News

May 2011

PLC Surpasses 5,000 Acres in Conserved Land

New Boston, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC), a regional land trust serving south central New Hampshire, announced Thursday that it has now conserved more than 5,000 acres of land across the 220-square mile Piscataquog River Watershed. By donating land or by placement of conservation easements, more than 75 landowners have chosen the PLC to ensure the permanent preservation of more than 5,000 acres of forest, fields, and wetlands across the region. Residents and visitors to this area are daily benefactors of their gifts, which help to preserve wildlife habitat, passive recreation areas, and the scenic vistas that make this a special place to live and play.

At a 5,000 Acre Celebration, generously sponsored by Charley Farley Home Loans/ Merrimack Mortgage Company Inc and held at Kiki’s Restaurant and the Gravity Tavern, New Boston on May 5th PLC board members, supporters and local community officials joined together to thank Keith and Kathleen Martel of Sterling Homes for their gift of a 125-acre conservation area “Blackbriar Woods” in Goffstown. The newly created conservation area contains PLC’s 5,000th acre, and was gifted to the conservancy in late
April, bringing the organization well over the 5,000 acre mark.

“This is a remarkable achievement,” stated Paula Bellemore, PLC’s executive director, speaking at the celebration. “We are honored that so many landowners, including Sterling Homes, have entrusted PLC with the permanent protection of their land, and we are grateful to the countless supporters who have helped us achieve this milestone.”

November 18, 2010

PLC Annouces Three New Board Members

New Boston, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy announces the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Rosemary Conroy and John McCausland of Weare, and Jim Shirley of Goffstown. The three new members were elected to three year terms, and join a board of 11 directors in guiding the regional land conservancy in its conservation, protection and stewardship work throughout the 11 town Piscataquog Region.

Rosemary Conroy is a wildlife painter, freelance-writer and naturalist living on a small farm and wild bird sanctuary in Weare, NH. While gaining acclaim as a professional artist, Rosemary is also well known for her work as co-host and writer for New Hampshire Public Radio’s weekly “Something Wild” nature spots. A long-time PWA/PLC Member, Rosemary has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Harris Center for Land Conservation in Hancock, as well as serving as the Communication Director for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests from 1992 - 2003.

John McCausland has been the vicar (pastor) of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Weare since 1997. He plays an active role in the life of the town, currently serving as one of the Trustees of Trust Funds of the Town of Weare. He enjoys country living, gardening, hiking and outdoor recreation. He and his wife Anne have two grown daughters and two grandchildren.

Jim Shirley, an attorney with Sheehan, Phinney, Bass + Green, PA in Manchester, placed his family land atop Shirley Hill in Goffstown under conservation easement with PLC in 2008. Jim’s wife Sara now runs a produce farm (shirleyfarm.org) on the land using the community supported agriculture model, whereby 35 families share in the benefits and risks of the farm and farmer, keeping their spending local and greatly cutting food transport. Shirley Farm is on the very few Bicentennial Farms in New Hampshire, meaning it’s been in production in the same family since before the Constitution!

The Conservancy also announced it’s slate of officers for 2010/11; President Carol Hess of New Boston, Vice President Bill Tucker of Goffstown, Treasurer Gail Parker of New Boston, Secretary Sherry Hieber of Goffstown and Immediate Past President, Jerry Shinn of Weare.

October 18, 2010

The Piscataquog Land Conservancy celebrated two local conservationists at it’s 40th Annual Meeting.

New Boston, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy celebrated two local conservationists at it’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting held in New Boston on Saturday, October 16. Nearly 100 attendees were on hand to applaud Abigail Arnold of Francestown, recipient of the prestigious Gordon A. Russell Award, and Volunteer of the Year Graham Pendlebury of New Boston.

Abigail's passion for conservation and tireless efforts to connect people of all ages with the natural world have made her a well-known figure in her hometown of Francestown, but her conservation work benefits those in neighboring communities as well. Taking a lead role in the Headwaters Project I campaign, Abigail was instrumental in the successful protection of over 1,000 acres in the Rand, Brennan and Cold Brook areas of the Piscataquog Region. As treasurer of the Francestown Land Trust she has been involved in nearly every conservation project in her community in recent years, as well as helping to implement several exciting educational and recreational programs.

Graham Pendlebury has served the Conservancy for well over 15 years as a board member, wildlife tracker and as a volunteer land and easement steward among other roles. He is well known across watershed communities for his easy going nature, warm smile and deep, personal connection with the natural environment. In his “real” life Graham is an accomplished masonry artist, creating stonewalls, fireplaces, chimneys, patios and more, from natural stone and brick. His creative, artistic and first-rate work is well regarded throughout the area and is absolutely beautiful to see. Graham has two grown children, Alex and Merrie, and recently celebrated his third wedding anniversary with his wife Pam.

