Donor Biographies
1. Bohanon (Dulude) 6.75 acres; 11/88, (N)
61 Burpee Hill Road, New LondonMrs. Eunice Bohanon donated the first conservation easement to the ASLPT, initiating what would later become a number of abutting properties on scenic Burpee Hill. This property protects beautiful views (visible from the road) of Lake Sunapee and the mountains west into Vermont. At her death in February 1997, the land was bequeathed to the New London Hospital who sold it to Richard and Jean Dulude.
2. Sargent (Clough) 28.6 acres; 3/89, (L)
Pleasant Street & Lake Shore Road, New LondonThis property includes 21 acres of active farmland near Pleasant Lake. The fields are used for various vegetable and fruit crops by the current owners of Spring Ledge Farm (see protected property #11). This field will remain as open space devoted to agriculture, and continue to offer a fine view of Mt. Kearsarge. The Sargents also gave a second easement on Great Brook, extending for 3000 feet along the course of the brook and for 100 feet on each side. The tract holds a footpath maintained by the New London Conservation Commission. (Parking is available just off Lake Shore Road, which offers wonderful hiking on this and abutting protected lands. Many well-marked trails maintained by the New London Conservation Commission start from this location. The Sunapee/Ragged/Kearsarge Greenway trail can also be accessed at this point.)
3. Stanley Farm Association 30 acres; 11/89, (N)
Burpee Hill Road & Newport Road, New London The Stanley Farm Association reached unanimity among its 12 owners to protect 30 acres (almost half of their holdings) of the farmlands which have been in the Stanley family since 1863. All family members wanted to preserve the portion of their property, which visually represents "the farm" and their heritage. The use limitations on the conservation easement area prohibit subdivision and buildings except for the purpose of agriculture or forestry. The conservation easement also protects about a half-mile along Newport Road. The area must remain forested and undeveloped, supporting the goals of New London's Master Plan, which cites that "the main roads leading to town are critically important to the visual quality of the Town."
4. Lincoln Gordon (Dulude) 35.7 acres; 2/95, (L)
Route 11, New LondonThis property includes 1,000 feet of shoreline along Lake Sunapee, 1,075 feet of shoreline along Otter Pond, and 1,075 feet road frontage along Rt. 11. Initially, Dr. Lincoln Gordon intended to make an "outright donation" of some of his property. He had two important objectives: 1) to permanently protect his property and 2) to reduce the value of his estate. However, by donating a conservation easement he retains ownership, protects his property from development, and reduces the value of his estate. Dr. Gordon and his family decided to place restrictions on 35 of his 40 acres. The restricted land cannot be subdivided or built upon and the property must remain forested. The remaining 5 acres, which includes his house, will be unrestricted.
This property was sold to Dick and Jean Dulude in 2003.
5. Yerkes (Coonley) 9.5 acres; 12/89, (L)
Morgan Hill Road, New LondonAt the end of road and nearly at the top of Morgan Hill, Sarah and David Yerkes protected their property from any further subdivision. By donating a conservation easement they preserved a truly spectacular view of Pleasant Lake and Mt. Kearsarge, protected multiple trailhead access, maintained open space, and saved forestland for water resources protection and wildlife habitat. An additional goal of the Yerkes with their easement was to prohibit the use of their land to satisfy density requirements with respect to the development of other properties. The New London Conservation Commission maintains parking for trailhead access directly across from this property. Nancy and Donald Coonley purchased the property with its easement protections in 5/91.
6. Parkhurst/Sjostrom 42.44 acres; 12/90, (U)
Little Sunapee RoadThis property - placed in easement by Dr. Edward "Ted" Parkhurst and Loren "John" Sjostrom - is an important part of the Little Lake Sunapee watershed. With a Class A water quality indexes, Little Lake Sunapee is used by many as a source of drinking water (including the water system of New London from wells on Colby Point, which is surrounded by Little Lake Sunapee). The conservation easement prohibits development and requires the property to remain a forest. The land now sits between two other protected properties (see map #'s 8 & 15). All are contributing to wildlife habitat, the water quality, and maintaining the forested rural quality of land surrounding the lake. Ted Parkhurst became the sole owner of this land when he bought out John Sjostrom in 7/98. Ted passed away in February 2004.
7. Adams/Nordstrom (Snow) 7 acres; 3/90, (N)
King Hill Road, New London The easement donated by Dorothy Adams and Edith Nordstrom permanently protects seven acres of open field and forest. The property includes 640 feet of road frontage along King Hill Road and 1,000 feet of road frontage along Bog Road. This property was cited in New London's Master Plan as a priority to be preserved. Their goal was to protect and preserve the scenic character of the New London rural landscape. The land cannot be developed and it cannot be used to satisfy density requirements for building. The property ownership transferred to Earl Davis III in October 1998. And was transferred in July 2001 to Paul and Susan Snow.
8. New England Forestry Foundation 130 acres; 5/91, (U)
Little Sunapee Road, New LondonThe New England Forestry Foundation permanently protected 130 acres located on the northwesterly side of Little Lake Sunapee with road frontage (1628 feet) on Little Sunapee Road and both sides of Burnt Hill Road. The Little Sunapee Associates made a contribution to this project that allowed the ASLPT to cover administrative and legal costs. Forestry activities are the only permitted uses on the property, which also cannot be used to satisfy density requirements with respect to development of other lands. This property abuts 42.44 acres of protected land donated by Parkhurst and Sjostrom (see map # 6) and 79 acres donated by Donavans' (see map #15).
9. Kentlands/Denny/Phillips 9.35 acres; 4/91, (N)
Newport Road, New LondonThe owners of the "Kentlands" Boathouse property, Mrs. Bessie Phillips, and the Denny Beach Realty Trust helped protect the scenic shoreline of Little Lake Sunapee by donating a conservation easement to the ASLPT. This is an excellent example of several landowners working together to protect contiguous lands. This cooperative effort protects a total of 9.35 acres, which includes 1,650 feet of shoreline. Protecting "gateway" properties is consistent with New London's Master Plan, which emphasizes that "main roads leading to town are critically important to the visual quality of the Town" so this easement is doubly valuable because it also includes approximately 1,450 feet of road frontage along Newport Road.
10. Emerson (Clark) 31 acres; 1/91, (L)
Route 114 and Old Coach Road, New London & SuttonFinancial support from neighbors and friends enabled the ASLPT to purchase this easement, which helped the Emersons with growing medical expenses. Faced with the difficult decision of selling their property, the Emersons found comfort in knowing that: the land would be protected from inappropriate uses; the property would retain its scenic and agricultural values; and the restrictions were permanent - binding all future owners. This property is known for its spectacular view of Mt. Kearsarge as viewed across mowed fields. The ASLPT and/or the Sutton Conservation Commission have the right to construct and maintain a nature trail as a public path for walking or cross-country skiing. The property was purchased by Ted and Cheri Clark in 2 parcels in 2003 and 2004.
11. Spring Ledge Farm (Calerin LLC) 53 acres; 12/91, (L)
Main Street, New LondonSpring Ledge Farm lies between two sections of commercial zone in the middle of Main Street, New London. It's a farm that has been in John Clough's family since before the Civil War. John and his wife Sue didn't know how much this land would mean to them when they first opened their farm stand for local products in 1976. Always strong supporters of their community, they found their volunteer efforts increasingly focused on preserving the land around them. Ultimately, they reached a decision: they have dedicated the bulk of Spring Ledge Farm to a perpetual easement to preserve this unique in-town farm. The ASLPT worked with John and Sue to bring their hopes to reality through the State of New Hampshire Land Conservation Investment Program (LCIP) in cooperation with the Town of New London Conservation Commission. Residents and visitors to New London glory in the beautifully kept flower gardens and tilled fields that surround the farm stand, which is open for 3/4's of the year, filled with local and regionally grown fruits and vegetables - all on Main Street. The property ownership transferred to Calerin, LLC in November 2005.
12. Kidder/Cleveland 16.2 acres; 12/91, (L)
Pleasant Street, New LondonTo meet all the matching dollar requirements of the New Hampshire Land Conservation Investment Program (LCIP) to purchase the Spring Ledge Farm easement, longtime New London residents William F. Kidder and James C. Cleveland donated the value of their conservation easements on 16.2 acres of their land on Pleasant Street. The Town of New London holds the easement with the ASLPT as the backup grantee. The land preserves open space and provides outdoor recreation for hiking trails. The property cannot be subdivided or used to satisfy density requirements with respect to development of other lands.
13. Phillips (Crozer and Carey) 61.4 acres; 12/91, (N)
Burpee Hill Road, New LondonMrs. Bessie Phillips granted a conservation easement on her property on the west side of Burpee Hill Road in New London. At a total size of 61.4 acres, the property can be divided into 2 lots. Lot one consists of 25.2 acres with one single-family dwelling and a seasonal cottage. The seasonal cottage must remain ancillary and may not be further improved. Lot two consists of 36.2 acres. Both lots are a mixture of forests and open fields. Since her death in 4/96, her heirs put these two lots up for sale. Anne Marie Appel purchased Lot one in 3/00. Danielle and Brian Carey purchased Lot two in 5/01. Anne Marie Appel sold Lot one to Katherine and George Crozer in 8/06.
14. Phillips (Phillips & Stanley) 43.1 acres; 12/91, (N)
Burpee Hill Road & Newport Road, New LondonMrs. Bessie Phillips also granted an easement for 43.1 acres of forests and open fields on the east side of Burpee Hill Road. Combining the acreage of the easements of maps #13 & #14, Mrs. Phillips protected a total of 104.5 acres of open fields and forest with over one-half mile of roadside stonewalls, lined with lovely sugar maples visible to the general public. The 43.1 acre parcel abuts 30 acres of protected land owned by the Stanley Farm Association (see map #3). Forestry and agricultural activities are permitted. At her death in 4/96, Mrs. Bessie Phillips daughter, Jane, inherited this property. Peter and Debbie Stanley purchased the “Gray Cottage” lot in December of 2004.
15. Donavan (Butler) 43.1 acres; 12/91, (N)
Messer Hill Road, SpringfieldNeil and Beverlee Donavan of Springfield protected 79 acres on Messer Hill Road - including 430 feet of road frontage. The easement helps preserve natural forestland and is also important watershed to Little Lake Sunapee. A trail has been constructed for public access. This easement prohibits subdivision. No structures are allowed with the exception of those related to forestry and agricultural activities. This property abuts other protected lands, which are owned by the New England Forestry Foundation (map # 8) and Parkhurst/Sjostrom (map #6). Together these three properties total 251.44 acres of undeveloped forest - allowing public access for hiking, while protecting the wildlife habitat, watershed and rural character of the area. The Donavan’s sold their property to Tom & Clara Butler in October 2001.
16. Otter Pond Protective Association 2 acres; 5/92, (N)
Oak Ridge Road, Georges MillsThe Otter Pond Protective Association (OPPA) worked closely with the ASLPT on this easement to permanently protect critical wetlands and productive waterfowl habitat. The OPPA properties are part of Lake Sunapee's watershed and consist of two tracts of land, totaling two acres on Oak Ridge Road, Georges Mills. The conservation easement assures that the properties will be retained forever in their natural state. No structures are allowed. Forestry activities are permitted.
17. Trussell Ridge 2.1 acres; 7/92, (L)
Trussell Ridge, New London
This easement preserves a 75-foot wide strip of land including both sides of Lyon Brook as it passes through the Trussell Ridge development. The easement protects all land lying 25 feet westerly of Lyon Brook and 50 feet easterly of Lyon Brook. Six house lots are affected by this conservation easement requiring careful records regarding ownership. The New London Conservation Commission maintains the Lyon Brook trail that is protected by this easement. The New London Outing Club (NLOC) holds the easement for this parcel with the ASLPT as backup grantee. The south end of the Lyon Brook trail can be accessed from the Trussell Ridge development.
