Fall foliage town enforces ban on influencers
Residents of Pomfret, Vermont, have been dealing with a surge of tourists coming to capture the town’s picturesque fall foliage, especially around Sleepy Hollow Farm. The small community of Pomfret, with just a few businesses, has been overwhelmed by visitors, many of whom are social media influencers looking for the perfect autumnal photo. This influx of tourists has led to problems such as traffic congestion, trespassing, and other disrespectful behavior.
To address these issues, local residents have taken steps to restrict access to certain areas during the peak fall foliage season. They have raised funds to implement road closures and limit non-resident access to popular photo spots. While some tourists have expressed frustration at these restrictions, the goal is to protect the town’s infrastructure and the safety of both residents and visitors.
Neighboring town Woodstock, on the other hand, is better equipped to handle tourism and has embraced visitors. Residents there rely on tourism for business and welcome the influx of people. The contrast between the two towns highlights the challenges of managing tourism in a way that benefits the community without overwhelming it.
Overall, the residents of Pomfret are not anti-tourist but emphasize the importance of respecting the town and its residents. They hope to find a balance that allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while preserving the town’s charm and character.
Source
Laura Johnson is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Environmental Science, Policy, and Management with a concentration in sustainable agriculture. Her research focuses on climate-smart agriculture and resilience strategies for farming communities. Laura works as a sustainability strategist, helping farms in the US transition to practices that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.