July 12, 2010

PLC holds a dedication of the Grant Family Farm Conservation Area in Weare.

Weare, NH:The Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC) held a dedication of the Grant Family FarmConservation Area in Weare, NH this past Wednesday, July 7th. Landowners Verna Martin and Terry Knowles have recently grantedconservation easements on 32.5 acres of family land to the Piscataquog Land Conservancy, and expect to complete easements on an additional 50+ acres in the near future. The newly created Conservation Area is part of a long-term PLC initiative to create a greenbelt stretching from the summit of Weare’s highest peak, Mt. Dearborn, to the 300+ acre Perkins Pond Wildlife Management Area.

“Landowners in the Mt. Dearborn neighborhood have the potential to create a 750-acre conservation block here with minimal fragmentation”, stated Paula Bellemore, PLC’s executive director. “Preserving that level of connectivity is invaluable to the future health of our region and as such, working with property owners in this neighborhood is a top priority for PLC. Preserving the breathtaking views and rural character that exist here is an added benefit, and will help to preserve Weare’s quality of life and remind residents of Weare’s rural and agricultural past.”

The land, which today is criss-crossed with moss-covered stone walls and other artifacts of an agricultural past, has served the Grant Family for several generations, at times used as a chicken farm, hay fields, for maple syrup production, or to provide the extensive gardens needed by the family. Verna (Grant) Martin was born and still lives in the homestead overlooking the family land. Her daughter, Terry Knowles, was present to hang the first boundary sign and dedicated the conservation area to her family, noting her mother’s fond memories of her childhood on the farm. “Our family members discussed placing a conservation easement on the land over the years and thanks to the PLC and all the donors to the project this very special place is now permanently protected as a tribute to our ancestors to be enjoyed by all the generations to come.”

Funding for the Grant Family Farm Conservation Area was generously provided by Craig and Terry Knowles and Verna Martin, The Mildred Hall Trust and the Town of Weare’s Emma Sawyer Trust, as well as by several private donors. The Grant Family Farm Conservation Area is open to hunting and non-motorized recreation such as hiking, bird watching and wildlife observation, unless otherwise posted. The Piscataquog Land Conservancy is a member supported regional land trust protecting more than 4,700 acres in 11 communities in south central New Hampshire, including Weare, New Boston, Francestown and Goffstown.
Courtesy Photo

June 28, 2010

Piscataquog Land Conservancy Volunteers complete Easement Monitor & Land Steward Training

New Boston, NH Fifteen volunteers recently completed a 1-day training program held by the Piscataquog Land Conservancy in New Boston, NH. The volunteers learned about PLC’s Annual Monitoring and Land Stewardship Programs and were given training on conducting an annual monitoring visit, identifying invasive plant species in the field, map and compass skills and boundary identification. The 2010 graduates will join 50 existing volunteers in watching the 4,700 acres and 85 properties now protected by PLC across the Piscataquog River Watershed.

“Our Easement Monitoring and Land Stewardship Programs are the very core of what we do as a Land Conservancy, noted Paula Bellemore, PLC’s Executive Director. These volunteers, our “Boots on the Ground Crew” provide a vital link between the landowner and the PLC, insuring that the conservation goals agreed to are being met on each of our properties. Through annual or semi-annual visits they can get to know a property intimately, and often become closely connected to the lands they monitor”.

If you are interested in learning how to become a PLC Easement Monitor or Land Steward please contact Paula Bellemore at plc@PLCNH.org.

March 26, 2010

PLC Announces Protection of 38 acres of open space in Weare, NH

New Boston, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC) today announced the protection of 38 acres of open space along route 149 / Deering Center Rd. in Weare. The land, given to the Conservancy by the late Elizabeth (Bette) Hughes of Weare, has been permanently protected by a PLC Conservation Easement, and subsequently sold to Michael Snow of Sunapee, NH. Mr. Snow plans to operate a Pick Your Own Blueberry Farm on the property.

“I’ve been running Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm (www.bartlettsblueberryfarm.com) a NH Farm of Distinction in Newport, NH, since 2006,” said Mr. Snow, “So when I first saw this land I was excited at the opportunity to start my own farm here in Weare. I’ll begin preparing the soil for planting over the next few weeks, and should be ready to welcome our first crop in 2012. “

Bette Hughes, a long-time Weare resident, was a sheep farmer, gardener and wildlife supporter who wanted to see the fields and forest of her long-time home remain undeveloped. In 19XX Bette gave her entire 43.5 acre property and home to the PLC, reserving a life estate in the house and a portion of the land. The life estate allowed her to live in the house until 2009. Following her death PLC placed her land under a conservation easement, honoring Bette’s dreams by preserving the open, rural character of the land while allowing agricultural and low impact recreational use and preserving the wildlife habitat value.