18. Frank & Dot Gordon 19.59 acres; 11/92, (L)
Jobs Creek Road, SunapeeFrank Gordon and his wife Dot made their affection for this region concrete by protecting 63 acres and 3,000 feet of shoreline on Lake Sunapee. Through the ASLPT, they restricted development and guaranteed public access on their properties on Jobs Creek Road in Sunapee and four years later in New London on Davis Hill Road and along Otter Pond (see map # 30). In 1919 Frank's father brought him to Lake Sunapee to recuperate from influenza and pneumonia. Both father and son fell in love with the lake with Frank crediting "the clean air" for his cure. His father was so smitten that he decided to buy 100 acres on the lake and except for a few years, the Gordon family has spent summers ever since at "Chetwood". In 1981 Frank retired from his law practice and he and Dot became year-round residents.
Frank Gordon passed away in February 2000.
19. C.O.R.E. 55 acres; 2/93, (U)
Knights Hill Road, New London
C.O.R.E., an acronym for conservation, open-space, recreation, environment, represented the alliance of four local organizations to purchase 55 acres of undeveloped open space including 2,469 feet of road frontage along Knights Hill Road. Working cooperatively, the four groups brought different skills and knowledge to the C.O.R.E. project. ASLPT provided organizational and fundraising leadership; the New London Conservation Commission (NLCC) appropriated $20,000 for the project; the Knights Hill Nature Park (KHNP) conducted a natural resource inventory; and the New London Outing Club was responsible for hiring the land planner and environmental consultant. The wonderful result of this cooperation was successfully meeting the $150,000 fund raising goal to purchase the land and then to create the conservation easement to permanently limit the use of the property to recreational and forestry purposes. The New London Outing Club (NLOC) holds the deed to the property and conveyed the conservation easement on the C.O.R.E. land to the New London Conservation Commission. The ASLPT is the backup grantee. As a result of this cooperative effort these 55 acres contribute to a total of 192 acres protected as open space for recreational use and wildlife habitat right in the middle of New London.
20. Tatum 21.8 acres; 7/93, (N)
Burpee Hill Road, New LondonThis easement is part of a cooperative effort among some Burpee Hill Road neighbors whose lands offer spectacular views of Lake and Mount Sunapee. Passersby always pause to marvel at the panoramic view across these two contiguous properties. Post cards from over 50 years ago show the identical view seen today and because of this easement will be enjoyed forever. Nancy and Kit Tatum worked with their neighbor Peg Carroll (see map #21) and together they protected 55.6 acres. The land may be used for forestry and agricultural activities, but cannot be subdivided or be used to satisfy density requirements with respect to development of other lands. The ASLPT has the right to cut trees to maintain the scenic vista from the road.
21. Carroll (Keating and Carroll) 33.8 acres; 7/93, (N)
Burpee Hill Road, New LondonPeg Carroll along with Nancy and Kit Tatum (see Map #20) worked together to preserve a spectacular view of Lake Sunapee and Mt. Sunapee from Burpee Hill Road, New London. Peg Carroll began to think about land protection after talking with her neighbor, Eunice Bohanon who was the first landowner to donate a conservation easement to the ASLPT. The Bohanon easement (see map #1) was also the catalyst for the Bessie Phillips (see maps #13 & #14) and the Stanley Farm Association (see map #3) easements. 197.38 acres of land have been protected land on the northwesterly end of Burpee Hill because of these five families donating conservation easements. The ASLPT has the right to cut trees to maintain the scenic vista from the road. Peg Carroll passed away in June 1998. The land was subdivided into two parcels in June 2004 between Peg’s daughter Sally Keating and her son Doug Carroll.
22. Deming 125 acres; 12/93, (L)
Forty Acres Road, ElkinsChuck and Barbara Deming bought the Tabor Browder property, located at the end of Forty Acres Road in Elkins. This 125-acre property contains significant wildlife habitat and includes a mixture of forestlands, open fields, fruit bearing trees and bushes, ponds and wetlands. The Demings' land has some exceptional views of Mt. Kearsarge, Pleasant Lake and the surrounding countryside. The Demings' conservation easement stipulates that the property may be subdivided into no more than two separate parcels and no more than two single family dwellings may ever be constructed. The ASLPT (or other conservation organizations under the ASLPT's supervision) has the right to construct trails as public footpaths and to create overlooks and scenic vistas. A trail was built that climbs up the west side of the ridge to a lovely view of Pleasant Lake, Mt. Kearsarge and the Mink Hills in the distance. Chuck Deming passed away in February 2005.
23. Phillips (Town of New London) 9 acres; 7/94, (U)
Route 103A, New LondonMrs. Bessie Phillips donated a conservation easement on a nine-acre parcel with 888.6 feet of road frontage along scenic Route 103A in New London. The land, already in current use, was originally part of a larger tract, which was cut off by the construction of I-89. The remaining parcel of 61.4 acres on the western side of Burpee Hill Road was permanently protected in 1991 (see map #13). This 9 acre parcel offers a natural buffer between the interstate and Route 103A. Public access for trails and a picnic area are allowed. Mrs. Phillips passed away in 1996, at 90 years old. The Town of New London was gifted this parcel in July of 2001. In the early 1980's, Mrs. Phillips donated 70 acres to the Town of New London in memory of her husband, Stephen. Ten years later she began working with the ASLPT and protected two parcels on Little Lake Sunapee, followed by two parcels on Burpee Hill Road and this parcel on Route 103A. Mrs. Phillips has put a total of 120 acres of land in New London under conservation easement. In the fall of 1993, Mrs. Phillips was recognized nationally for her 7,000-acre donation of land in western Maine. Her gift was the key to a multifaceted transaction, which resulted in 33,000 acres protected for the public to enjoy in the Rangeley Lakes region of Maine.
24. Fenwood 7.3 acres; 4/95, (L)
Newport Road, New London
The land developer of Fenwood, Monetta Properties Inc., donated a conservation easement on 7.3 acres lying between their subdivision homes and the unique Philbrick-Cricenti Bog. The easement land creates a vital buffer zone between the home sites and this rare "floating" sphagnum bog where the New London Conservation Commission maintains an interpretive trail. The easement was granted to the Town of New London with the ASLPT as the backup grantee. A public footpath is allowed (but regulated by the easement).
25. Pelfor 15.27 acres; 4/95, (L)
South Pleasant Street, New London
The Pelfor Corporation donated easements on two parcels of land off Barrett and South Pleasant Street, which abut land owned by the New London Outing Club (see map #19). The property includes a portion of the Lyon Brook Trail. The easement preserves open space particularly forest and wetlands, which support wildlife habit and the watershed quality. It also supports outdoor recreation because of the public trail access. The easement was granted to the Town of New London with the ASLPT as backup grantee.
26. Low Plain 200 acres; 8/93, (U)
Route 11, New LondonThe effort to restrict development at the Low Plain began in the late '70s when the Town of New London acquired the first parcels of the marsh. In 1993 the largest piece (108 acres) was purchased as the result of a major fundraising effort organized and led by the ASLPT. In the summer of 1993, the Low Plain Alliance was formed with a three-year mission "to purchase the 108 acres of marsh and adjoining upland on Route 11 in New London, place a conservation easement on it, and transfer title to the Town of New London." In short, the Low Plan Natural Area would remain a "significant wildlife habitat and wetlands site," as recognized by the State of New Hampshire and become a permanently protected property for the use and enjoyment of the public. Two years ahead of schedule the Low Plain Alliance achieved its goal. The land was purchased by the ASLPT in the role as transition titleholder on August 3, 1993, with financing from New London Trust and the security of 18 guarantors. The New London Conservation Commission, which has maintained public, trails on the property for 17 years, provided seed money. A $54,000 National Fish & Wildlife Foundation grant, a $25,000 donation by the State of NH, and a significant contribution by the Natalie P. Webster Trust were all key reasons this project moved forward quickly. The Pleasant Lake Protective Association, Elkins Fish & Game Club and McKenna’s Restaurant generously supported the Alliance and private donations were strong and steady. The Town of New London overwhelmingly supported the effort at the 1994 Town Meeting by appropriating $76,000. On January 9, 1995 The ASLPT presented the deed to the Town of New London. On May 6, 1995 the property was dedicated as the "Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area at Low Plain". The New Hampshire Fish & Game Department holds a permanent conservation easement on the property. In April of 1998 another fundraising effort led by the ASLPT successfully raised $63,000 in private donations and $75,000 in town monies to purchase the remaining 12.7 acres of pond frontage and woodlands. The entire shoreline is now protected!
27. New England Forestry Foundation-Spaulding 2.8 acres; 6/95, (L)
Heath Lane, New LondonWhit and Polly Spaulding worked with the ASLPT and the New England Forestry Foundation to protect 2.8 acres of their land, which abuts the 130 acres of Little Sunapee Memorial Forest (see map #8). The addition of this property to the Forest provides much needed access to that portion of the Forest south of the brook that runs from Little Sunapee Lake to Goose Hole. The land will remain forested to continue to protect watershed quality. Public access is allowed.
28. Poh (Durkin) 40 acres; 12/95, (L)
Old Main Street, New LondonBob and Timmie Poh granted a conservation easement for 40 acres on Old Main Street with 1,300 feet of frontage along Lyon Brook. Primarily forest, this property's natural vegetation is important to the water quality of Lyon Brook and Kezar Lake watershed. The easement prohibits subdivision and buildings. This property includes a portion of the New London Conservation Commission's Lyon Brook Trail and will remain undeveloped land.
Laurie and Bob Durkin acquired this property in November 2007.
29. Main Street Meadow (Cross) 5.6 acres; 12/97, (N)
Main Street, New LondonEntering New London from the south end of Main Street is one of the "gateway to the town" open space meadows which was protected in less than three months of fundraising organized by the ASLPT. The view from the road across Main Street Meadow takes your gaze southwest to the overlapping foothills as they begin their march northward toward the White Mountains. When neighbors realized the field had been staked out for house lots, they contacted the ASLPT whose staff and board members organized enough support to buy and protect this property. The neighbors themselves took the lead and pledged $70,000 and the remaining $30,000 was donated by ASLPT members and friends. This property was recognized in the Town Master Plan in 1987 as especially deserving of preservation and now it is protected forever.
30. Frank & Dot Gordon 43 acres; 12/96, (L)
Davis Hill Road and Route 11, New LondonOnce again Frank and Dot Gordon demonstrated their true concern for the region by donating a conservation easement on their 43-acre New London property on Davis Hill Road. The tract is primarily forested and includes 1,556 feet of shore frontage on Lake Sunapee and an additional 913 feet of shoreline on Otter Pond. The property abuts other protected lands of Lincoln Gordon, totaling more than 2,500 feet of unspoiled shoreline on Lake Sunapee. The Frank and Dot Gordon property contains two houses, one seasonal and the other year-round that can continue to be used. There is a provision that an additional house can be constructed on the parcel. The ASLPT has the right to maintain the old Sunapee/New London Stagecoach Road as a public footpath, which is accessible from Davis Hill Road. Parcels such as the Gordon's are extremely important to the well being of Lake Sunapee. The natural vegetation along the shoreline improves the water quality by controlling erosion and filtering out contaminated runoff from surrounding roads. In 1992 Frank and Dot donated a conservation easement on 19.95 acres on their Jobs Creek Road Property in Sunapee (see map #18), which included another 1,500 feet of Lake Sunapee shoreline.
Frank Gordon passed away in February of 2000.
In December 2006, Dot Gordon made an outright gift of the 7.8 acres that includes Otter Pond Beach to the Otter Pond Protective Association with the understanding that the beach would continue to be open to the public as it has been since she and Frank have owned it. The balance of the easement acreage is still under ownership by the Gordon Family (Chetwood Trust).
31. Enroth 38.86 acres; 12/96, (L)
Keyser Street, Kings Hill Road, and Penacook Road, SuttonWhen Stephen and Leslie Enroth protected their 38 acres they were right in step with the Town of Sutton Master Plan which recommends conserving and enhancing "… the natural, scenic and historic assets of the Town and protecting wetlands, aquifer recharger areas, brooks, rivers, lakes and wildlife habitat". This parcel is predominantly wetlands and supports forestland and open fields. It also includes Lyon Brook, which flows into Kezar Lake. Preserving lands along Lyon Brook is vital to the future success of the Kezar Lake watershed. They have allowed pedestrian and small boat access through their property.
