Meet Muddy Moose: Affordability in Lamoille County
Stowe Land Trust announced three significant conservation projects in February of 2026 that together protect over 350 acres in Stowe and Morristown. Two of the three projects are structured in partnership with Downstreet Housing & Community Development—a partnership that benefits both Vermonters and the landscape we all treasure. Downstreet is proud to announce the first of those two projects available to the public: Muddy Moose.
Muddy Moose protects a 150-acre forest, a magnificent gorge, and established hiking and cross-county skiing trails that were formerly reserved for guests of the Muddy Moose Lodge on Cote Hill. Situated on an 18-acre lot adjacent to the conserved land, eight existing vacation homes will be transitioned from short-term rentals to permanent housing. Six of the eight homes will be permanently affordable homes through Downstreet’s Shared Equity Housing program.
“This is a visionary project for Lamoille County and a model for conservation and housing partnerships more broadly,” says Angie Harbin, Executive Director of Downstreet. “We are adding much-needed affordable housing while ensuring that low- and middle-income homeowners have direct access to open space, walking trails, and river frontage—amenities that are too often out of reach.”
The Vermont Federal Credit Union and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board supported Downstreet in ensuring the affordability of the shared equity homes.
“At Vermont Federal, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support projects that help our neighbors find an affordable place to live and thrive; while also protecting what makes Vermont so special," said Zack Chilcote, Vice President of Business Services for Vermont Federal Credit Union. "When we invest together in housing and sustainability, we’re not just funding projects, we're helping to ensure that future generations can live, work, and play right here in the beautiful state we’re proud to call home."
"This is a remarkable partnership in Lamoille County, where affordable homeownership meets land stewardship, creating opportunity without compromising the natural heritage that makes Vermont home. Muddy Moose is truly exceptional because it converts vacation rentals into permanent homes for Vermonters, weaving together the essential elements of Vermont's future: homes for working families, and protected land for recreation, wildlife and resilience. It is the kind of thoughtful development that honors our landscape and strengthens our community," said Gus Seelig, Executive Director of Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.
A stunning property with nearly three-quarters mile of river frontage, the conserved area of Muddy Moose not only opens new recreational opportunities, but it also keeps intact an important low-lying forest that protects downstream communities from flooding. Muddy Moose is within an area The Nature Conservancy has designated a high-value climate corridor and that the State of Vermont has designated as a priority for water quality protection.
“We’re excited about what this project means for the community,” says Jerry Throne, chair of the Morristown Conservation Commission. “Muddy Moose protects a beautiful and important piece of land while also creating new opportunities for recreation and housing.”
Stowe Land Trust is launching an ambitious campaign to raise the final $250,000 for the Muddy Moose project by May 1, 2026. Downstreet will be hosting an Open House for the eight homes on Saturday, February 7 from 10am – 2pm at 2930 Cote Hill Road in Morrisville, VT. All are welcome to attend. Downstreet will be accepting applications for the six shared equity homes and offers on the two market rate homes through February.