“Conservation and agriculture often go hand in hand,” noted Paula Bellemore, PLC’s interim executive director, “in this case, we were able to conserve the land as Bette wished and also support local agriculture. Weare has strong agricultural roots, as do so many communities in this region. The conservation easement we placed on the land reduced the cost of the land, making it possible for Mr. Snow to locate his farm in Weare. I think Bette would be pleased with how things have worked out.”

March 26, 2010

The Stewart Project in Francestown

PLC’s Land Protection Assistance Fund Makes Its First Grant Award to a True Gem by Paula Bellemore and Barry Wicklow

The Piscataquog Land Conservancy announces the first grant award from its newly established Land Protection Assistance Fund (LPAF), a $9,000 ward given to the Francestown Land Trust (FLT) and the Francestown Conservation Commission (FCC) in support of the conservation and protection of the Stewart Property, a 52-acre Francestown parcel located in the Rand Brook sub-watershed – long a high-priority focus area for PLC. PLC’s grant award closed the funding gap for this important conservation project.

With well over 5000 feet of shoreline along Rand Brook and the Piscataquog River, this project protects a NH Natural Heritage ranked exemplary red maple floodplain forest and an extensive red maple/black ash/swamp saxifrage swamp, as well as a series of upland vernal pools and a complex of floodplain vernal pools. The property is a mosaic of habitat patches needed to sustain NH Wildlife Action Plan species and provides nesting habitat for other declining, wetland-associated species. Why is the protection of the Rand Brook sub-watershed, and this parcel in particular, such a high priority? The NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) selected Rand Brook as a cool water reference stream to establish assessment thresholds for aquatic life. Eight of the nine families of stoneflies that occur in the northeast are found in Rand Brook. (Stoneflies are the third most imperiled fauna in North America.) The property is within an area classified as Tier I “Highest Ranked Habitat in the Biological Region” in the NH Wildlife Action Plan. In addition, protection of these 55 acres will help to maintain the purity of Francestown’s largest aquifer.

The Stewart project is the result of months of hard work on the part of FLT and FCC, including Dr. Wicklow and Betsy Hardwick, chair of the Francestown Conservation Commission. NH DES Aquatic Resource Mitigation Funds of $45,500 were also awarded to the project, which received the highest score of all proposals submitted and was characterized as “the gem of the projects” by the review committee. Lori Sommer, NH DES Mitigation Coordinator and Review Committee Chair, wrote, “The application for the Stewart Property was noted as the best example of the type of project the ARM Fund program strives to fund.”

The property will be owned by the Francestown Conservation Commission, with a conservation easement held by the Francestown Land Trust. FLT will be responsible for the ongoing stewardship of the property. PLC and the NH DES will each hold executory interest on the parcel, ensuring its conservation in perpetuity. Additional contributors to the project are the Russell Piscataquog River Watershed Foundation, Monica and Michael Lehner, and the Fields Pond Foundation.

PLC Interim Executive Director Paula Bellemore summarized, “This project perfectly illustrates the type of project PLC hopes to facilitate with the Land Protection Assistance Fund – projects with remarkable natural resource values, projects that are collaborative, and projects that show a broad range of support from a diverse group of funders.” PLC congratulates Francestown Land Trust, Francestown Conservation Commission, the landowners, and, perhaps most importantly, Dr. Barry Wicklow on this tremendous accomplishment. Well done!

Photo Credit: Barry Wicklow

December 21, 2009

PLC permanently protects 86 acres of open space in the high-priority Harry Brook corridor of Goffstown, NH.

Goffstown, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC) announced today that it has permanently protected 86 acres of open space in the high-priority Harry Brook corridor of Goffstown, NH, thanks to the generous donation of a conservation easement from landowners Judy and David Corbit. The Corbits have placed a conservation easement on 86 undeveloped acres of their 98 acre family farm. The protected land includes frontage along Harry Brook and extensive forests which provide habitat for more than 100 species of birds and other wildlife including moose and black bear.

The new conservation easement will be held by the PLC (plcnh.org), and will prohibit further development or subdivision of the conserved land while preserving the scenic and wildlife habitat values of the area. The Corbits have graciously agreed to allow public access the property's trails for non-motorized recreational use, with an exception for snowmobiles which will also be permitted. Project costs were provided through the Goffstown Conservation Fund which is funded by receipts from Goffstown's land use change tax.