32. West/Anthony/James/Town 38.86 acres; 12/96, (L)
Columbus Avenue, New LondonMary "Mimi" West, Edward "Ted" Anthony and Helen James gave five acres of land at the Corner of Columbus Ave. and Route 103A to the Town of New London with a conservation easement being held by the ASLPT. Though small in size, this parcel of wetlands and forest is part of the large buffer zone of land between I-89 and Route 103A, which was identified by the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, and the New London Conservation Commission as critical to the watershed protection of Lake Sunapee. These watershed properties, particularly wetlands, filter contaminants that threaten water quality and aquatic life. The forest growth also provides a visual and acoustic barrier to the highway.
33. Baldwin (Rowett) 14.10 acres; 10/97, (N)
Route 11 & Seamans Road, New LondonCarol and Bill Baldwin have added their "gateway" meadow on Seaman’s Road and Route 11 to New London’s protected open space. Formerly the Gene Sarazen/Mary Ilnicki property across the road from the Lake Sunapee Country Club entrance, this open space will remain a mowed meadow forever. As you approach New London from the East, the property fronts two important entry routes into New London (976’ along Seaman’s Road and 654’ on Route 11). The sloping open field is accented with small trees along the downhill drainage. Willows line up along the Route 11 road edge to greet each traveler with their calm beauty. The open space that is offered by such meadows eases our eyes and heart, and draws us gently into the surrounding homes, farms and woods. Within our heavily wooded landscape meadows create precious opportunities for horizon views of the mountains and lakes that we treasure. Indeed, this property is ranked as a "Top" priority in New London’s Master Plan and has always been on the ASLPT’s list of targeted properties. Open space on these well-traveled roads is critical to both the visitor’s and the resident’s appreciation of this region. Many protected properties provide tangible benefits because of their role in nourishing the ecology of water, plant and animal life. Yet it is the intangible, but obvious beauty of some properties that lift our spirits by drawing us back into our natural world. Susan Rowett purchased the property from the Baldwins in 9/99.
34. Drake/Cross 6.6 acres; 12/97, (N)
Main Street, New LondonOwners Priscilla Drake and Deborah Cross have added another 6.6 acres next to the Main Street Meadow easement (see map #29). A total of 12.2 acres on the southern end of Main Street will now remain as undeveloped, mowed meadowland - affording passersby beautiful views of King Ridge and the western hills.
35. Davis 36.33 acres; 5/98, (L)
Route 103A, New LondonLaura and her father Charles Davis, descendants of one of New London's first families, have donated a conservation easement on their family homestead on scenic Route 103A. The Davis property is valuable for its excellent wildlife habitat, 1,000 feet of road frontage, and the protection if offers to the Lake Sunapee watershed. Their easement is the third New London property on Route 103A to come under the stewardship of the land trust, which has a long-term goal of protecting from development at least a 150-foot buffer zone on both sides of the road. When approached about protecting just the buffer zone part of their property, the Davis' decided to guarantee that their entire homestead lands would be protected forever. Pedestrian access and trails will be allowed.
36. Broshek 55 acres; 6/98, (L)
Shaw Hill Road, AndoverSisters Mary Anne and Betty Broshek are the first Andover property owners to protect their family land through the ASLPT. Their 55 acres along the north side of Shaw Hill Road have been in the Broshek family since 1946.The Broshek easement stipulates that the 55 acres remain open to public access for passive uses such as walking, cross-country skiing and nature study. The land attracts a variety of wildlife specie, including bear, deer, moose, and birds. Mary Anne Broshek, committed to conservation and organic gardening, has a management plan for the property to ensure its future use for forestry, recreation, wildlife habitat and a maple sugar orchard. Across Shaw Hill Road in Salisbury, Mary Anne has 88 acres conserved through an easement donated in 1990 to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Her recent gift to the ASLPT creates a large corridor of protected land and scenic rural views.
37. Johnson/Goshen 60 acres; 11/98, (U)
Brook Road, GoshenHazel Gladue Johnson signed over the 60-acres of her family farm on Brook Road in Goshen to the Town of Goshen with the conservation easement held by the ASLPT. She donated her land and the development rights so that her property will be maintained for wildlife habitat and recreational uses, saying, "I like animals and there's so much development. The animals have to have a place to go." She went on to say, "I think we cannot own the land. All we can do is care for it." Hazel Johnson said the gift is not only from her, but also from her family members who agreed to forego an inheritance in favor of leaving the townspeople of Goshen this living legacy. This is the first gift of conservation land made to the Town of Goshen and it is the first property in Goshen for the ASLPT. Both Goshen Selectmen and Conservation Commission members expressed their gratitude for Johnson's gift and legacy to the town, saying, "We will take very, very good care of it!"
38. Cundey 2.08 acres; 12/98, (L)
Little Sunapee Road, New LondonBy granting a conservation easement on two acres of land, Chris and Janice Cundey made 42 more acres more accessible for public recreation. Their gift of 2 acres north of Little Sunapee Road not only further protects the scenic view from the road and the Little Lake Sunapee watershed it also abuts the 42 acres of the Parkhurst/Sjostrom easement (see map #6). The location of these 2.08 acres gives the public safe off-road parking and hiking access to all these protected lands from the road. Under the easement, the ASLPT has the right to develop and improve a trail network on both properties.
39. King Hill Reservation 441 acres; 4/99, (U)
Hominy Pot & Kings Hill Road, SuttonFrank Stewart of Northland Residential Corporation deeded 441 acres of what was the King Ridge Ski Area to the Town of Sutton with the ASLPT holding the conservation easement. The gift came after nearly two years during which Stewart negotiated the purchase of King Ridge Ski Area and won approval for a 36-lot luxury home development on the 352 acres adjacent to the existing ski lodge road. After Sutton officials indicated the town would be interested in receiving the remaining 441 acres, the ASLPT's Executive Director Debbie Stanley worked closely with the town and Stewart on the details of a conservation easement. The Town of Sutton will manage the land to maintain its capacity for recreation and wildlife habitat. As holder of the conservation easement, the ASLPT is responsible, in perpetuity, for enforcing its restrictions. Currently there is trailhead access with maps of the reservation available off Hominy Pot Road and off Kings Hill Road. While originally designed for downhill skiing the trails offer year round recreation with spectacular views for hikers, snowmobilers, skiers or snowshoers.
40. Kidder Tract 37 acres; 5/99, (U)
Chalk Pond Road, Newbury Before the spring of 1999, maps of the Hay Forest Reservation bore a resemblance to a gap-toothed grin - something was missing. Notched out from the curve of the northern boundary was a 37-acre sliver of hillside, once slated for an 18-unit condominium. To fill that gap the ASLPT helped raise $69,000 to purchase the parcel and make it part of the Hay Forest as well as creating a permanent memorial to New London conservationist Bill Kidder Jr. Its new owner, the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF) dedicated the Sunset Hill-Kidder Tract in the summer of 1999. The Forest Society had been trying for years to buy the tract off Chalk Pond Road. When they asked for help from Bill Kidder Jr. he was able to facilitate negotiations and the deal to purchase the land came to fruition nearly a year after his death from cancer in March of 1998. The tract offers expansive northerly views, including Lake Sunapee, Croyden Peak, Mount Cardigan and the White Mountains. It also provides habitat for bear, bobcat, deer, moose, coyote, and other wildlife species documented on the adjacent Hay Forest Reservation. SPNHF maintains parking for trailhead access off Chalk Pond Road. The hike takes you to the top of Sunset Hill with its spectacular views and from there are trails that wind throughout the Hay Forest Reservation.
41. Carroll (Immelt) 22 acres; 9/99, (N)
Route 103A, New LondonThe children of Peg Dewey Carroll added to their mother's conservation legacy by permanently limiting development on their 22-acre inheritance between I-89 and 103A in New London. This parcel, with 850 feet of frontage on Route 103A at Herrick Cove, protects the Lake Sunapee watershed, maintains wildlife habitat and buffers traffic noise from I-89. Under the terms of the conservation easement, the property can be divided for two house lots, with setbacks of 100 feet from Route 103A. The building envelope is four acres combined, leaving 18 acres untouched. Without protection New London zoning would have allowed for five house lots using the whole property. Her children's gift continues their mother's conservation legacy of 33.8 acres on Burpee Hill in New London (see map #21). The property is owned by Peg’s daughter Sue and her husband Steve Immelt.
42. Aiken Pasture Town Forest/Bradford 136 acres; 11/99, (U)
Purrington Road, BradfordForeword-thinking officials in Bradford blazed the way for conservation in their town by protecting 136 acres of Town Forest, also known as the Aiken Pasture. By donating a conservation easement to the ASLPT, the town has ensured the land will forever remain forested and accessible for public recreation. Bradford continues to own the land and can earn income through responsible timber harvests. Officials, who are excited by the recreational potential of the Town Forest, foresee a comprehensive trail network between protected public and private lands. The parcel can be seen to the east from the Bradford Bog and is in the southern part of town, just a few miles west of the Lowe State Forest.
43. Blitzer 148.8 acres; 12/99, (L)
Rowe Mountain Road, BradfordDr. John and Amy Blitzer donated a conservation easement on their 148-acre tree farm, insuring that it will remain a working forest forever. "We really love that piece of land," Amy Blitzer said. "We wanted to protect it." Since 1990 the Blitzers have been managing the property as a tree farm, a portion of which is dedicated to Christmas trees. The parcel with 1,550 of frontage on Rowe Mountain Road is accessible to the public. The Blitzers have built a trail network they plan to link to a Town trail on Rowe Mountain, and someday, they hope to connect to nearby Lowe State Forest. "We hope to leave wild land for recreation and wildlife," Amy Blitzer said. John Blitzer died June 3, 2004.
44. Badmington 8.87 acres; 3/00, (L)
Little Sunapee Road, New LondonMrs. Sydney Badmington wanted to restrict development, preserve open space and protect the Little Lake Sunapee watershed. This conservation easement ensures the 8.8 acres will remain a one-house lot. Without these protections, under New London cluster zoning this land could have up to eight dwellings built on it. Mrs. Badmington explained, "I didn't think it was big enough to count very much, but when I think of all the property around the lake that has been built on, then I had to do it."
45. R.H. Webb Forest Preserve 370 acres; 10/00, (U)
Stage Coach Road, SunapeeThis property blends excellent forestry management with conservation easements to create an award winning private and public land legacy. The Webb family - Van Webb, his wife Robin, their four children and Van's father Richard - has a long history as land stewards. Richard Webb began his family's extraordinary commitment to long-term forest management in 1948 on his newly purchased 370 acres in Sunapee. Now his son Van, daughter-in-law Robin, and his grandchildren continue his stewardship ethic through their hands-on management of the logging and forestry work on nearly 3,000 acres of woodland in Sunapee, New London, and Springfield. The family has placed 2300 acres in conservation easements. This commitment to long-term management over short term gain lead Dick Webb to grant the first conservation easement in NH in 1967 to the New London Conservation Commission. To the original gift of 703 acres located at the north end of Pleasant Lake, Dick and his family have added 224 acres in 1970 and 80 acres in 1981 - creating over 1,000 acres of protected forest now filled with wonderful hiking trails developed by the New London Conservation Commission. Now all 370 acres of the R.H. Webb Forest Preserve in Sunapee are protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement. The ASLPT worked hand-in-hand with the Sunapee Conservation Commission to complete the easement. Certainly this family represents the best of our landowners - managing, conserving and sharing family land resources now and for future generations to create a truly living legacy.
