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The 80-foot right of way of the railroad line is adjacent to and in some cases, passes through the areas in Grand Isle County that have a high potential far recreation development or conservation use. A large portion of the land in these areas is still in its natural state. Most of these conservation and recreation potential areas were inventoried and annotated on 1962 aerial photographs. Their location is indicated on Map 2.
The remainder of this chapter is a description of the value and characteristics of selected areas which the authors recommend to the state for purchase to provide recreation areas which will supplement the pathway to constitute a "string of pearls development."
Click on map for oversized image!
This area is located on the southern tip of South Hero (Map 2). Actual frontage of state ownership in the area is about 2,150 feet located on the west side of the South Hero mainland facing Stave Island. It consists of a shale beach fully exposed to north, west, and south winds. The higher banks adjacent to the railroad bed are covered with a mixture of woody growth of white cedar and various· hardwoods.
Perhaps the highest recreation development potential of the Allen Point area lies in the protected cove formed by the railroad causeway as it projects south into the water and the south shoreline of Alien Point. This cove has a gently sloping shoreline and open field area supporting a number of shade trees. Acquisition in the area would provide a valuable day-use or campground area with ample room fdr automobile parking, boat slips, picnicking, and tenting.
In. this area the water depth is less than 3 feet for about 400 feet from shore. At that point the depth increases to 8 to 10 feet for about 1,600 feet from shore. A navigation buoy marks a small reef which has a depth of about 1 foot. This is just east of the railroad bridge on the causeway by about l,500 feet. (5)
The 3,500 foot causeway south of Alien Point forms an excellent Harbor as the high east bank of the causeway affords protection from the strong northwest winds which blow frequently. In this water area east of the causeway a boot mooring and swimming area could be developed. The Sand Bar Bridge to the north, the railroad causeway to the west, and the mouth of Malletts Bay to the east form an impoundment measuring roughly 16 square miles. Fishermen and duck hunters would find the causeway a good place from which to carry on their sport!
West of the causeway toward the broad lake, a depth of less than 12 feet extends about 2,500 feet, There the full forces of the storms are felt as exposure is at a maximum.
One of the multiple use aspects of the Champlain Pathway is the wildlife potential that many areas along the right of way offer. Such an area is the 285-acre woodland swamp located about a mile and a half north of Alien Point. This swamp terminates in a 30-acre marsh that drains into the open lake waters of Keeler Bay. The combination of open water, marshland, and tree-covered swamp with surrounding acreages in agricultural production creates ideal conditions for various species of wildlife. The habitat offers food and cover for waterfowl, Constructed duck boxes could improve the area as a nesting ground, Wetland mammals, grouse, and rabbits. offer the opportunity for many enjoyable hours spent in the field with dog and gun. In relocating route 2 at Dead Man's Curve in South Hero it is suggested that the new highway be culverted so that the water levels in the Keeler Bay Marsh are not adversely affected. Abrupt fluctuation of marsh water levels can destroy valuable wildlife habitat.
The railroad right of way includes 170 feet of actual lake front age as it parallels the west short of Keeler Bay. By acquiring only a few feet between the railroad and the water's edge (at some points less than 15 feet), the State of Vermont could increase its frontage ownership to well over 2,000 feet in this area. The State highway Department is planning to relocate route 2 at this point.
Keeler Bay is a good example of what Lake Champlain has to offer in weather-protected bays for swimming, fishing, and boating enthusiasts. A boat slip and public access area could easily be constructed, using the Champlain Pathway as access to this valuable piece of shore frontage and beautiul bay area.
At Keeler Bay, a depth of from 2 to 12 feet extends about 3,200 feet from shore. This bay encloses an area of about 1.5 square miles and offers excellent protection from storms. A marina and boat mooring could be developed here as supplementary services are available in the immediate area -- gasoline, groceries, restaurants, etc. The outlet opens to the east lake where good fishing is found.
The Champlain Pathway forms the west border of Pearl Swamp just south of Grand Isle Station. This 410-acre swamp with surrounding farmland would make a worthy addition to Vermont's wildlife reserves. Such areas are also important to the people who enjoy observing wildlife in its natural habitat and to hunters.
This 500-acre wetland swale is somewhat different from Pearl Swamp in that there are fairly large pieces of open land in its interior made up of abandoned fields, agricultural land, and shrubby meadows. Such a diversification of cover types with good edge characteristics provide a good wildlife environment giving birds the habitat they need for feeding, roosting, dusting, loafing, and breeding. Some of the wetter areas of the swamp could be opened up to provide open marsh nesting, resting; and feeding areas for waterfowl coming in off Lake Champlain on stormy days.