The Piscataquog Land Conservancy would like to thank the residents of Goffstown for their foresight in approving the use of the land use change tax for conservation; the Goffstown Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee whose members were tremendously helpful in bringing this project to completion, and most importantly, the Corbit family, for without their great generosity and wisdom this green oasis in the heart of Goffstown, less than seven miles from Manchester, would not have been preserved.

December 14, 2009

PLC Announces New Board Members

New Boston, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy is pleased to announce the election of three new members of the Board of Directors, Paul Doscher of Weare, Bob Stamps of Henniker, and Dwight Sowerby of Lyndeborough.

Paul Doscher serves as Vice President for Land Conservation at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, where his responsibilities include leadership of the land protection program and the easement stewardship program. Mr. Doscher serves as trustee for Trout Unlimited, is a member of the State Parks Advisory Council and the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Citizens Advisory Council (both appointed by the Governor), and is a past member of the Weare Planning Board, Weare Conservation Commission, and the John Stark Regional School Board. A former professor of Environmental Science at New England College, Mr. Doscher and his wife Deb own Windcrest Farm in Weare, which they protected with a PLC conservation easement in 2004.

Bob Stamps has worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation on the AWACS defense system, Smith Seckman Reid Consulting Engineers out of Nashville, and most recently Hewlett Packard, in support engineering, product marketing, and research and development. He currently serves the Town of Henniker on the Conservation Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Open Space Committee. Mr. Stamps is a past board member of the Henniker Historical Society, where he also served as the Society’s Museum Curator.

As an Associate Attorney with Drescher & Dokmo PA in Milford, Dwight Sowerby spends much of his time reviewing documents related to open space development, conservation easements, and subdivisions, along with work in elder law, municipal law, and estate planning. Dwight has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services in Keene, and St. Joseph's Home Health Care and Hospice.

The three new board members join existing members Len Allen of Francestown, Sherry Hieber, Barbara Griffin and Bill Tucker of Goffstown, Carol Hess, Mica Stark and Gail Parker of New Boston, David Preece of Manchester, and Jerry Shinn of Weare.

October 2009

Conservation Update

On October 3, Hillsborough County sought public input to help plan future uses of the County’s 485-acre farm located along both sides of Mast Road in Goffstown. There was broad agreement among members of the design team that the approximately 150 acres north of the rail trail should be reserved for recreational and conservation use. This part of the county farm has extensive wetlands on both sides of the river, and the corridor has high wildlife value. Fishermen, hikers, birdwatchers, and others will have continued use of this land if the conceptual land use plan developed by the team is adopted. Other aspects of the plan will be posted on the County’s website in the near future.

October 2009

PLC Volunteers Honored

Two long time, dedicated PLC volunteers were honored at this year’s annual meeting.

Emily Hague of Keene (formerly of Weare) was awarded the prestigious Gordon A. Russell Award. The award, named for one of the PLC’s directors emeriti, is presented to an individual who best mirrors Gordon’s enthusiastic leadership qualities in their efforts to protect the Piscataquog River Watershed, with particular emphasis on educating the public in the importance of ecology and conservation. Although no longer a resident of the watershed she grew up in, Emily has continued to be an enthusiastic presence in land conservation efforts throughout the Piscataquog River region, sharing her passion for land conservation and education with others by training volunteer conservation easement monitors, assisting with land conservation and protection projects, and helping to monitor several PLC conservation easements. In presenting the award, Board member Paul Doscher noted that “Emily’s enthusiasm, dedication, and skills make her an exceptional volunteer.”

Cindy Stave of New Boston was awarded the 2009 President’s Award for Volunteerism. Anyone who has read this newsletter or myriad other PLC mailings can appreciate Cindy’s flair for layout and design. A graphic designer by profession, Cindy has had a hand in numerous, if not most, PLC projects large and small that require graphic design – from postcard announcements and business cards to PLC’s stationery and the trail guide. Cindy volunteers in myriad other creative ways – from preparing appetizers for PLC events to judging one of PLC’s photo contests. Cindy and her husband Joel were among the first members to join PLC’s Keeping Track teams and both are easement monitors. They themselves have protected their property with a PLC conservation easement – one more testament to their dedication to the mission of land conservation

October 2008

Annual Meeting Honors Local Conservationists

Nearly 100 members and friends gathered on October 18 at the Deering Center in Deering to celebrate two local conservation leaders and the achievement of a significant conservation milestone.