46. Ring Brook (Audubon Society of NH) 77.84 acres; 12/00, (L)
Chalk Pond Road, NewburyA generous donor granted a conservation easement on 7 undeveloped tracts of land off Chalk Pond Road in Newbury to the ASLPT. The Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF) will hold executory interest in the easement. The property consists of 77.84 acres, of undeveloped land and is located on the north and south sides of Chalk Pond Road and east and west sides of Cheney Road in Newbury. Ring Brook runs through the land and eventually flows into Lake Todd. The property is almost entirely forest except a few small wetland areas along the brook. This undeveloped open space is important to the water quality of Ring Brook and Lake Todd, as well as providing significant wildlife habitat. It is also part of a much larger protected land area covering more than a thousand acres including the John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, SPNHF's Hay Reservation (see map #40) and the Audubon Society's abutting 362-acre Stoney Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. In 2004 the easement donor gifted the land to the Audubon Society of NH and it has become part of the Stoney Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.
47. Perry (Crowley & Phillips) 41.77 acres; 4/01, (L)
95 Hoyt Road, East Andover * The land is located on the north side of Hoyt Road and the east side of Philbrick Road in Andover. It consists of 41.77 acres, more or less, and includes a homestead or "unrestricted area" of 5.60 acres. With approximately 1,400 feet of frontage along Hoyt Road, the property is visible to the general public. The land includes a mixture of forest, open field, abandoned sugar orchard and pasture, creating a diverse range of vegetative conditions, which attracts numerous wildlife populations. Further, the property easement offers the general public the opportunity to build an extensive protected trail system. The easement is held by the ASLPT with the Andover Conservation Commission as back-up holder. Property Description • 29 acres purchased in 1973; 11.49 acres purchased in 1974; the two parcels have been merged. • Approximately 1,400 feet of frontage along Hoyt Road in Andover. • East - old sugar stand with an abandoned sugar house; the Perry's used to sugar (20 gallons a year) but stopped about 12-13 years ago when Guy was first diagnosed with cancer. • North (along 2 parcel line) – wet • Middle of property - predominately forest with woods roads & trails • West – open fields and apple trees • Plenty of feed for wildlife – apple trees; variety of berries; acorns, etc. • Deer, moose, bear, fox – scat noted throughout property • Trail access permitted Alice Perry sold the property to Bennett Phillips and James Crowley in February 2002.
48. Graves 53.13 acres; 6/01, (N)
293 Maple Street, Andover Encompassing 53.13 acres of predominantly open pastureland with approximately 200 feet of frontage on Highland Lake and 2150 feet of frontage along Maple Street, the Property provides the general public with spectacular views of Highland Lake to the east and of Mt. Kearsarge to the west. It has been identified by the Town of Andover on a “Sensitive Natural Areas” map as a property having special characteristics to be preserved. The property is part of a much larger ecosystem/habitat area covering more than a thousand acres of protected lands including the Newman, the Bernhard and Mayman, the Jones, the Fairall and the Taunton Hill Realty Trust Easements. The terms of the easement require the land to be forever kept in its scenic and open space condition, keeping its lovely views intact. The land may be used for agriculture or forestry, but cannot ever be subdivided. The ASLPT acquired this easement in slightly different manner than usual. It is what is called a post-mortem easement. Cordelia Graves died in March of 2000 and this piece of property was part of her estate. Her heirs, John F. Graves, Ann Ford and James W. Graves, decided that it was important to them to preserve this parcel intact and that they also wanted to reduce the value of the estate. By putting a conservation easement on this parcel of land, they were able to eliminate estate taxes. The property consists of 53.13 acres - approximately 25 acres is open field bounded by stonewalls and sugar maples with 2150 feet of road frontage along Maple Street and 200 feet of frontage on Highland Lake. The property includes 1878 New England style house, and an old barn that is in disrepair.
49. Cook (Town of New London) 69 acres; 7/01, (L - trail)
Whitney Brook Road, ElkinsWith 580 feet of frontage on Whitney Brook Road, this 69 acre easement shares 725 feet of boundary with the 125 acres of the Deming easement (#22) to the northwest. Situated on the southerly (Elkins) end of the small ridge along the eastern side of Pleasant Lake, the land, once used for farming and logging, is almost entirely wooded, including several trees (ash, yellow birch, hemlock, sugar maple, white pine) of considerable size. To preserve these and the forest growing up around them, the easement language states a goal of encouraging and preserving "a healthy natural forest in which groves of big trees will thrive for 100, 200 and even 300 years, to be observed and enjoyed throughout their lifetimes by the general public." No development is permitted. In August 2002, the Cook Interpretive Trail (1.25 miles long, maximum ascent/descent of 240 feet, rated Easy-Moderate) was opened to the public. The trail starts on Whitney Brook Road at the ASLPT stake sign, where a trail guide/map is available (parking on the road). Among the 35 trail features are a panoramic overlook of Ragged, Kearsarge and Sunapee mountains, a 900-foot stand of junipers, and a shady walk along Whitney Brook with views of small waterfalls. Foot traffic only and suitable for snowshoeing in winter.
In 2007, David and Celeste Cook gifted the property to the Town of New London and the land/trails are now managed by the New London Conservation Commission.
50. Brown (Moretto) 78.3 acres; 10/01, (N)
School House Lane, Warner, NHKatharine Brown of Warner donated a conservation easement on her land along the Henniker town line, adjacent to the Ashenden State Forest. The easement, which encompasses a 7-acre "Homestead Area" including an 1809 historic single family farm house, will be protected from any further residential development and will be maintained in perpetuity as open space. The land which includes a large wetland and two man made ponds, is bisected by Warner Brook which flows into the Contoocook River. It supports a significant number of bear, beaver, deer, moose and other wildlife species. A staunch believer in preserving land for public benefit, Mrs. Brown previously donated the 165-acre Ashenden State Forest to the State of New Hampshire. Katharine Brown sold the property to John and Mary Ellen Moretto in December 2003. She passed away in 2005.
51. The Currier Easement (Gold) 13 acres; 11/01, (N)
525 Shaker Street, New London, NHThe property of the late naturalist Esther Currier is now protected by an Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT) conservation easement. Esther’s husband, Harold, executed the easement deed prior to selling the property to Gerry and Jane Gold. The Golds heartily endorse the agreement, which will forever protect the property from subdivision. By any measure, Esther Currier was a vital force for regional conservation. Known to many as the “Bird Lady” or the “Bog Lady”, Currier served for 20 years as a professor of natural science and biology at Colby Junior College. She founded the New London Conservation Commission and was instrumental in establishing New London’s Philbrick Cricenti Bog. The Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area at Low Plain, named in her honor, is not far from the newly protected land. The former Currier property consists of over 13 acres of woods and fields with frontage along Shaker Street and Mountain Road, plus a man-made pond, residence, and other buildings. The property is also home to bluebirds, deer, fox and other wildlife. Harold Currier passed away in January 2005.
52. The Burton Easement 32.7 acres; 12/01, (L)
King Hill Road, New London, NHWhen development strikes close to home, some might be tempted to throw up their hands and say, “there goes the neighborhood.” Not Burton “Gene” Burton, who acted quickly and decisively to create two conservation easements, which will protect approximately 32 acres of land. Gene and Marilyn Burton are abutters to Salisbury Farm, a 10-lot subdivision located on New London’s King Hill Road. The Burtons purchased four lots, accessible via Mock Turtle Lane, from the development. These properties, including Mock Turtle Lane, have been combined into a single conservation easement donation. Additionally, they have made a second donation of two lots that are located to the west of their farmhouse, which were already in their possession. Gene Burton proudly identifies himself as a contributing member of the ASLPT. He points out, “New Hampshire is rapidly losing lands to development. If we like things the way that they are now, we may want to do more of this. Subdivided properties are usually more costly than those that are unimproved, which makes Burton’s action all the more laudable. Karen Ebel, chair of the New London Planning Board, comments, “It is very infrequent for someone to purchase part of a subdivision and then to make a conservation easement donation of it.” The Planning Board approved the annexation of the subdivided parcels to Burton’s existing property. ASLPT Trustee Pierre Bedard concurs with Ebel’s assessment. “We’ve had several instances where donors have purchased adjoining properties, but this is unique because it’s already been subdivided into house lots. Here’s a recent subdivision that’s being ‘unsubdivided,’ if you will,” says Bedard. “Burton has put back the pieces of the original farm as much as he can.” Ruth White, a member of the New London Conservation Commission, lives across the street from the Burtons. An avid watcher of wildlife, she has observed many species on the Burtons’ land, including bear, moose, deer, and turkey. Coyote and fox tracks have also been spotted. White explains that the properties constitute a significant “wildlife corridor.” She elaborates, “It’s a connecting link between the Clark Pond and the Stoney Brook watersheds, and there would have been an impact on the animals if the properties were developed.”
53. The Lebo Easement (Malan) 37 acres; 12/01, (L)
Old College Road, Andover, NH “Nelson Lebo is walking the walk,” says ASLPT Lands Committee member Jeff Milne with admiration. “He saw an opportunity and he did it.” Lebo, 33, is the ASLPT’s youngest conservation easement donor. The coordinator of Proctor Academy’s environmental program teaches earth science, environmental science, and watershed ecology, and has already compiled an impressive résumé as an author, a long-distance bicycle rider, and a role model for his students. Despite his many accomplishments, Lebo’s focus is not on himself, but on “the little critters.” Asked what motivated him to make his conservation easement donation, Lebo replies with conviction, “I owe something to the toads and the tree frogs, and the salamanders, and the turtles. Knowing that I can do something that will ensure a protected habitat… it’s one of the most significant things that I can do in my lifetime.” Lebo shares his East Andover property with spotted salamanders, American toads, barred owls, screech owls, bear cubs, moose, and coyote, among other species. Tilton Brook flows through on its way to Highland Lake, which can be seen from a spectacular vantage point on Lebo’s land. Though only 37 acres, the Lebo easement provides a critical link between two abutting, larger tracts: the Bernhard easement to the east, and the Newman easement to the west. Together with other nearby easements, the property is part of a much larger ecosystem and wildlife habitat area, composed of more than a thousand acres of protected lands. The easement also enhances protection for a Boy Scout trail that winds between Lebo’s property and the Newman easement before ending up at a waterfall, and for Old College Road, which has been designated “scenic” by the Town of Andover. “Now both sides of the road are covered,” Lebo says. Charlie Darling of the Andover Conservation Commission hails the donation because there are other easements nearby. “It’s one challenge to get easements,” Darling says, “but a larger, town-wide goal is to get these parcels linked up. We’re particularly pleased that Lebo’s easement abuts two other protected properties.” Mary and Leon Malan purchased the Lebo easement in September of 2008.
54. The Spofford Easement 21 acres; 12/01, (L)
Access off Lakeshore Drive, New London, NHRalph and Mary Lou “Mickey” Spofford of New London have granted the ASLPT a conservation easement on their property northwest of Pleasant Lake. Comprised of approximately 21 acres, including forest, apple trees, and a beautiful, five-acre meadow, the land is a key link in the regional network of hiking trails. The easement provides for permanent public access to the property, which is surrounded by protected lands. The property is of great historical significance, as it includes the foundations of homes built by Benjamin Bunker and his son, Nathaniel. Ralph Spofford has a deep appreciation for the site, and he has devoted many hours to researching its history, which dates to the late 18th Century. “Benjamin Bunker was known for his great strength,” Spofford says. “There is about a mile of stone wall on the property, which certainly testifies to that.” During World War Two, a civil defense spotter’s platform was manned on the foundation of the elder Bunker’s home. The Spoffords have owned the property since 1964. Ralph recalls, “I soon realized that the nicest possible use of the land would be to leave it as fields surrounded by forests, so that Bunker’s Farm looks like Bunker’s Farm.” Terry Dancy, a member and former chairman of the New London Conservation Commission, regards this as a very important contribution for several reasons. Four trails, he explains, cross the Bunker Farm, including the Wolf Tree Trail, the Bunker Loop Trail, the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway, and the Webb Forest Interpretive Trail. Dancy comments, “The Spoffords have always been incredibly supportive of the trail system, so if this property had changed hands it could have been a real loss. This ensures that the trails will be open to the public.” The property also provides substantial habitat for wildlife, including bear, moose, and other species, and is part of a much larger ecosystem covering several thousand acres. During winter, the property offers views of Mt. Kearsarge, the length of Pleasant Lake, and Mt. Sunapee. These views existed year-round when the Spoffords purchased the property, and the potential exists for restoring these vistas through selective clearing.
