies for the organization needed to be reviewed to make sure that the organization and the land are protected.
• We have worked on an initiative with NewBrook Fire and Rescue to put in place a plan of action, should there be an emergency at the river.
• We have undertaken an initiative to review the signage along the river, to reduce redundancy, to create signs that are more friendly and informative and will blend in with the area.
• And we've identified areas of trail that that have been damaged and in need of repair.

Below are some events that will be happening in the near future. We want you to be informed.

Wanted: A Few Good Board Members!

With the acquisition of the additional 21 acres, things have changed for RRP. More items need to be taken care of and addressed.

Currently RRP has three board members and one advisory member. We are looking for two additional members to add to the board. We would also like to have people willing to work with the board on an ad hoc capacity, should there be a need.

Click here for more details.

Trail Restoration and a Call for Volunteers

Before Thom Chiofalo stepped down from the chair of Rock River Preservation, he said he and Preston Samuel would be leading an effort to work on improvements to the trail along Rock River.

The trail is a wilderness experience, with areas of difficulty, hence the importance to have proper foot wear when hiking in. Trail restoration will make the areas that have become difficult to traverse a bit more easy to travel on. In April, the board took the first steps to upgrade trail facilities for the 2019 season. We blazed a trail for Newbrook Fire and Rescue to have emergency access to the fifth beach, removed logs to allow passage for an ATV, and posted the first of the new brown/cream signs on the property that was purchased from the Swartz family.

Other activities included marking out the safest trail across the two ledge areas on the main trail from Route 30 and a volunteer trail repair day in late May. If you're interested in contributing to these continuing efforts, please email RRP and give us your name and a way to contact you.

Details About the Last Fall's Land Purchase

In late November 2018, Rock River Preservation Inc. purchased 21 acres of the Robert Swartz property along Rock River. This historic transaction was made possible by donations from gay men across the country and Canada, some of whom have been gathering on this land for decades.

For perspective on the sale of this land by Robert Swartz and his daughter Jennifer to RRP, and visit our "Land Purchase" page and read the feature story by Scott Kearnan in Boston Spirit magazine.

Thank you to the 200 individuals and couples whose donations made this possible!

Rock River and Rock River Preservation, Inc.

Rock River is a tributary of the West River, running its entire course within Windham County, Vermont.  The river provides essential habitat to a wide range of plants, animals and aquatic life, which depend on a clean water environment.  As the river winds downstream, it has also traditionally provided sanctuary and solace to varied groups of users who prize the cool, clean water and warm rocks for summertime recreation. 

Rock River Preservation, Inc. - formed by a group of gay men to purchase the land and preserve the area as it has been in the past - has protected this site through a conservation easement with the Vermont Land Trust. We users are all the caretakers of this special place.  To ensure that the environment remains healthy, that everyone’s rights are respected and that all may continue to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this special place, please join us in observing the following guidelines:

• You use the land and amenities at your own risk. The Rock River trail is challenging in places; please hike cautiously and wear appropriate foot gear at all times.
  
• Respect the privacy of adjacent landowners; stay on designated trails and beaches and Rock River Preservation Inc. land.
  

• Carry out all trash, including cigarette butts and food.
  

• If you build a fire on the beach, make sure it is completely out when you leave.
  

• Keep soap and detergent out of the river.
  

• There are no sanitary facilities at Rock River. Please plan accordingly.
  

• No camping without permission of landowners.
  

• Do not cut live trees.
  

• Leash all dogs and and clean up after their mess.
  

• Refrain from playing radios, tapes and CD players; no mechanized sounds.
  

• Always obtain the consent of subject(s) before taking photos or filming.
  

• Get dressed when leaving established “clothing optional” areas.
  

Rock River Preservation wishes you an enjoyable visit.

IF YOU’RE HERE, IT’S YOURS! 
PLEASE HELP OTHERS FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES
TO KEEP OUR RIVER BEAUTIFUL

Rock River Preservation Inc., PO Box 1095, Brattleboro, VT  05302
rockriverpreservation@gmail.com

Vermont Land Trust

Help us Keep the River Free!