President Jerry Shinn announced that PLC now has protected more than 4000 acres in the Piscataquog region, and that several hundred more acres are expected to be protected in the coming months. Landowners who placed their land under PLC’s protection in the last year were recognized for their special contributions. Those cited were Joel and Cindy Stave and Barbara Sholl of New Boston, Chuck and Joanne Aubin of Bedford and Deering, Jim and Sara Shirley, Paul Welch, and Patty Sullivan and Marty Gastrock of Goffstown.

Special recognition was given to departing board members John McCausland and Diane Beland of Weare. Diane served as Treasurer for many years, and John served as President and Chair of the Development Committee. Thank you, Diane and John!

Goffstown resident David Nieman was awarded the 2008 President’s Award for Volunteerism for his tireless efforts on behalf of PLC as well as land conservation in Goffstown where he serves on the Open Space Committee and is a founder of the recently formed Friends of Goffstown Land Conservation (FOGLC). David has been involved with PLC and its conservation work for more than five years, most recently establishing an invaluable GIS database that allows the organization to map new and existing projects.

Ben Haubrich of Francestown was awarded the prestigious Gordon A. Russell Award, which is presented to an individual who best mirrors Gordon’s enthusiastic leadership qualities in protecting the Piscataquog River Watershed, with particular emphasis on educating the public about the importance of ecology and conservation. In presenting the award, Board Member Carol Hess noted that the PLC and the communities it serves were “lucky to have Ben living and volunteering here. His love for what he does is evident in the enthusiasm he brings to his work. He has had a lifelong involvement with the positive use of land for recreation and wildlife habitat protection, including his years working for the state of NH”. In recent years Ben has helped bring several land conservation projects to fruition both for PLC and the Francestown Land Trust (FLC), which he serves as board member and land stewardship manager. Dennis Calcutt, FLC Chair, also noted Ben’s work on behalf of FLT and the Harris Center and his longtime stewardship of Francestown’s Rand Brook Forest.

The evening included our traditional spaghetti feast and an impressive array of desserts provided by members. Author Howard Mansfield of Hancock concluded the event with a talk based on his book The Same Axe, Twice.

The annual meeting would not have been a success without the generous contributions of our sponsors and member volunteers. Thank you!

October 20, 2008

Conservation Leaders Lauded

Deering, NH:  Nearly 100 members of the Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC) gathered Saturday, October 18 at the Deering Center in Deering, NH to celebrate two local conservation leaders and the achievement of a significant conservation milestone.  

The Conservancy announced at the meeting that it has surpassed 4,000 acres of land under its protection across the Piscataquog River Region, and that several hundred acres are expected to come under the organization’s protection in the coming months.   Landowners Joel and Cindy Stave and Barbara Sholl of New Boston, Chuck and Joanne Aubin of Bedford and Deering, Jim & Sara Shirley, Paul Welch and Patty Sullivan and Marty Gastrock of Goffstown, all of whom have placed their land under PLC’s protection over the past year were recognized for their contributions.

Highlighting the evening, Ben Haubrich of Francestown was the awarded the prestigious Gordon A. Russell Award.  This award, named for one of the Conservancy’s Directors Emeriti, is presented to an individual who best mirrors Gordon Russell’s enthusiastic leadership qualities in protecting the Piscataquog River Watershed, with particular emphasis on educating the public in the importance of ecology and conservation.  In presenting the award, Board Member Carol Hess noted that the PLC and the communities it served were “lucky to have Ben living and volunteering here, his love for what he does is evident in the enthusiasm he brings to his work.  He has had a lifelong involvement with the positive use of land for recreation and wildlife habitat protection, including his years working for the state of NH”.  In recent years Mr. Haubrich has participated in bringing several land conservation projects to fruition both for PLC and for the Francestown Land Trust with whom he serves as board member and land stewardship manager.  Dennis Calcutt, Chair of the Francestown Land Trust also spoke in support of his friend and colleague, noting his work on behalf of FLT and the Harris Center and his longtime stewardship of Francestown’s Rand Brook Forest specifically.

PLC member and Goffstown resident David Nieman was awarded the 2008 President’s Award for Volunteerism.  Mr. Neiman was recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of PLC as well as land conservation in his hometown where he serves on the Open Space Committee and is a founder of the recently formed Friends of Goffstown Land Conservation.  Mr. Nieman has been involved in PLC and its conservation work for over 5 years, most recently establishing a crucial GIS database for the organization.

October, 2008

Welcome to Three New Board Members
by Mica Stark, PLC Vice President

PLC is pleased to welcome three new Directors -- each of whom brings considerable talent, knowledge, experience, and of course – a passion for land conservation.  The new directors began their 3-year terms in October.