55. Stanley Point Trust 11.6 acres; 12/02, (N)
Newport Road, New London, NHThe Stanley Point Trust granted a conservation easement on two parcels of land in New London. One lot includes 8.6 acres with 520 feet of frontage along Newport Road and 2,260 feet of shore frontage on Little Lake Sunapee. The other lot is across the street with 707 feet of frontage along Newport Road. Both parcels are forested and contiguous to other ASLPT easement properties. This easement is key in continuing the protection of the Little Lake Sunapee shoreline and watershed, preserving both its beauty and its water quality. The protection of the Stanley Point Trust lake parcel, along with the other contiguous ASLPT parcels, results in ¾ of a mile of the shoreline of Little Lake Sunapee remaining in its natural state.
56. Parkhurst-Lake 2.66 acres; 12/02, (N)
Woody Point Road, New London, NH Dr. Edward C. Parkhurst and his wife Anne have given a conservation easement on 2.66 acres of their property on Woody Point Road. This encompasses 759 feet of shore frontage on Little Lake Sunapee, protecting the lovely cove to the west of Woody Point Road. This conservation easement eliminates three possible building lots, and ensures that the entire Parkhurst property will remain a single-family residence. The Parkhurst property is adjacent to the New England Forestry Foundation protected land across Little Sunapee Road. The Parkhurst’s continuing dedication to the protection of the Little Lake Sunapee shoreline and watershed will help keep the natural beauty and water quality of this lake safe for future generations. Ted Parkhurst passed away in February 2004.
57. V-Oz 37 acres; 10/02, (L)
Stagecoach Road, Sunapee, NH Van Webb and the V-Oz Asset Management Company, LLC have granted a conservation easement on 37 acres of undeveloped land with frontage on three roads in Sunapee. Accessible from Stagecoach Road, Harding Hill Road and Rte 103, this property is predominately forested, with a network of trails. The land is currently being managed for Red Oak and White Pine. It also has about 18 acres that are classified as wetland. This mix of forest and wetland results in great wildlife habitat, with deer, moose, fox and owls all present on the property. The recreational use of trails for the public is encouraged on this property, though motorized vehicles are not allowed.
58. Stiles (Fore) 82 acres; 12/02, (N)
Wiggin Road, DanburyOur first easement in Danbury was donated by Linford and Mary Ellin Stiles. Located at the foot of Ragged Mountain, on Wiggin Road, the land features a historic 200-year old home and spectacular views of Ragged Mountain and Danbury Bog. 27 acres of the easement, on the south side of Wiggin Road is open field bounded by stonewalls and sugar maples. The Stiles keep cows, llamas and goats. The land also supports abundant wildlife, including bear, moose, deer and a flock of wild turkeys that regularly makes its way into the Stiles’ cow pasture. The Stiles were inspired by friends in Andover who have donated conservation easements on their properties to the ASLPT. They hope to provide a similar example for Danbury. They were encouraged to contact the ASLPT by Stacey Viandier, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
The Stiles transferred the property in 2008 to Chris and Jennifer Fore.
59. Bensley (Bassi/Brockmeier) 63 acres; 12/02, (U)
Mountain Road, NewburyClare and Dean Bensley donated a conservation easement of 63 acres on Mountain Road in Newbury. The land offers many opportunities for public use, including an excellent trail network that connects to the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. The Bensley easement lies between Sunapee Ridge and Bald Sunapee Mountain. The easement portion, which is primarily within Newbury’s borders, is part of a 99-acre tract south of Mountain Road in Newbury and Bradford. The easement land contains a managed forest comprised of a hardwood stand, mixed wood, pine and a sugar bush. The easement’s trail network has been enhanced over the years through Bensley family work parties. The trails are fully open to the public for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowshoeing. Hunting is also allowed on the property. The land attracts much wildlife, including bear, fox, coyote and moose. There is also an abundance of wildflowers including lady’s slippers, bunchberry, princess pine and rattlesnake plantain.
David Bassi and Linda Brockmeier purchased this property in June 2008.
60. MacMillin 2.08 acres; 12/02, (U)
Little Sunapee Road, New LondonLands beyond the shoreline must be protected if future generations are to enjoy Little Lake Sunapee’s exceptional water quality and recreational opportunities. The MacMillin easement, on the north side of Little Sunapee Road, will protect a part of the lake’s watershed and may one day help provide access to a future trail network. The parcel is primarily forested and is visible to the general public from Little Sunapee Road. It is one of four lots that once constituted Colbytown Camp, which for many years treated disadvantaged youngsters to summer activities by the lake. Two of the lots were purchased by Dave and Mary MacMillin and two were purchased by Chris and Janice Cundey; both parties have now made conservation easement donations of their adjoining parcels. The MacMillin property, though small in size is another piece of the puzzle of contiguous protected land in the Little Lake Sunapee watershed, including the much larger New England Forestry Foundation and Donavan Family easements that comprise an extended ecosystem/habitat area that covers several hundred acres of ASLPT-protected conservation lands.
61. Oates 2 acres; 11/03, (N)
Lakeshore Drive, New London Turtle Cove, an important wildlife and recreational area at the head of New London’s Pleasant Lake, received protection from a conservation easement donation by Judy and Jim Oates of Elkins. Their action safeguards two acres on Lakeshore Drive that are bisected by Great Brook. The land is adjacent to the 20-acre, Rachel and Murray Sargent conservation easement. The Oates parcel is an undeveloped stretch of shoreline that provides a beautiful view of Pleasant Lake for those walking, riding or driving by. Judy Oates’ family, which includes the Everetts and Lamsons, has been on Pleasant Lake for six generations. Judy and her husband Jim own additional property on Lakeshore Drive. In years past, the site’s shoreline had become eroded, prompting the Oates to purchase the land in 1997 in order to conserve and protect it. The Oates are longtime members of the ASLPT and are active in the weed watcher program on Pleasant Lake. If milfoil, a troublesome exotic weed, is ever to become a problem in Pleasant Lake, it is likely to be in Turtle Cove, which is a sensitive area. The Oates easement will help reduce the risk of milfoil introduction. Canoeists and kayakers enjoy the cove’s “quiet water” and naturalists appreciate its role as a wildlife nursery for waterfowl, fish and other creatures.
62. Jolyon Johnson 31.4 acres; 12/03, (L)
Route 11, SunapeeSunapee’s Wendell Marsh and the Sugar River have received an important measure of protection through a conservation easement donation by Dr. Jolyon Johnson. The Sunapee veterinarian donated the development rights to two parcels totaling 34.1 acres with 2,102 feet of road frontage along Route 11. The forested land is located opposite the Sunapee water treatment facility. It contains several seasonal springs that flow underneath the roadway into the Sugar River, just below the marsh. The property features a network of trails, and pedestrian, non-motorized access will be permitted. Dr. Johnson purchased the land five years ago with the intention of protecting it. He comments, “There are large, open tracts to the north of this land, and I hope that this can ensure a wildlife corridor.” He also wants to protect the area’s aesthetic quality; this is fostered by protected road frontage, which produces more daily encounter with “open space.”
63. Birnbaum 106 acres; 12/03, (L)
Walker Brook Road, Danbury A commitment to conservation outweighed miles of separation, as Roger Birnbaum, an out of state Danbury landowner, made a 106-acre, conservation easement donation on Walker Brook Road. The property is well known for its stream, cascading water, and popular swimming hole, and the easement provides for permanent, pedestrian access to the picturesque summer gathering place. Birnbaum, of New Jersey, had purchased the property over 30 years ago while a New England resident. His separation from the Danbury property did not, however, diminished his appreciation of its value to our region. Birnbaum explains, “I continued to visit the property at least every year or two, and I was concerned about its future. My interest was piqued when I learned that arrangements had been made for abutting properties and that my property could expand the protected area.” The Birnbaum easement adds to the protection of a larger, area ecosystem, which includes Rosemary’s Woods (250 acres), the Hope lands (489 acres), and other properties. The area supports a wealth of wildlife, including deer, moose, bear, fox, and owls. Birnbaum continues, “I share the vision of the land trust. We have shrinking amounts of wilderness, and this is the time to protect natural wildlife habitat and open space that has scenic quality – before it’s too late.”
64. Frank H. Simpson Reserve 114.8 acres; 6/04, (L)
Hell’s Corner Road, SunapeeThe Frank H. Simpson Reserve protects a vital Lake Sunapee tributary, ranked “number one” in the watershed. Red Water Creek lies west of Route 103B in Sunapee and flows into Lake Sunapee south of Fishers Bay. The Frank H. Simpson Reserve includes 44 acres of Red Water Creek wetland and more than 70 acres of upland buffer. The area is highly visible and is accessible to the public by the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway, which has almost a mile of trail across this property. This land was protected by the joint efforts of four like-minded organizations. The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, the Sunapee Conservation Commission and the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition working in partnership, launched a major fund raising effort and were able to raise $140,000 to purchase the easement. This reserve is important in a variety of ways. Not only does it provide superb wildlife habitat for deer, moose, finfish and a host of other species, but it also has flood control potential, and the ability to retain and trap excess nutrients and sediments both of which would travel downstream toward Lake Sunapee if not for the wetland. This area remains relatively undisturbed and had a high level of ecological integrity. Its location, close to four conservation easements (Harrison, Johnson, Neilson and Webb Woods) is significant. Many wildlife species depend on large tracts of undeveloped land for their survival. Evidence of remains of an 18th and 19th century mill site contributes to the property’s historical significance.
65. Wright 27.13 acres; 8/04, (U)
Route 103B, SunapeeWhen the Red Water Creek Alliance formed to raise the funds needed to purchase the development rights to one of Lake Sunapee’s most important wetlands (The Frank H. Simpson Reserve), neighbor Marcia Wright immediately offered to donate a conservation easement on her abutting 27.13 acres. Because her property has over 600 feet of road frontage on Route 103-B in Sunapee and it includes part of the SRK Greenway trail, this easement provides open space visually to the public as they drive by and it is open year round for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. In addition to the mixed woods forest, there are 5 acres of wetland and a perennial stream that flows into the Red Water Creek Wetland. This Property is part of a larger ecosystem including more than 1,000 acres of conservation easement properties, all of which provide significant habitat for a diversity of wildlife populations.
66. Putnam 45.5 acres; 12/04, (L)
123 Hominy Pot Road, North SuttonThe Putnam easement, donated by Gerry and Lisa Putnam has been identified as one of Sutton’s “Special Places”. Boasting 1500’ of frontage on Hominy Pot Road with scenic views of fields, woods, Lyon Brook and King Hill, this 45.5-acre conservation easement connects two other large areas of protected land, Musterfield Farm and the King Hill Reservation, creating a combined total of 776 acres. The parcel encompasses 22 acres of productive hayfield as well as providing watershed protection to Lyon Brook, which is the primary water source for Kezar Lake. Public access to a trail along Lyon Brook is granted in the easement. Gerry Putnam states, “It became clear to me that most folks do not see the “rub” between the quality of their environment and money, development and sprawl. Many friends that I had known for years would say, when informed of our intention to preserve our land, “...but what if you need money or want to give a building lot to your family?” It is in our collective consciousness not to litter or burn down our forests, but it is far from a mass concern to preserve what beauty and open spaces are left in our part of the world.” “Lisa and I knew that we had the chance to do something very important for us, the town of Sutton, the wonderful wildlife that occupies this and the adjoining forests and future caretakers of this property. Yes, in the short run our property will loose a bit of value due to the signing away of any development potential. Yet, in the long run, this property will have a value far beyond today’s development profits.”
