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POMFRET --- Not long after transmission problems disabled their maintenance tractor, the Wyndham Land Trust and Pomfret Audubon Society decided it was time for a new one–a bigger tractor to handle the over 1,500 acres that must be mowed every year. “It’s quite a bit of land to maintain,” said Ben Williams, president of the Wyndham Land Trust.
“We were way behind,” said Andy Rzeznikiewicz, land manager. “And we needed a more heavy duty tractor to handle the amount of work.”
The Wyndham Land Trust put out an appeal for donations to reach their contribution of $5,000 toward the $26,000 new tractor purchase. A large portion was raised during their annual pot luck supper held in October. “It was an incredible response, probably the fastest we’ve ever gotten,” said Williams, “and we are hugely grateful. We are fortunate to live in such a community-minded and generous area.”
Only a small amount was needed to complete the fund raising. Enter the Pomfret Horse and Trail Association. The trail preservation group had already promised $1,000 raised mostly from an October trail ride on miles of local woods and fields. Sixty-three riders participated making it the most successful in the group’s six-year history. When they found out only $120 more was needed to complete the Wyndham Land Trust portion of the tractor purchase, they quickly agreed. “It was our absolute pleasure to give the remaining $120 on top of the $1,000 we promised to the Wyndham Land Trust,” said Pomfret Horse and Trail president Penny Foisey. “They are dedicated to keeping Pomfret open and green, and we totally support their efforts.” She also noted that the Wyndham Land Trust has allowed Pomfret Horse and Trail members to ride on four of its open space tracts in Pomfret and Thompson. “We are deeply indebted to the Wyndham Land Trust for keeping their land open and also accessible. We wanted to show our gratitude.”
Rzeznikiewicz said the new tractor would be 50 horse power. “Our old one was 35, just not able to handle the brush and grass cutting we had to do in order to keep fields and trails open to the public. We’re looking forward to getting back to work, and we owe it to groups like Pomfret Horse and Trail for allowing us to do that.”