Tromp Point marks the northern terminus of the Champlain Pathway on the island of South Hero. From this point the railroad stretches across the so-called "Gut" off Bow Arrow Point which is the southern tip of North Hero. This gut or water passageway is an important link between Lake Champlain's west and east passages because it is the only place that deep drafted boats can cross through the islands from the lake's east and west waters.
The Tromp Point area offers many kinds of recreation opportunities, The shore from Long Point to Tromp Point just west of the causeway is ideal far day-use, boating, swimming, picnicking, and tenting. A small amount of farmland acquisition (about 50 acres) to the east of Tromp Point that would include Tromp Point Cove would give access to this shallow warm water inlet. Fishing off the causeway is now a popular pastime with many people.
The outstanding feature of this scenic area is the fact that the State of Vermont now owns about 1,070 feet of frontage on Hazen Point Cove which has direct road access from route U.S. 2. This excellent sheltered cove has great possibilities for public outdoor recreation development. The Champlain Pathway right of way also includes 570 feet of frontage on the east side of Bow Arrow Point across from Camp Abnaki Point Cove. If the railroad bed could be leveled here, boats could be slipped into the sheltered Hibbard Bay area, A small amount of acquisition on the point itself would set the stage for a unique day-use area or for campgrounds. Immediately north of Bow Arrow Point, wetland swamps drain directly into the lake far enough from the possible public recreation area so that this wildlife habitat would not be disturbed.
In the area east of the railroad causeway known as "The Gut," comprising less than 2 square miles, a 12 foot depth is not exceeded, Route U.S. 2 has a drawbridge at this location. This small body of water offers protection from storms. A boating facility could be established in this area.
West of the causeway the 0 to 12-foot depth is encountered very close to shore. From the causeway west to Middle Reef the depth does not exceed 27 feet.
The road running along the west shore of North Hero follows a bank that in many places rises 100 feet above Lake Champlain. As one looks down over this sheer cliff, he can see the water of Lake Champlain pounding across rock ledges of the North Hero west share. At every break in the white cedar trees a magnificant view of the west waters of Lake Champlain unfolds with a backdrop of New York State. It is not uncommon to see flights of black ducks and Canadian geese winging their way over this expanse of the lake. Sunsets, as viewed from this west ridge, illuminate the clouds over the Adirondacks and turn the water of Lake Champain into a kaleidoscope of crimson hues.
Although the railroad right of way would have given access to this point of high public outdoor recreation potential, private development in the form of vacation homes has nearly eliminated this possibility. Pelot Bay, Cary Bay, and the Alburg Passage -- all part of the same water complex -- are probably the most protected waters in all of Lake Champlain. These bays are surrounded by the peninsulas, natural jetties, and mainland of Alburg and North Hero, as well as the causeway of the railroad, Area 9 is one of the safest on the lake for water based recreation activity. There still remains some undeveloped areas where public access and boat slips could be provided. The railroad causeway from Pelot Point to Point of the Tongue in South Alburg is presently used by fishermen and duck hunters and should be maintained for this use. A possible boat mooring area east of the causeway is protected from open lake winds and wash.
On either side of the causeway at Pelot Point the 0 to 12-foot depth extends about 200 feet from shore. To the east of the causeway in Pelot Bay, 17-foot depths are encountered, while a 14 foot depth is found in Cary Bay. These two bays measure about 1.25 square miles. In this vicinity, two privately-operated marinas are found. One is located on the east side of Cary Bay (Birdland Boat Basin and Marina) and the other (Tudhope Marine Compnny) in the village of North Hero.
The South Alburg Shore from "Coon Point" to "Point of the Tongue" is possibly the area of greatest development potential along the entire Champlain Pathway right of way, This area has a low investment type of development -- small summer cottages. The potential lies in a 200 foot wide stretch of sand beach that extends 3,300 feet from the tip of "Coon Point" to the base of the "Point of the Tongue" peninsula. This sand beach and sandy-bottom water area is well suited in every way for a public bathing area. The beach now supports an undeveloped and marginally-maintained private campground. Immediately south of this beach, a small amount of acquisition would make available to the public a beautifully undeveloped wooded bluff extending from the railroad bed west to the lakeshore. This could be an unusually attractive public camping area with over a mile of uninterrupted scenic overlook opportunities. These natural resources, coupled with a 1,330-acre wooded swamp, stretching from "Coon Point" to Dillenbeck Bay at the Alburg Passage, make this South Alburg area one of the potentially mast valuable public development and conservation areas along the 40 mile Lake Champlain Pathway.