67. Courser (Warner) 201 acres; 6/05, (L)
Schoodac Road, WarnerThis 317-acre property straddles the town line of Warner and Webster and contains an extensive wetland flowing from Mud Pond to Schoodac Brook, as well as a rocky upland forest. The Warner piece consists of many parcels, which in the past supported several farms along Couchtown and Schoodac Roads. In colonial times Mud Pond and its wetlands were luxuriant with native grasses. The harvested grass provided rich hay for winter and pasture during the summer making this land valuable. A deed to harvest timber from George Smith to Fred Courser, dated October 17, 1896, describes the meadow, brook and reserves four pines and the wood growing near Danforth Springs. These springs consist of two to three rock walled wells and a stone lined brook draining into a beaver meadow. Fred Courser always said revival meetings were held here during the summer months in the 1800s. The family refers to this lot as the “shingle mill piece” - as a mill was set-up here after the Hurricane of 1938 to manufacture shingles from the downed pine. The Courser Farm buildings were roofed with these shingles. This easement donation was a partnership project among: The Courser family – Rebecca, Gerald, Tim and Bill; The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT) – Easement Holder (Grantee); The Nature Conservancy (TNC) – Back-up Grantee; Warner Conservation Commission underwrote the survey, title work, hazardous waste assessment and stewardship fees.
68. Courser (Webster) 116 acres; 6/05, (L)
White Plains Road, WebsterThis 317-acre property straddles the town line of Warner (201 acres) and Webster (116) and contains an extensive wetland flowing from Mud Pond to Schoodac Brook, as well as a rocky upland forest. The Courser family refers to the Webster land as the piece across from the old place, because their great-grandfather Thomas Jefferson Courser owned a large farm across the road - they call it the “old place”. Brothers, Bill and Gerald Courser, can remember haying fields that bordered the road. Mainly, the property was used for pasturing cattle in the summer, as they would have access to pasture, water, and shade. A maple grove on the upland was tapped during maple sugaring season and the sap ran downhill in wooden troughs where it was collected and brought to the sap house for boiling. Both pieces have existing wood roads that provide a comfortable walking trail to view the wetlands. This easement donation was a partnership project among: The Courser family – Rebecca, Gerald, Tim and Bill; The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT) – Easement Holder (Grantee; The Nature Conservancy (TNC) – Back-up Grantee; Webster Conservation Commission –underwrote the survey, title work, hazardous waste assessment and stewardship fees.
69. Evergreen Point (Marjorie Young Bequest) 9 acres; 9/05, (N)
Newport Road, New LondonMarjorie Young bequeathed Evergreen Point on her death to the ASLPT. This property is located on the south side of Little Lake Sunapee in New London—opposite and slightly east of Colby Point. The bequest was restricted—requiring that the ASLPT remove all 17 of the camp buildings from the site, return the property to its natural state, and allow no public access. With the strong support of the Little Sunapee Protective Association, the ASLPT raised the over $100,000 estimated to meet the requirements of this gift. Marjorie Young came from strong Swedish stock and it was perhaps from her forebears that she inherited her love of nature. In bequeathing her beloved property to the ASLPT, she expressed a desire that it remain a sanctuary and return to its natural state. To paraphrase Wren’s famous inscription in St. Paul’s’ Cathedral, “If you would see her (Marjorie’s) monument, look around you.” Marjorie’s legacy will endure and be appreciated by generations to come. This land is the first property owned outright by the ASLPT and it offers a rare opportunity to preserve lakefront property in its natural state: * 9 acres located near the channel * 1,000 feet of shore frontage * Near other protected lands * Visible from Newport Road * Conservation of water quality of Little Sunapee
70. Nelson Farm 89 acres; 10/05 & 3/09, (N)
Pierce Road, BradfordThe Nelson Family Farm, an 88-acre conservation easement on the northeast side of Lake Massasecum in Bradford, is part of one the "Great Lots", granted to John Mason by the King of England in the 17th century. The Nelson Family’s connections to the land dates back to the early 1920’s and are only the third family to hold title to the property! For many years, the farm served as a summer home not only for the Nelson family and their numerous friends. When Olive Nelson could no longer care for the property, a family farm corporation was organized to handle the details of ownership. The future of the property was always a topic for discussion and at the 18th Annual Nelson Family Farm Corporation meeting in 1998 the idea of a conservation easement was suggested. Over the next few years, the area to be protected - the portion of Guild Hill that faces Lake Massasecum - was selected. The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust was chosen as the easement holder, draft easements were prepared, sent out to all members, reviewed, amended, and discussed again. By 2004, consensus was reached and the survey plan was completed. Following the Annual Meeting of the Nelson Family Farm Corporation in July of 2005, all family members were polled a final time. The view of Guild Hill is impressive, whether seen from Lake Massasecum or Route 114 and the Nelson Family looks forward to enjoying it and sharing it with everyone for many more generations to come.
In 2009 the Nelson family added an additional 1 acre of shoreline to the original easement completed in 2005.
71. Clark Lookout (Crook) 4.47 acres; 1/06, (U)
Davis Hill Road, New LondonClark Lookout emerges as a stunning surprise at the end of a grassy woods road lined by stonewalls and large, older hardwoods and giant white pines. As Syd himself describes the hike into the lookout, “You go up and up and then turn that last corner and –wow! There’s the view.” Syd has named the viewpoint for his grandfather, James E. Clark, who discovered this special place when clearing and creating over 4.5 miles of carriage roads on his 110-acre estate between Herrick Cove, Route 11 and Route 103A as a hobby. Syd Crook gave 4.47 acres off Davis Hill Road to the Town of New London. The clearing at the top of the property offers a magnificent view looking southerly down the length of Lake Sunapee, as well as east and west beyond the shoreline into the surrounding hills and mountains. Syd also donated an easement on an additional 1.5 acre ROW (right of way) easement to protect the footpath trail access via Clark Drive & Lookout Drive to Clark Lookout. Access is by foot; however, arrangements can be made with the NLCC for handicapped individuals to drive to the Lookout. The ASLPT holds the easement on the total 5.97 acres and the Town of New London owns the 4.47 acres of Clark Lookout.
72. Cordingley Preserve (Stevens/ASLPT) 13 acres; 3/06, (U)
SooNipi Road, New LondonAbout 100 years ago William R. Cordingley and his family began a love affair with the area of SooNipi Park Lodge, so much so that in 1913 they bought the nearby Currier Farm renaming it the “Meadowlands.” Part of the land so cherished by the family was the Putnam Parcel, a 13 acre tract located on the south side of SooNipi Park Road off Route 103A in New London and sloping down to King Hill Brook on the eastern shores of Lake Sunapee. Now in honor of his grandfather and to protect this critical watershed, King Hill Brook being the second largest tributary to Lake Sunapee, Robert Stevens and his family have made a gift of this land to the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust to protect it from development, assure continuance of this natural area, and invite the public to experience the beauty and history that brought, in Robert Stevens own words, “so much summer joy and pleasure to subsequent generations of the Cordingley family.” The ASLPT constructed a nature path to King Hill Brook named the “Molly Charles Trail” in honor of Mr. Stevens’ mother. She “loved Sunapee and brought her children to a house on the SooNipi shore about 1930, where she often walked the trails and roads in the Park with her children, who after her death arranged to keep cottages on the lake.” Eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren now habitually enjoy the shore each summer. The property may at one time have been pastureland, but the forest has reached “climax” stage where trees tolerant of shade predominate, consequently there is an abundance of large hemlocks, red maples, and white pines. There is also a wildlife corridor along the brook, which will remain undisturbed and as the older trees decay will provide nesting and feeding habitat for a variety of insects, birds, and mammals. The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust is both pleased and proud to join with the Robert Stevens family in this “watershed” gift to purchase part of his family’s history at SooNipi Park.
73. Courser Farm 138 acres; 9/06, (L)
Schoodac Road, WarnerThe Courser Farm conservation easement includes 138 acres of farmland, wetland and forestland out of a 276 acre parcel. The family hopes to protect the remaining acres in the future. The Courser Family Phase 2 project goal was to purchase the development rights on the 138 acres including all fields, wetlands and all Schoodac Road frontage from the Courser family. This easement allows for agriculture and forestry, but limits development and prevents subdivision of the land. The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust and the Nature Conservancy joined with the Courser siblings, Rebecca, Tim, Jerry and Bill, to seek protection of this working farm, which has allowed the Courser Family to support themselves from the land for over 100 years. Currently Tim and Jerry derive their living from farming and forestry on family lands and Rebecca and her husband run the organic vegetable garden and farm stand. The Courser family generously donated $116,000 of farm value to the project, leaving conservation easement costs and project expenses of $404,000. The Farm and Ranchland Protection Program granted $232,000 and the Town of Warner Conservation Commission contributed $125,000. Individual pledges, and the donation of the proceeds from the Growers’ Dinner sponsored by Jack’s of New London which totaled $15,000 were raised to complete the project. Special Features of this project: · Unique agricultural land used to raise sweet corn, squash, pumpkins, hay and a variety of organic vegetables and berries · Scenic views from Schoodac Road in Warner · Important wetland habitat for wildlife of special conservation concern · Schoodac and Frazier Brooks and associated wetlands provide important natural flood mitigation · Open to public recreation, including a designated snowmobile trail · Protects the last traditional family farm in Warner. · Site of the annual pumpkin festival in Warner
74. Dane Lot (Webb) 74 acres; 10/06, (U)
Cross & Brook Roads, SunapeeIt was a six months of effort to bring the last two conservation easements in line for R.H. Webb Forest Preserve, a family Tree Farm that is managed from Sunapee by Van Webb. These last two properties are in a line of easements that the Webb family has completed with ASLPT and others over the last several years. Van comments, “It has been a very interesting learning experience to say the least! On each parcel that we have done, there is always something new and different that we learn about a particular piece of land. And each time we finish dotting all the “i’s” and crossing all the “t’s” both my father and I feel that the time and energy spent gathering data, doing parcel research and having a tightly written easement binding protections to the property in perpetuity is well worth it.” The Dane Lot and the Harrison Lot, 74 and 69 acres respectively, are the last two pieces to be protected in the Tree Farm. Van also notes that, “an interesting fact about the Dane Lot for us has been to watch it grow; at one time Town tax maps listed the acreage as 40, and when we did timber volume surveys that was the acreage we used. When the Town of Sunapee redid the Tax Maps, our lot grew from 40 to 70 acres because we never really had a proper survey of the parcel, something that is required of a conservation easement held by the ASLPT.” Davis Hill Road, New London Clark Lookout emerges as a stunning surprise at the end of a grassy woods road lined by stonewalls and large, older hardwoods and giant white pines. As Syd himself describes the hike into the lookout, “You go up and up and then turn that last corner and –wow! There’s the view.” Syd has named the viewpoint for his grandfather, James E. Clark, who discovered this special place when clearing and creating over 4.5 miles of carriage roads on his 110-acre estate between Herrick Cove, Route 11 and Route 103A as a hobby. Syd Crook gave 4.47 acres off Davis Hill Road to the Town of New London. The clearing at the top of the property offers a magnificent view looking southerly down the length of Lake Sunapee, as well as east and west beyond the shoreline into the surrounding hills and mountains. Syd also donated an easement on an additional 1.5 acre ROW (right of way) easement to protect the footpath trail access via Clark Drive & Lookout Drive to Clark Lookout. Access is by foot; however, arrangements can be made with the NLCC for handicapped individuals to drive to the Lookout. The ASLPT holds the easement on the total 5.97 acres and the Town of New London owns the 4.47 acres of Clark Lookout.
75. Harrison Lot (Webb) 69 acres; 10/06, (U)
Young’s Hill Road, SunapeeIt was a six months of effort to bring the last two conservation easements in line for R.H. Webb Forest Preserve, a family Tree Farm that is managed from Sunapee by Van Webb. These last two properties are in a line of easements that the Webb family has completed with ASLPT and others over the last several years. Van comments, “It has been a very interesting learning experience to say the least! On each parcel that we have done, there is always something new and different that we learn about a particular piece of land. And each time we finish dotting all the “i’s” and crossing all the “t’s” both my father and I feel that the time and energy spent gathering data, doing parcel research and having a tightly written easement binding protections to the property in perpetuity is well worth it.” The Dane Lot and the Harrison Lot, 74 and 69 acres respectively, are the last two pieces to be protected in the Tree Farm. Van also notes that, “an interesting fact about the Dane Lot for us has been to watch it grow; at one time Town tax maps listed the acreage as 40, and when we did a timber volume survey that was the acreage we used. When the Town of Sunapee redid the Tax Maps, our lot grew from 40 to 70 acres because we never really had a proper survey of the parcel, something that is required of a conservation easement held by the ASLPT.”