Barbara Griffin of Goffstown has served on town committees since 1989 -- 6 years on the Budget committee and 12 years as a Selectman, during which time she served on the Planning Board, Capital Improvement Program Committee, Economic Development Council, and Conservation Commission, which was instrumental in securing the funding and agreement to purchase the railroad bed in Goffstown where trail construction has just begun.  She represents Goffstown on the Southern NH Planning Commission and serves on their Executive Committee as Treasurer.  Barbara owns and manages a law firm in Manchester.

David J. Preece serves as Executive Director and CEO of the Southern NH Planning Commission.  David regularly meets with the region’s many planning and zoning boards as well as working with conservation commissions and open space committees.  David is also a strong advocate for smart growth planning principles.  For the past 35 years, David has worked as an urban and environmental planner in the public and private sector in several U.S. cities. He has received two Outstanding Planner awards from the American Planning Association (APA) and was awarded the NH Governor’s Citation of Excellence in 2007.  

NH native Bill “Tuck” Tucker has lived in Goffstown since the 1970s.  He and his wife Sue own land on the side of Mt. Uncanoonuc, which abuts the recently protected Welch Farm as well as other conservation land.  Bill is an attorney in Manchester who often deals with planning and zoning boards as well as conservation commissions.  Along with significant nonprofit experience, Bill brings tremendous finance, budget, and balance sheet experience to PLC. 

Thanks to the dedicated members of the Nominating Committee for their hard work over the past few months: Carol Hess, John McCausland, Andy Roeper, Eric Masterson, and Greg Neilley.

July 10, 2008

New Boston, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Masterson as its new executive director.  Masterson will join PLC in mid-August following a successful eight-year tenure at NH Audubon in Concord, most recently as Vice-President of Development. 

“Eric combines extraordinary qualifications, an exceptional background and a deep commitment to both our organization and the region,” noted Jerry Shinn, president of the board of directors. “I can’t imagine a better person to lead us in our mission of protecting and preserving this special place.”  Masterson succeeds Margaret Watkins, who stepped down from her position in late May to pursue other opportunities.

Bringing his passion for land conservation and protection of the natural world to the 38 year old organization, Masterson will be charged with building the organization’s capacity and guiding its work to conserve the important natural resources of the Piscataquog region, an area which includes the towns of Deering, Dunbarton, Francestown, Goffstown, Greenfield, Henniker, Lyndeborough, Manchester, Mont Vernon, New Boston and Weare. 

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work hand in hand with local landowners and town boards to conserve our vital open spaces, “Masterson said, “and I look forward to meeting the members and volunteers who together have built the PLC into the well-respected regional land trust it is today.  Land is central to our lives – it helps clean our water and grow our food, and it provides sanctuary for people and wildlife.  I am impressed that last year alone PLC helped to protect a record-breaking 1,000 acres - I look forward to building on that success.”

Throughout his career Masterson, a native of Ireland now residing in Southern New Hampshire, has used a lifelong passion for birds to help articulate his larger vision for conservation and land protection.  He holds a degree in zoology, has contributed to numerous publications and serves on the Board of the New Hampshire Council on Fundraising.

 “With Eric’s knowledge, experience and vision we are confident PLC will be able to achieve an even greater level of success in land conservation and protection.” Shinn said, “We are highly optimistic about the future of land conservation in our region”.

April 28, 2008

New Boston, NH: The Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC), formerly the Piscataquog Watershed Association (PWA) announced today that executive director Margaret Watkins will step down from her position at the end of May. Watkins, who became PLC’s first executive director in 2003 after a three-year term as Board President, has served the PLC for nine years.

“It has been a great honor to serve this organization,” said Watkins. “I feel privileged to have been able to work with the dedicated and committed individuals who make up the PLC, and have every confidence that the organization will continue to maintain its grassroots identity while growing in its role as an important regional land conservation resource for the 11 watershed communities.”

A search committee has been formed and will begin the process of seeking Watkins’ successor in the coming weeks. During the transition, Jerry Shinn, PWA Board Chair, will serve as interim executive director.
“Margaret’s years at PLC, including her time as a board member and the last 5 years as executive director, have been years of great growth and organizational advancement,” stated Shinn. “During that time PWA has grown from a grassroots watershed association to a well respected regional land trust with nearly 4,000 acres under its protection. Our land protection work has expanded strategically and our public profile increased dramatically. Most importantly, our work with other land trusts, conservation commissions, and community open space committees has empowered others and played an essential role in numerous conservation efforts outside the PLC umbrella”.