The railroad right of way runs parallel to the lakeshore in this section and not more than 100 to 200 feet away from the water's edge at any given point. By acquiring this narrow shore frontage between the old railroad bed and the lake, the State of Vermont could provide its people with the longest public sand beach in the entire Lake Champlain Basin. The sand beach and shallow water bay runs for a mile and a half along the right of way. Such an opportunity to provide an outstanding public swimming beach for the people of Vermont may never occur again.
Here the railroad bed skirts the shore with a due south exposure. The 0 to 12 foot depth extends a great distance from shore -- about 4,000 feet. In this lake area south to Reynolds Point on Isle La Motte many reefs occur. While they are all marked with navigation aids, many boat owners fail to read the aids correctly, causing frequent groundings.
The twelfth and last "area" is the string that holds the above described pearls of recreation sites together. Making the right of way into a transportation artery for everything but internal combustion engines will add a new dimension to a long list of recreation sites. It will add six specific, outdoor activities, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, nature study, hosteling, and scenic access for looking or for photography.
A continuous 37.5-mile pathway to tie the recreation areas together and provide the beginning of a recreation complex is necessary. Cut the pathway at one point and you eliminate six outdoor recreation activities and reduce the nascent complex to an unrelated series of partial facilities.
Table 9 lists by area the acreage suggested for acquisition using two categories of use -- public recreation land and land suitable for wildlife. Table 10 lists by area the frontage feet now actually owned `by the State of Vermont along the right of way and that recommended for acquisition.
Many travelers have acclaimed the scenic attributes of Lake Champlain as comparable to those found anywhere in the world. Specific comparisons have been made between the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and the Champlain Basin. William D. Howells, the famous novelist, looking at the Bay of Naples, called it "the most beautiful view in the world except one -- a Lake Champlain sunset." However, in discussing the scenic qualities, it is necessary to depart from individual and subjective evaluations and refer to systematic methods of evaluating and comparing scenery. This has been done on the rail road right of way by use of the scenic classification system developed by the Vermont Resources Research Center. This system reduces scenery to objective and measurable phenomenon.
Table 9. Suggested State Acquisition for Recreation and Wildlife Use
(Acres)
| Area | Public recreation |
Wildlife |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Allen Point | 70 | |
| 2. Keeler Bay Swamp and Marshland | 285 | |
| 3. Keeler Bay | 70 | 20 |
| 4. Pearl Swamp | 410 | |
| 5. South Hero Swamp | 500 | |
| 6. Tromp Point | 70 | |
| 7. Bow Arrow Point | 30 | 255 |
| 8. West Ridge Overlook | 65 | |
| 9. Pelot Bay | 320 | 300 |
| 10. South Alburg Shore | 350 | 1,330 |
| 11. Windmill Point | 120 | 400 |
| Total | 1,095 | 3,500 |
Table 10. Lake Frontage Now Owned by the State
and Proposals for Acquisition
(Feet)
| Area | Frontage |
Approximate existing state ownership |
Suggested lake frontage acquisition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Allen Point | 4,368 | 2,150 | 2,218 |
| 2. Keeler Bay Swamp and Marshland | |||
| 3. Keeler Bay | 2,500 | 170 | 2,330 |
| 4. Pearl Swamp | |||
| 5. South Hero Swamp | |||
| 6. Tromp Point | 5,001 | 5,001 | |
| 7. Bow Arrow Point | 10,836 | 1,640 | 9,196 |
| 8. West Ridge Overlook | 2,084 | 2,084 | |
| 9. Pelot Bay | 10,002 | 10,002 | |
| 10. South Alburg Shore | 14,170 | 650 | 13,520 |
| 11. Windmill Point | 6,668 | 6,668 | |
| Total | 55,629 | 4,610 | 51,019 |
To oversimplify, the system defines scenery as being a function of variety of interesting things and space and distance in which these things are viewed. Other things being equal, the further one can see, the more scenic is the view; the greater variety of interesting phenomenon observable, the greater is the view. Scenes are rated from 0 to 10. Zero is the scene when one is looking at a wall of dirt or trees. The other extreme of "10" is a spectacular view in which one can see a broad lake, distant high mountain peaks, plus interesting phenomenon in the foreground. Ratings of "7" to "10" indicate unusually attractive views. Five and "6" are average (Table 11).
