WOODSTOCK — Buck’s Ledge Community Forest campaign is gaining ground rapidly. The fundraising committee has reached a milestone, over $100,000 in donations, with a goal of $150,000.

The Buck’s Ledge campaign aims to purchase Buck’s Ledge for the Town of Woodstock and for the wider community. The 634 acres includes Buck’s Ledge, Lapham Ledge, and Moody Mountain.

The Town of Woodstock will own the property as a Community Forest. Mahoosuc Land Trust will have a conservation easement so the land can never be converted for development.

Woodstock Conservation Commission maintains over 6 miles of hiking trails, leading to spectacular views over North and South Pond and Lake Christopher. A recently developed addition to the trail network connects to the Woodstock Elementary School via Echo Lane. Children can use the entire land as an outdoor classroom just by going outside, no buses needed. This iconic mountain has an area of enriched hardwood forest with several rare and endangered plants.

One key to obtain the parcel is grants, necessary to make up the total of $835,000. The committee is currently applying to federal and state grants and foundations. The Town of Woodstock maintains a parking lot on Route 26 to facilitate hiking.

Vern Maxfield and the Woodstock selectmen are very supportive of this project. Other partners include Julie Renaud-Evans with the Northern Forest Center, Kirk Siegel and Barbara Murphy with the Mahoosuc Land Trust, Kristen Peet with the Forest Society of Maine.

To donate to this campaign, mail checks to Mahoosuc Land Trust, PO Box 981, Bethel, Maine 04217, or Town of Woodstock, PO Box 317, Bryant Pond, ME 04219, or visit  www.mahoosuc.org/donate.