Newfields,
New Hampshire: U.S. Senator Judd Gregg
(R-NH) joined Chair of Newfields Board of Selectman Janet McBride
Smith, the Rockingham Land Trust, The Trust for Public Land (TPL)
and other local and state officials and residents in Newfields
today, to celebrate the recent completion of the Piscassic Greenway.
A
new sign was unveiled to mark the completion of a 2-year effort
that protects a crucial link between two blocks of existing protected
lands, creating a wildlife and recreational corridor of more than
2,600 acres from Newmarket to Exeter.
Through the leadership of
Senator Judd Gregg, the Piscassic Greenway received nearly $4.0
million in grants from NOAA’s Coastal
and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP).
U.S.
Senator Judd Gregg stated, “I want to thank the Rockingham
Land Trust, TPL and especially the people of Newfields for the
extraordinary steps they took to protect our state’s environment. The
completion of the Piscassic Greenway initiative is a great example
of the effectiveness of the partnership of conservation groups,
public agencies and local residents in NH. Conserving the
critical wildlife habitats, water resources and greenway corridor
that characterize this unique place not only protects the physical
landscape but strengthens the quality of life here. I have
been proud to support these efforts and am happy to recognize all
those who made this celebration possible.”
In 2004, the current
owner, Halls Mill Realty Trust, proposed to develop the site with
89 house lots and 2 miles of new roads. But
through the 2000 Regional Environmental Protection Plan (REPP)
and the 2001 Open Space Plan, Newfields residents consistently
identified this area as a priority for the conservation of wildlife
habitat, water quality, trail connections, and greenway corridors.
According
to Newfields Selectman Janet McBride Smith, the response from the
town to see the greenway protected rather than developed was overwhelming,
it was like an “Aha!” moment. “On
behalf of the Town of Newfields, we want to thank Senator Judd
Gregg. The federal money for coastal conservation he secured gave
us the confidence that we could achieve this vision and make it
possible. Without his support, conserving the greenway wouldn’t
have been possible.”
At the request of the Rockingham Land
Trust, TPL began negotiating the purchase of the land in October
2004 and secured an agreement to acquire the land for the price
of $7.55 million, a significant discount from its appraised fair
market value. TPL negotiated
an agreement to purchase the property and worked with the Rockingham
Land Trust, the Town of Newfields and local advocates to seek funding.
Whitney Hatch, Regional Director and Vice President of TPL, credited
Gregg for his vision in preserving New Hampshire’s coastal
character. “Senator Gregg is a leader who can look
to the future and see that if we don’t act now, beautiful
and essential river corridors such as this one will be lost to
urban sprawl. We greatly appreciate Senator Gregg's hard work and
leadership in securing funding through CELCP. On behalf of
all the partners involved in this effort, we thank him for his
commitment to land conservation, and his effectiveness in Washington
which brings federal conservation funding to New Hampshire.”
Hatch
also credited the voters of Newfields and the fantastic leadership
of the Rockingham Land Trust (RLT). Newfields
voters responded overwhelmingly to the opportunity to conserve
the Greenway, approving a $1.5 million bond in March of 2005 with
87% support. With the addition of $500,000 in funding from a previous
bond, the Town’s contribution totaled $2 million. The Rockingham
Land Trust led a private campaign drive that raised over $1.6 million
in private contributions toward the conservation of the Piscassic
Greenway. “TPL recognizes the local forces that made
a significant investment in the future of this community. Generous
contributions from supporters of the project, the strong leadership
from RLT, and the commitment from everyone who dedicated their
time and talent to making this project a success are a shining
example of how communities can take action before it’s too
late,” said Hatch.
Tom Chamberlin, President of the
Board of the Rockingham Land Trust, also thanked the more than
675 individuals, businesses and foundations who contributed private
dollars toward the protection of the Piscassic Greenway. “We
are inspired by the generosity and support of the residents of
greater Rockingham County, as well as those from other places who
love this area, and who clearly value the conservation of community
lands such as the Piscassic Greenway,” said Chamberlin.
Creation
of the Piscassic Greenway helps preserve 106 acres of wetlands,
two vernal pools and 1,200 feet of shoreline on the Piscassic River,
a tributary to the wild and scenic Lamprey River and Great Bay. The
land, a mix of upland forests and wetlands, includes diverse habitats
for common and rare wildlife, including moose, bear, whip-poor-will,
and mallard.
The protection of the land ensures continued public
access for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, fishing,
hunting, and trapping. In addition to preserving recreational opportunities,
a conservation easement held by the Town of Newfields includes
provisions designed to protect water quality, wildlife habitat
and ecologically sensitive areas.
Over the next year, the Rockingham
Land Trust will work with a management advisory committee to prepare
a formal land management and stewardship plan. This plan
will guide the recreational uses and wildlife habitat management
activities on the property.
“We look forward to working with
area residents and the Town on the management of this land,” said
Chamberlin.
“The conservation of the Piscassic
Greenway is a great success for New Hampshire,” said
Ted Diers, New Hampshire Coastal Program Manager. “It
is a demonstration of the importance of partnerships, which
is the key to conserving New Hampshire's coastal resources.”
The
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services granted $332,000
through its drinking water supply land protection program. New
Hampshire’s Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service have provided $187,710 State Wildlife Improvement
Grant, and the project was awarded a $50,000 grant from the highly
competitive North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
Founded in
1980, the Rockingham Land Trust is a membership-based, non-profit
organization dedicated to permanently protecting the region’s
open spaces, including farmland, forestland, water resources, and
wildlife habitat. As a regional land trust,
the Rockingham Land Trust serves the 39 communities of greater
Rockingham County and has helped landowners and communities protect
more than 4,000 acres of land. The Piscassic Greenway is
the Rockingham Land Trust’s 76th project in greater Rockingham
County. For more information, visit www.rockinghamlandtrust.org.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit organization
conserving land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural
areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since
its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.6 million
acres of land in 45 states, including nearly 200,000 acres in New
Hampshire. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals,
foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission. For
more information, please contact TPL's Concord office at (603)
224-0103 or visit www.tpl.org/newhampshire
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