Table 11. Scenery values of proposed Recreation Areas
| Area | Length of view (feet) |
Rating Distance |
Rating Variety |
Rating Scenic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Allen Point | 2,500 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 3. Keeler Bay | 4,000 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 6. Tromp Point | 3,000 | 4 | 4.5 | 8.5 |
| 7. Bow Arrow Point | 3,600 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 8. West Ridge Overlook | 1,500 | 4 | 4.5 | 8.5 |
| 9. Pelot Bay | 3,300 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 10. South Alburg Shore | ||||
|
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
|
8,600 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
|
3,300 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 10.5 Between 10 and 11 | 5,300 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 11. Windmill Point | 7,000 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
* Ten is spectacular, 7 to 9 is a grand view, 5 and 6 are average, and 1 to 4 is undistinguished.
Source: Inspection of aerial photos, topographical maps, and ground checks.Following is a rating:of the selected recreation development areas (Map 2) with reference to scenic qualities.
Area 1. Allen Point -- The view is panoramic, covering about 200 degrees, and running for 2,000 feet including the lake, the high Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains, This view is rated at 10 (spectacular).
Area 3. Keeler Bay -- The viewing area is about 4,000 feet.. The items observable are Georgia and Milton shorelines, the East Pass, Keeler Bay, the Green Mountains, and an island. The view is far less panoramic than that of area l.-- Its rating is: distance, 4; variety, 4; for a total of 8.
Area 6. Tromp Point -- This area has a prime view for about 3,000 feet. One can see the lake, the Sister Islands, and the shore and hills of New York. The rating is: distance, 4; variety, 4.5; total rating, 8.5.
Area 7. Bow Arrow Point -- Here one can see the edge of the lake, the bay, and the shoreline for 3,600 feet, The rating is: distance, 4; variety, 4; for a total of 8.
Area 8. West Ridge Overlook -- In this area, for 1,300 feet one can see the waves wash on the rocky ledge of the west shore. The observer is looking down over a precipice and can see the lake and the New York shore. The rating is: distance, 4; variety, 4,5; for a total of 8. Actually, the view is good from area 7 all the way to area 10, along the ledge running along the shore.
Area 9. Pelot Bay -- This view runs for 3,300 feet. The view is to the west only until a point in the northern part of the area where you get some view to the east. The rating for the best view in this area is: distance, 4; variety, 4; for a total of 8. The causeway is not included in this analysis as the point of view is defined as areas to which it would be convenient to drive to by car and to park to enjoy the view.
Area 10. South Alburg Shore -- Here the railroad right of way runs through a cut and the view rating is 0 to 1. The potential view from the shoreline, which is now in private ownership, would rate very high -- probably: distance, 4; variety, 5; for a total of 9. This view exists for about 8,600 feet. In the northern section of area 10, there is a view to the east for 3,300 feet. One can see the Alburg Passage and North Hero mainland, The rating is: distance, 3; variety, 3; for a total of 6.
Area 10.5 -- There is an area of about 5,300 feet north of area 10 and south of area 11 in which there is a view to the east. This view of the lake and the opposite shore in Swanton and Highgate would be considered a great view in any place but Grand Isle County. Here, making a comparative rating, it must be categorized about 5, with distance, 3; variety, 2.
Area 11. Windmill Point -- The distance of the viewing area is about 7,000 feet. The view is to the south and west. One can see the Spit, the lake, and the New York shore. The rating is: distance, 4; variety, 4; for a total of 8.
There are several points where spectacular views exist outside the immediate railroad right of way and areas close to it. In any comprehensive effort to develop the recreation potential of Grand Isle County, these areas should be carefully identified, studied, and evaluated with reference to the possibility of providing access to the views. A few of the better ones are the following.
In South Hero, east of Folsom's School and east of the South Hero Cemetery, is a hill of 240 feet elevation. The view from this would rate about 10. One would see a world of sky, land, and water, stretching to the horizon in all directions, including distant high mountain peaks down to the green hedge-marked fields of the South hero farmland.
