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The Narrows Wildlife Management Area

West Haven; Rutland County 429 Acres

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General Description:

The Narrows Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain near its southern end. Located in the Town of West Haven it is near the portion of the lake commonly referred to as “The Narrows”, named because the lake is constricted to its narrowest width by cliffs on the Vermont and New York shores. Public access to the WMA is from the Cold Springs Road in West Haven. There is a small parking area and kiosk near the northeastern corner of the property.

Unique Features:

The Narrows WMA, most noted for its location on the eastern shore of the Lake Champlain, contains calcareous cliffs and talus slopes; dry forested knobs and wetlands; and over 6500 feet of undeveloped lake shoreline. Elevations range from 100 to 500 feet. The WMA supports habitat for a high number or rare, threatened and endangered species.

Recreation Overview:

Recreational activities within the WMA are dominated by dispersed, non-motorized fish and wildlife-based recreational activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A network of woods roads are available for hiking or walking. Despite the existence of over one mile of undeveloped lake shore, access to the parcel from the water is limited. Portions of the shoreline are rugged and steep; others are dominated by wetlands making it difficult to reach the shore. Those areas that, in appearance, are more accessible often have understories dominated by poison ivy.

Planning Overview:

The Agency of Natural Resources has developed a Long-Range Management Plan for The Narrows Wildlife Management Area in the Town of West Haven, Vermont. The 429-acre tract of land was conveyed to the State of Vermont by the Vermont Land Trust in 1997. The plan was adopted in 2011.