Prior to her work with PLC, Watkins, a Natural Resources Planner with a masters degree in Environmental Management, gained more than 20 years experience in land conservation and river management including work with the National Park Service. She is the 2003 recipient of the Tudor Richards Award by the Audubon Society of New Hampshire and the 2006 recipient of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Sarah Thorne Conservation Award.

January/February 2008

Becoming Part of Something Bigger
The Stave Easement, New Boston by Gordon Russell

Nine years ago a small patch of forest came into the lives of PWA members and valuable volunteers Joel and Cindy Stave. A home was located overlooking a small beaver marsh. Once time permitted, their forest would change their lives.

Within their acreage great and ancient trees, just by their strong architectural presence, demanded niches in their observers’ memories. In deep shadows at the base of a Black Gum tree crystalline water meets invisible air for the first time, flowing on in a silver ribbon under Checkerberries and other viney things. Wildflowers greet springtime; wildflowers nod fancy faces at summertime, and still more decorate the forest floor well into fall time.

Owls hoot, woodpeckers ring, coyotes yipp, herons yap, frogs peep and chug – all in acappella, all in notes and chords from lives free and vibrant.

The Staves came to a patch of woods. Those woods were waiting to relate their multiple stories. Joel and Cindy listened and understood their good fortune as well as their responsibility; a conservation easement was created and signed. Now the Lady-slippers can dance, jack can stand in his pulpit and preach to his ladies, the wild turkeys can scratch whatever, and Mr. Fox can smack his lips just thinking about a blue jay breakfast.

Joel and Cindy put it this way: “When we protected the land, we became part of something bigger – a part of the whole cycle of life.”

The Piscataquog Watershed Association is pleased to have helped Joel and Cindy achieve their conservation goals by agreeing to hold an easement on their 17-acre property. Congratulations Joel and Cindy, your gift to New Boston is invaluable!

January/February 2008

Sullivan Easement, Goffstown

Patty Sullivan and Marty Gastrock put their Goffstown land into conservation with a conservation easement to the PWA in December. Residents and commuters along Goffstown Back Road know this landmark property, with its red barn, 1700s farmhouse, and fields flanked by trees. Locally, the 13-acre property was a top conservation priority for its highly scenic and historic qualities.

“We really appreciate what Pat and Marty have done – preserving such a scenic property and an important piece of our town’s history,” said David Nieman, chair of the Goffstown Open Space Committee.
Not only is the Captain Karr Homestead one of the oldest homes in Goffstown, it is also on the site of the town’s first town meeting. Marty has compiled extensive records on the property’s history. For him, it was “important that we preserve the integrity of the surrounding property for future generations.”
PWA partnered with the landowners and the Goffstown Conservation Commission and its Open Space Committee on this project.

According to Patty, “Protecting our land was something that Marty and I had been thinking about for a while. PWA’s interest in holding the easement and the Town’s support for the project made it all come together for us.”

Thanks to a great partnership of landowners, the community, and PWA, this reminder of the town’s rural heritage will be here forever.

The Piscataquog Watershed Association is pleased to have helped Patty Sullivan and Marty Gastrock achieve their conservation goals by agreeing to hold an easement on their property. Congratulations Patty and Marty, your gift to Goffstown is invaluable!

January/February 2008

Reclaiming and Preserving the Land for Future Generations
By Philip & Virginia Brooks

We try in our individual lives every day to conserve resources in many different ways, and land conservation is a natural extension of our values.

When a forty-five acre farm that abuts our homestead came on the market in 2006, we purchased it with the intention of protecting the land from development, renovating the dilapidated buildings, and reselling the property. That set the wheels in motion to put a conservation easement on all our eighty or so acres under the watch of the PWA.

We have witnessed land between Milford and Nashua go from farms to malls, and while it seems a bit of a stretch right now that Lyndeborough will be paved over in the future, we have taken our step to keep this eighty-acre patch undeveloped. We are enjoying renovating the 1830s house and barn to perfection and have recreated a five-acre field from a 50 year tangle of trees. Our hope is that a family will want to have a few cows, chickens, or horses and bring this land back to life as a farm.

Land conservation has been a tradition in the Brooks family beginning with Martha and Sam Brooks work with the PWA to protect about one hundred fifty acres on Pine Road in New Boston in 1980. It is important to us to have open land for future generations to enjoy as we enjoy it now.

The Piscataquog Watershed Association (PLC) is pleased to have helped the Brooks family continue their family tradition of conservation in the Piscataquog Region by agreeing to hold an easement on this property. Congratulations Phil and Virginia, your legacy of open space and natural beauty will serve generations to come.

