Willoughby State Forest is now 118.6 acres bigger as the Vermont Department of Forests

 Willoughby State Forest is now 118.6 acres bigger as the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation purchased the land along Wheeler Mountain Road in Sutton from a private owner. The acquired property includes Wheeler Mountain’s ridgeline, cliffs and summit. State officials say the purchase permanently secures public access to popular hiking trails and rock climbing areas. The previous owner of the land, John Krieble, will maintain ownership of the rest of his property adjacent to the mountain. The property offers scenic views of the surrounding glacial landscape, nesting habitat for peregrine falcons, and also lies within a significant wildlife corridor that stretches to the Northeast Kingdom. It can be accessed from the Wheeler Mountain parking area and hiking trail off Wheeler Mountain Road.