76. Hayes 267 acres; 12/06, (L)
Deer Hill Road, Springfield(The following was written 12/06 by easement donors Cynthia Hayes and her husband John Trachy.) Our Lake Sunapee area has many unique and special places that offer solitude, reflection, recreation and stimulation. Some we have driven by countless times, others remain hidden and await discovery. Perhaps Robert Frost grasped something fundamental as he wrote of the roads less traveled - something that we need to be a content person. When walking about our fields and woods I wonder what drew earlier residents to settle and live here on Deer Hill Farm in Springfield. From clearing the trees to constructing the shelters and stone walls they left clues for us to piece together. Their use of the land to extract a living in the 19th century differed from that of summer residences in the 20th century and my vision of sustainable forestry and hobby farming now. Regardless, the land endures and I have come to realize that we are but the stewards. As one travels about our region the effects of development and subdivision are readily apparent - more roads, houses and businesses, but less open land for wildlife and future residents. The answer for us is to conserve the land “in perpetuity” (whatever that means) and encourage others to do the same. It will soon be fifty years since I first set foot on Deer Hill Farm and the thrill has not diminished. A child’s eye saw much, but did not grasp the inherent beauty. My parents, Donald and Rosamond Hayes, grew to love this special place and impressed upon me and my siblings the desire to protect and preserve it for others to enjoy. Now when my husband John and I walk through the beech and spruce forests and around the pond, see tracks on the snow and wildflowers in the fields, we know that we have done what we can so that others can enjoy it - in perpetuity.
77. Rosenblum 141 acres; 12/06, (L)
Spear Hill Road, Danbury(The following was written 12/06 by easement donors Rachel and Myron Rosenblum.) “The Farm” has been a central focus in the life of our family since we purchased it from Kenneth Huberman in 1984. But for the last 200-plus years, the history of this place has been rich and varied, and in many aspects reflects the changes in the New Hampshire countryside over the centuries. Aside from the documentation available in historical deeds, the most important primary source of information about the Farm is a letter written in 1914, by F.W. Flanders, then in his 85th year. He had been born on the Farm, one of several children in a family which had occupied the land since the late 18th century. His father, Caleb Flanders, had bought the land (actually, he bought it twice – but that is another story . . .) and over time proceeded with the enormous task of cutting woods, clearing meadows, building stone walls, building and later enlarging the family home, building a three-story barn and out-buildings. By the time that Mr. Flanders was a boy, the Farm was a thriving place, becoming “one of the most productive farms in town. I have seen 80 tons of hay in that barn, 200 bushels of corn, 75 bushels of wheat, 200 bushels of oats, 100 bushels of potatoes, and many more of apples, all grown in one season.” It appears from remnants of apple trees in the current forest that these trees were planted in 20 acres of the northern meadows of the property. Local people recall large apple crops as recently as the early 20th century, after which the property as a whole was essentially uncared for and fell into disrepair. In 1961, Kenneth and Bernice Huberman, owners of Camps Kenwood and Evergreen on Eagle Pond, were searching for a retirement home in the Danbury area. They came upon this property on Spear Hill Road and, despite its run-down condition, bought it for the wonderful views north to Cardigan and northeast into the White Mountains. Some poking into the plaster ceiling and under the linoleum floors revealed large hand-hewn beams and wide-planked hand-planed pine floors. This and more prompted them to restore the house, a job undertaken with little experience by the local craftsmen – and many resulting detours. The house today is, in the main, their restoration, augmented by an addition built by us in the style of the original. The Hubermans were part of Rachel’s extended family, and we remember summer days with them at the Farm. By that time, the woods had taken over the vast meadows committed to crops and livestock (with the exception of the present meadows, which have always been maintained), but Kenneth worked mightily to preserve selected old apple trees. We recall spending time clearing pines from around the apple trees – an exercise which proved to be entirely futile! In 1984, Kenneth Huberman sold the property to us, and it quickly became the Rosenblum family homestead. We spend full summers and weekends in the other seasons there. Our children and their families, living in Denver, Seattle and Paris, make it a point to get back to the Farm annually, and it has been the site of large family reunions, a wedding, and many wonderful informal days with friends – enjoying the walks and explorations, the views, the newly dug pond, the many places to sit and read or meditate or dream, and, of course, the multiple tasks which keep such a place going: cutting and splitting wood, tending the fruit trees and bushes and the vegetable garden, and cutting brush, always cutting brush . . . to keep the forest back from taking over what is left of open land. Our children share with us a strong emotional tie to Spear Hill Farm and a sense of being stewards of the land and of the memory of the Hubermans and other family members for whom this was such an important place. It is in that spirit that we are putting Spear Hill Farm into conservation that it may be saved in perpetuity (or at least until the next ice age) in a manner that embodies our values and sense of legacy.
78. Hersey Family Farm 267.7 acres; 8/07, (L)
Route 11 AndoverFor the better part of the past century, Jerry Hersey, his parents, or his grandparents have been farming the side of a small green valley at the foot of Chase Hill in Andover. Even today, trucks rumbling along Route 11 barely interrupt lush green pastures that spread down the hill toward the woods shading Sucker Brook. One of the many things that make the Hersey Family Farm so special is its location, straddling Route 11 shortly after this busy state highway crosses the town line from Franklin. Andover couldn't ask for a more succinct and appealing introduction to the town and its values than the Farm's rugged, well-tended pastures and its timeless New England farm buildings. But the Farm is much more than a pretty picture and a warm memory. It's also a great place for wildlife, a productive landscape for many area hunters. And another very special aspect of the property to be protected is the Northern Rail Trail that runs through it. "One of the most picturesque stretches of the Rail Trail between Boscawen and Andover runs right through Jerry’s property," says Alex Bernhard, vice president of the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail – Merrimack County. "Unlike his farmland, Jerry’s land on the rail trail is wooded and crisscrossed by Sucker Brook. It’s beautiful and is a great way of getting from Dyer’s Crossing Road to East Andover village." This easement is the result of a successful fundraising partnership lead by the ASLPT including the Andover Historical Society, and The Andover Conservation Commission. The ASLPT secured federal funding from the Dept. of Agriculture’s Farm & Ranchland Program. The remaining funds came from town and private individual donors as well as $45,555 from the Virginia Crettella Mars Foundation.
79. Town of Sutton (Enroth-Lefferts) Easement 9.71 acres; 9/07, (L)
Frontage on Route 114 & Keyser Street, SuttonThis easement includes two properties that link Kezar Lake, both sides of Keyser Street and Route 114. The 5.2 acre parcel known as the Mildred Lefferts Natural Area has frontage on the east side of Kezar Lake up to, and including both sides of scenic Keyser Street. This land has been connected to another 4.51 acres purchased by Leslie and Stephen Enroth and then donated to the Town of Sutton. The Enroth Gift continues the protected land corridor from Keyser Street over a ridgeline to end at Route 114 next to the North Sutton Post Office. These properties together provide opportunity for recreation and natural exploration for the public. . On the Lefferts Natural Area, a bench at the shoreline of Kezar Lake, views of the lake from the hillside, large boulders and large white pine trees all provide points of interest for the visitor. The Enroth Gift provides the town an opportunity for construction of a parking area for outdoor recreational activities on the Property, a corridor for wildlife, and an undeveloped gateway to North Sutton Village. This property retains undeveloped, forested open space visible from two public roads. Additionally the easement protects lake front shoreline while allowing outdoor recreational access. These 9.71 acres conserves forestland for native plants and animals, while allowing for recreational use and managed commercial forestry.
80. Wolf Trust 16.4 acres; 12/07, (L)
Route 103A, Newbury, NHThe Wolf Trust easement lies on the west side of NH Route 103A in Newbury. The easement includes the only actively farmed agricultural field along this scenic road that winds along the east side of Lake Sunapee. The field occupies approximately 4 acres, and is managed organically for the production of hay. The balance of the property is forested and managed to produce forest products. Additionally, the land is bisected by the south branch of Blodgett Brook, which flows into Lake Sunapee less than 800 feet beyond the property. There is a beaver dam and a portion of the resulting pond/meadow complex located at the southwestern portion of the property. This easement is open to the public for pedestrian recreational uses.
81. Woods Without Gile 470 acres; 12/07, (L)
Fowlertown Road, Springfield, NHAnn and Marc Davis of Wilmot, NH, have named this land “Woods Without Gile” – cleverly revealing its location, which is bordered on three sides at the eastern edge of the 6,725 protected acres of the John F. Gile Memorial State Forest. Ann and Marc Davis have worked with the ASLPT since purchasing this property in 2002. The Davises manage “Woods Without Gile,” to improve timber quality and to protect the excellent wildlife habitat, open space and watershed values of the property. Woods Without Gile includes important wetlands identified in the NH Fish & Game Wildlife Action Plan as a conservation focus area. In addition the property has historic significance. The remains of five homesteads and one sugar house represent a large portion of Fowlertown, a 19th century hill farm community. Ann and Marc allow recreational use of the trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. However, no motorized off-highway recreational vehicles of any type are permitted. Their willingness to allow the public to have non-motorized recreational use of their 470 acres is a great addition to the many public trails already available in the abutting lands of the Gile State Forest.
82. Levine 9.6 acres; 12/07, (N)
Route 103A, Newbury, NHThe Levine easement, 9.6 acres, is located 400-600 feet from the 710 acre Hay Wildlife and Forestry Management Area and the 165 acre John Hay National Wildlife Refuge. The Levine property includes over 1000 feet of frontage along Cunningham Brook, an important tributary to Lake Sunapee. Conservation of the land adjacent to Cunningham Brook is very important for preventing sedimentation in the lake. The easement also contains 292 feet of frontage on Lake Sunapee, providing shoreline that will not be developed beyond the current beach and dock areas and a scenic view from the lake.
83. Baptist Pond Trust 6.52 acres; 4/08, (N)
Stony Brook & Deer Hill Roads, Springfield, NHHarriette G. Hodges purchased the first of 3 properties in 1919 that in 1976 were put into the hands of her descendents to be held as the Baptist Pond Trust. And in the spring of 2008 these trustees placed an easement on 1,800 feet of frontage on Baptist Pond (part of the Lake Sunapee watershed) as well as 65 feet of frontage on Bog Brook and 355 feet of frontage on North Brook. In addition to the important public benefit of it’s watershed protection, this easement also offers scenic value as the land is visible from 3 public roads: I-89, Stony Brook Road, and Deer Hill Road . And the 75-mile Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway trail passes the property on Deer Hill Road. In the words of John Garfield, secretary/treasurer of the Baptist Pond Trust, “My co-Trustees and I feel that this conservation easement is a particularly appropriate way of reflecting the goals of my grandmother and her descendents in a changing economic environment. The tax concessions that should accrue will make it easier for our family to enjoy the Pond as before. In the eventuality that our descendents lose their personal interests in the area, it will continue to protect the ecology and what's left of the tranquility of the Pond for their assigns, and for the other property owners along the Pond. As a personal note, I feel that the power we have developed to affect the environment we live in leaves us with a particular responsibility to respect what Nature and Nature's God have bequeathed to us.”