Another potential spectacular view is found on the hill east of Jackson Point in Beech Bay. This hill is about 250 feet high and would also provide a panoramic view of sky, land, and water. There is another 260-foot hill south of Sawyer Bay road. This would have a similar view. In the town of Grand Isle there is a point of 275 feet elevation northeast of Pearl Bay. This location would provide a spectacular 360 degree view that would rate 10 by this scenery rating system, In Isle La Motte Village there is a 200-foot rise with a 220 foot peak which would .provide an equally spectacular view, rating about 10.
It should be emphasized that this scenery classification system does not count for all types or views which are attractive to the eye of all people along the Champlain Pathway. Marshes and bogs which might be extremely interesting to bird watchers and naturalists, nature lovers, etc., rate very low by this system.
This analysis of the scenic potential is a reconnaissance or preliminary analysis. While all the areas were ground checked, most of the scenic analysis was done from aerial photos and details are not provided concerning the exact range of views from various points.
Regional park developments usually relate the area to its history. Grand Isle County is fortunate in having an unusually significant and colorful history which can easily be woven into a recreation development program, Ever since Samuel de Champlain discovered the lake that bears his name in 1609 while traveling with a party of Algonquin and Huron Indians, the lake has been a major interstate and international battle ground and channel of communications, trade, naval activity, and commercial intercourse. It would be appropriate to name the Pathway after Samuel de Champlain -- an outstanding and intrepid explorer of a century when European frontiers of knowledge were being expanded to the New World.
The exploits of the Allen brothers lend several additional colorful chapters to the area's history. Ownership of the town of Alburg for instance, was disputed between Ira Allen and the British government. Another interesting story in this region's history is Ira Alien's attempt to raise money in England to build a canal connecting Lake Champlain with the St. Lawrence River. At the 1779 session of the Vermont legislature, "Two Heroes" (two islands in Lake Champlain) were granted to Ethan Alien, Jones Fay, and others for 10,000 pounds sterling. Tradition has it that they were named after Ethan and Ira Allen, A singular provision in this grant was that "each grantee to enter or provide settlers . . . within three years after the conclusion of present war with Great Britian, or the now Province of Quebec, shall be united with the other independent states of America." (6)
An historical marker in the town of South Hero recounts one of the footnotes to history which took place in this locale -- the death of Ethan Allen.
The area also abounds with history of the War of 1812 and the French and Indian War. Those who stand at Allen's Point are standing on the ground where the Wisconsin Indians, hired by General Howe, held their powwow. The General had asked that they stop scalping settlers. It was here that the Indians decided if there was to be no scalping they would go on back to Wisconsin -- this they did.
Across the water from this point you can see Admiral Carleton's rock where some smart Yankee hung a lantern at night and the Admiral shelled this large rock, thinking it was a vessel.
The area abounds with items which could be restored or recreated. The first steamboat used on any lake was the "Vermont" which sailed on Lake Champlain in 1808, The first sawmill in North America was built by the French at Swanton, Vermont. St. Anne's Shrine and many other points of interest could be mentioned. The first refrigerator car left Alburg with dairy products for Boston. This incident recalls the past agricultural history of the area, The right of way itself, with bridges and causeways, should be retained for their interest to railroad enthusiasts.
History of an area provides an added dimension to any regional park and should be included in comprehensive recreation and tourist development. Developnent of the recreation potential of the islands would consist of a translation of the dramatic, interesting, sometimes heroic history of the area into a form whish could be appreciated by the tourists; museums; roadside historical signs; guided tours by historians; brochures; and perhaps pageants to reenact some of the highlights from the chronicals of the past.
"MAKING THE RIGHT OF WAY INTO A TRANSPORTATION ARTERY FOR EVERYTHING BUT INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES WILL ADD A NEW DIMENSION TO A LONG LIST OF RECREATION SITES. IT WILL ADD SIX SPECIFIC OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES --BICYCLING, HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING, NATURE STUDY, HOSTELING, AND SCENIC ACCESS FOR LOOKING OR FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. A CONTINUOUS 37.5-MILE PATHWAY WILL TIE THE RECREATION AREAS TOGETHER AND PROVIDE THE BEGINNING OF A RECREATION COMPLEX. CUT THE PATHWAY AT ONE POINT AND YOU ELIMINATE SIX OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES AND REDUCE THE NASCENT COMPLEX TO AN UNRELATED SERIES OF PARTIAL FACILITIES."
(5) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, Lake Champlain Survey Charts Nos, 171 and 172, July and August l962 editions.
(6) Wilbur, James Benjamin, Ira Alien, Founder of Vermont. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1928, page 145, Vol. 1.
