FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –August 2, 2022
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
Contact:
Jim Duncan, State Lands Manager
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation | Agency of Natural Resources
802-636-7554; james.duncan@vermont.gov
Site Improvements Resume at South End of Lake Willoughby
Project Updates Available on Twitter and Forests, Parks & Recreation Website
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) has resumed work on improvements to the south end of Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT. These improvements began last fall and are in response to significant increases in visitation and use. This project is intended to improve safety, environmental quality, and visitor enjoyment at Willoughby State Forest.
FPR will be posting regular project updates on a dedicated Twitter account and on the FPR website. Interested members of the public are invited to follow @WilloB_Updates on Twitter or visit https://fpr.vermont.gov/willoughby-state-forest.
Work is now underway on parking area improvements and an ADA-accessible car-top boat ramp and associated trails, and is expected to continue through November of 2022. Visitors can expect construction vehicles, equipment, and some detours for access to the site while work is being completed. Work will mostly be done during weekdays, and signage will be placed during active construction times. FPR employs a site manager who will be on site most days to provide information. Last fall, an overflow parking lot was completed at the west side of Route 5A that is available for parking during this construction project. Over the past week trees have been cleared for the construction of two smaller parking areas in proximity to the beaches and South End trails in accordance with the plans approved by the Westmore Zoning Board of Adjustment last summer.
“This is an exciting and needed project in an incredibly special place,” said FPR Commissioner Michael Snyder. “We’re working with our contractors to keep disruptions to a minimum and we encourage Willoughby South End visitors to check out project updates on our website or Twitter for the latest information before they come.”
The Willoughby South End site improvements are made possible with funding support from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and Vermont State Parks capital funds. NBRC invests in economic and infrastructure projects in Vermont and several other northern border states. LWCF provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition, conservation, and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.
For more information and background on the site improvements at Lake Willoughby, please visit https://fpr.vermont.gov/willoughby-state-forest.
# # #