84. Town of Sutton - Russell Pond 8.48 acres; 7/08, (U)
South Sutton, NHThis lovely 17-acre pond is situated next a major public road providing a gateway view and recreation to Sutton from the south. The protected property on the west and north sides is owned by the Town of Sutton and the easement is now held by the ASLPT. Though not a large property – only 8.48 acres - it includes 1830 feet of frontage on Russell Pond and 2068 feet of frontage on N.H. Route 114. Folks can be seen on a daily basis enjoying this easy access recreational location – boating, fishing or just stopped to picnic and enjoy the view. There is easy access from the parking area which the Town maintains at the edge of Route 114 and the pond. The easement property contains a mixture of forestland, wetlands and an open field, which is hayed regularly. The mixture of habitat types brings a wide variety of wildlife to this land, including great blue heron, red winged blackbirds, beaver, deer, Canada geese, painted turtles and an occasional moose. Many folks who travel Route 114 enjoy watching the yearly life cycle of the Canada geese goslings that are often seen at the road edge parking area with their parents.
85. Johnson 92 acres; 8/08, (L)
Sutton MillsThe Thad and Virginia Johnson conservation easement on 92 acres in Sutton Mills is the 95th property conserved by the ASLPT. The Johnson easement can be seen from Route 114 north of the Highway Garage turn to Sutton Mills. Their conservation easement protects 92 acres of woodlands with frontage on three public roads. This is a gateway property for both Sutton Mills and the region at large. The property borders the west side of Route 114, the north side of Village Road, and the east side of scenic Corporation Hill Road. The addition of this easement expands a corridor of conserved properties from the southeastern side of Kezar Lake southward to Sutton Mills. The Sutton Conservation Commission has been a strong supporter of this project. The Johnsons' easement is primarily forestland and contains several vernal pools and brooks that flow toward the Lane River and an aquifer identified along the Village Road frontage. These woodlands include an extensive network of walking trails that will remain open to the public for pedestrian uses. A view of Mt. Kearsarge is visible from the high point on the property. There is an unusual rock formation known locally as Indian Caves, which is located just off one of the trails. As well as the scenic and recreational benefits of this easement, the property offers excellent wildlife habitat for an abundance of species including songbirds, woodpeckers, spotted salamanders, turkey, grouse, fox, coyote, deer, moose and bear. The ASLPT is thankful for the Johnsons' generosity in this important donation, protecting a very special property.
86. Shadow Hill Woodlot - Davis 50 acres; 9/08, (L)
Shadow Hill Road, SuttonTim and Lorraine Davis donated a 50 acre conservation easement in Sutton - “Shadow Hill Woodlot”. The Davises home and woodlot is accessed from their 48 Shadow Hill Road in Sutton. They have owned their property since 1997 and have been managing it for wildlife habitat. Their residence sits in the in the deed restricted east corner of the 50 acre easement, which is primarily forested and is a certified tree farm. There are two cleared areas within the easement that are being managed for wildlife supporting deer, bear, moose, turkey, woodland birds, reptiles, amphibians and bobcat. The public benefits of this easement include the conservation and protection of open space, productive forestland-capable of producing agriculture and forest products, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation on the mix of foot trails and forest roads throughout the property that are open to the public.
87. Bradford Bog / Bradford Hotel & Springs 177.8 acres; 12/08, (U)
East Washington Road, BradfordWe worked closely with the Bradford Conservation Commission to assist them in their goal to offer perpetual protection to these two town owned parcels of Bradford Bog / Bradford Hotel and Springs located close to one another on the East Washington Road at the Bradford/Washington town line. In addition to the quaking bog, the easement protects an Atlantic white cedar swamp, a rare natural community, containing long lived Atlantic white cedar trees capable of exceeding 300 years of age. A few of the trees on the property have been aged at 150 years. Atlantic white cedar swamps are increasingly rare and only 500+/- acres of such habitat remain in New Hampshire. Human activities in the surrounding uplands, such as road construction, development, logging, gravel mining and landfills can affect the integrity of these rare swamps. The NH Natural Heritage Bureau recommends conservation as a priority to protect the remaining examples against direct and indirect threats to Atlantic white cedar swamps in New Hampshire. Bog Brook flows into the northern end of Bradford Bog and is joined by the Cedar Brook on the Bradford Hotel and Springs parcel. The public can enjoy the trails in the area and a board walk, which leads to the bog with an observation tower that provides impressive views of the open area and the hills beyond. On the south side of East Washington Road is the Bradford Springs parcel, which includes the site of the historic Bradford Springs Hotel marked by cellar holes, a kiosk and a plaque. Guests came to the region starting in the late 1830’s until 1917 to partake of the medicinal sulfurous waters at the octagonal springhouse. The cellar hole remains and the reconstructed spring house resides at Musterfield Farm in Sutton.
88. Courser Phase 3 440 acres; 12/08, (L)
Warner & WebsterThe ASLPT in partnership with The Nature Conservancy completed Phase 3 of the Courser Project with the recent signing of 3 separate conservation easements with the four Courser siblings—adding another 440 acres to the previously protected 455 acres of Phase 1 and 2. Phase 4 remains to complete the total project of 1,250 acres. Courser Phase 3 includes three separate parcels—109 acres adjacent to the NH Fish and Game protected lands of Knight’s Meadow Marsh and two parcels adjacent to the Courser Farm Phase 2—146 acres on Connors Mill Road and 185 acres on Poverty Plains Road (our 100th land project!). These 440 acres protect: important floodplain wetlands; habitat for a variety of wildlife species including 3 of special concern; and provide public access for pedestrians and snowmobilers on the maintained trail. No working landscape project like this could succeed without multiple funding sources, which include NH Fish & Game’s Landowners Incentive Program, The Towns of Warner & Webster, The Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation, the Courser Family and many private donors.
89. Stanley Farm 38.5 acres; 1/09, (L)
Burpee Hill Rd. & Newport Rd., New LondonThe ASLPT starts this New Year with the exciting addition of 38.5 acres of agricultural fields, woodlands and a Christmas Tree Farm, protected by the Stanley Family. The property consists of undeveloped land, with frontage on Newport Road and Burpee Hill Road in New London. It has been owned by the Stanley Family for 145 years. Primarily forested, with northern hardwood and hemlock-hardwood-pine forest types, it also includes three agricultural fields producing Christmas Trees, wild blueberries and hay. And the land supports many species of wildlife. In 1991, the UNH Cooperative Extension awarded the landowners with its first Merrimack County Wildlife Stewardship award. Additionally, the property connects 2 areas of previously conserved land, one area along the south side of Little Lake Sunapee and the other along the south side of Burpee Hill Road. A portion of the property drains into Little Lake Sunapee which provides the drinking water for the town of New London. This is the third easement donated by the Stanley Family. The previous two easements were: 26 acres on Burpee Hill Road in 1989 (when the ASLPT was only two years old); and, in 2002, 11.6 acres covering 1/2 mile of shoreline on Little Lake Sunapee and 700 feet on both sides of Newport Road, protecting part of the rural gateway to New London. Twenty family members committed to this easement. Obtaining consensus among such a large group sends a strong message about how important conservation is to the Stanley family. Thank you for sharing these special family lands by protecting them forever.
90. Clark Pond 91.41 acres; 7/09, (U)
Bog Road, New London
In July of 2009, The Town of New London protected 91.41 acres on the west end of Clark Pond with the ASLPT agreeing to hold the easement. This journey to protect 1,188’ of shoreline on Clark Pond began in 1975.
In 1996, Anita Lockhead offered to the Conservation Commission, as a gift, a 19.5 acre parcel adjacent to I-89. This land abutted the parcels described by Esther Currier twenty-one years earlier. Because acquisition of this property was consistent with the long term objective of conserving the area on Clark Pond (if and when other parcels could be acquired by the Town) the Commission recommended, and the Selectmen approved, the acceptance of this gift.
Eric Schultz’s property on Clark Pond was listed in a table of “Lands with Attractive Features Worthy of Protection” in the 1998 Master Plan. At this time, the Commission approached Mr. Schultz regarding its longer term interest in acquiring and protecting his property because of its natural features and shoreline.
Then it was learned, in 1999, that a 23.6 acre parcel on Bog Road was on the market. Because this property could provide road access to the 19.5 acre Town land and, more importantly (if it became available), would give road access to the Schultz parcel on Clark Pond, the Commission recommended its purchase, which was supported by the Budget Committee and the Selectmen.
Early in 2007, Mr. Schultz contacted the Commission to say that he was ready to discuss the sale of the Clark Pond shore land parcel. After an independent appraisal the Commission made an offer, contingent on Town Meeting approval, and this was accepted. The foresight of the Commission and support of the Town in establishing a Capital Reserve for exactly this type of conservation land made it possible to obtain overwhelming support for the purchase at the 2008 Town Meeting.
We should all be proud to realize New London Conservation Commission Chairman Esther Currier’s vision first expressed 30 years ago. Because the Town owns the Clark Pond property, for the land to be protected “in perpetuity”, a conservation easement is held by ASLPT completing the final step in preserving this unique 91 acre property for the enjoyment of future generations.
The property has frontage on two public roads (Bog Road and I-89). In addition to the 1,188’ of shoreline, there is significant wildlife habit and a large wetland whose preservation contributes to the area water quality. The Conservation Commission has upgraded the ¾ mile trail which borders the western shoreline and leaves from Bog Road.
91. Cleveland Family Trust 19.9 acres; 12/09, (N)
711 Main Street, New LondonThis property is primarily an undeveloped hayfield containing prime farmland soils with a small amount of forestland. The open hayfield rises uphill to the east from a lovely stonewall and maple trees along the south end of Main Street. Traveling south the field provides panoramic views of Mount Kearsarge for visitors and townspeople alike. The property is identified in the Town of New London Master Plan as one of the “Nine Most Important Properties Worthy of Protection.” The Property provides important wildlife habitat for both animals and birds. This easement adds to over 314 acres of protected land near this property.
92. Barclin Land Company LLC 17.75 acres; 12/09, (L)
42 Shaw Hill Road, AndoverThe Property consists primarily of undeveloped forestland with frontage on South Shaw Hill Road and Raccoon Hill Road in Andover. The easement conserves open space for wildlife habitat, productive forestland, productive agricultural land, and it secures public access for low-impact, non-motorized pedestrian recreation. The soils on the Property are rated highly for forest products, and farm soils of local significance. The land is identified by the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan as a supportive landscape for wildlife. Water flowing from the land joins the Blackwater River and its associated wetlands, an important wildlife resource identified in the Wildlife Action Plan. In 2007, this land was brought before the Planning Board for consideration of a six lot subdivision. Additionally this Property is near the Broshek and Higgs conservation easements and adjacent to another easement soon to be completed.
93. Gross Family 100.5 acres; 12/09, (L)
Route 11, AndoverLocated on the north side of Route 11, one mile west of the village of Andover, this easement is a gateway property to Andover along a major east/west route. It protects the rural character being primarily forested but including open fields - protecting habitat for deer, moose, bear, turkey, woodland birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mussels and insects as well as protect high quality forest soils.. The land is managed for forestry and is a certified tree farm. The New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau has recorded sightings on the Property of Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), which is a species of special concern and Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), which is a state threatened species. There is also a population of Brook Floater (Alasmidonta varicose), a state endangered mussel, within 0.5 miles of this easement. The Property is listed as a Supporting Landscape by the Quabbin to Cardigan Partnership. This Property will protect 2,263 feet along Cold Brook, a perennial stream which flows into the Blackwater River. Public access for pedestrian activities is allowed. (You can read about the 4 siblings of the Gross Family in the Winter 2010 edition of Chatter.)
94. Kezar Conservation Group 65.36 acres; 1/10, (L)
Kings Hill Road, SuttonBordering 227 feet of frontage along Kings Hill Road, this easement protects primarily forestland. Because the property is visible from Lyon Brook and Hominy Pot Road, this part of the view of the southeast face of King Hill will continue to be rural and undeveloped. The Property adds to 786 acres of already conserved land in the immediate area - including King Hill Reservation, Enroth and Putnam easements (all protected by Ausbon Sargent), as well as the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests’ Bristol easements. The New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan ranks approximately 1% of the Property as Highest Ranking Habitat in the state and 66% of the Property as supportive of that high ranking habitat. In addition to wildlife habitat protection, the easement protects the watersheds of both Lyon Brook and Kezar Lake. Public access is allowed for pedestrian activities. (This Property was originally part of an approved 11 lot subdivision.)