November/December 2007

A Porcupine and Five Turkeys by Roberta Chapin Walmsley

From my desk I look out on a broad expanse of fields. The table at which Arthur and I share three meals a day offers the same vista. It is not the breath taking view that one might associate with a mountain top. Rather it offers a quiet, almost soothing window into the changing seasons, and the wildlife that inhabit this area. Occasional deer cross the field. A resident porcupine frequently waddles over to feed in our apple tree. Fox appear after the fields have been hayed in late July or August. A variety of birds feed in the field. Grouse strut their stuff near the old barn hole. Right now five turkeys are pecking away at the edge of the field, feeding on whatever turkeys feed on. This past summer we were visited by a cow moose, trailed by her calf, crossing the field about 200 feet below our house. Big!! As I write this, the bright colors of Fall have been reduced to a dull rust hue. Soon the snows will come and with it the tracks of many creatures which we can’t normally see from a distance will be revealed. Our fields are not only a joy to us but also a home we share with the local fauna.

We purchased North Farm in 1961. Arthur was ten years into his ministry as an Episcopal priest. We were living with our two young children in a small apartment in Brooklyn. In those days, it was possible for a family living on a modest clergy salary to imagine buying rural property as a vacation home, a replica of what life was like when we were growing up. We found an 1800 farmhouse and 25 acres in Deering for which we paid less than the cost of the new septic system we later had to put in. For the past forty-six years, the North Farm on Old County Road has been our family homestead, a constant in our children's lives as they grew up, and since 1993 Arthur’s and my retirement home.

How does one give back to the land and to a community of neighbors and friends gratitude for such a place and the way of life it makes possible? How do towns in our region balance their rural and small community character with the inevitable march of housing developments and McMansions? And what, after all, is a balance between our personal and family agendas and the Common Good? One way we have found has been to place a conservation easement on a portion of our property - fourteen acres of pasture and woods. That parcel happens to form a niche in the midst of a sizable green belt in our section of town. Today uPWArds of 25% of the acreage of Deering is protected in some fashion, thanks to the leadership of the town's Conservation Commission and a growing rank of donors. Arthur and I are pleased that through the PWA we can contribute to the maintenance of the eco-system of our remarkably-diverse and beautiful watershed.

The Piscataquog Watershed Association (PLC)is thrilled to have helped Arthur and Roberta Walmsley successfully protect the open spaces of North Farms by agreeing to hold an easement on their property. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Walmsley family on making such a valuable gift to their community and to the residents of Deering for their vision and their commitment to conservation.

November 26, 2007

93 Acres of New Boston’s History Now Conserved!
By Gordon Russell

In 1820 the main road between New Boston and Francestown ran past the then Balch Farm.  A decade later the Langdell clan held the deed to those 100 acres.  From their hands and backs flowed dairy products and grains, many being carried by train to Boston markets.

The land was farmed until after WW1.  After that the farming culture quickly lost its way in NH and the land became free to get back to what it does best – grow trees.

When Barbara Sholl purchased the property in 1982, she had an old farmhouse and forest-covered pastures.  One remnant of those bygone farming days did not change; the grand stone walls.  Walking those walls that outlined the farm’s past, its history began to speak to Barbara.  With that sense of belonging came a strong feeling of responsibility, and thoughts pertaining to land’s future. 

Today, Timberinghill Farm, so named by Barbara, is permanently protected.  Such a fine property; with rich edges on Great Meadow, with stepped ridges upon which a well-managed Tree Farm grows. The land is now free to give in a natural way.  Wildlife is abundant and has the freedom to move from one protected property onto another.

The Piscataquog Watershed Association (PLC) holds this easement and enjoyed the process of negotiating the terms of protection and use with both Barbara and her husband, Kevin McLarnon.  Currently Timberinghill Farm provides forest products for income, honey from bees, pasture for numerous farm animals, a learning environment for school children, and a home for its caring owners

Photo Credit:
Kevin McLarnon, Kim Burkhamer (serving as notary public but also a member of the New Boston conservation commission and PLC) and Margaret Watkins look on as Barbara Sholl signs documents placing the 98-acre Timberinghill Farm in conservation.

October 30, 2007

New Boston, NH:  PLC’s David Hardy Memorial Lecture Series announces an evening with Ben Kilhelm “Mother Bear Man”

The Piscataquog Watershed Association (PLC) will host an informative and entertaining presentation by Ben Kilham, local independent wildlife biologist and renowned expert on bear behavior Saturday, November 17th at 7:00pm at the Community Church of New Boston.

Kilham is considered one of the top experts on bear behavior in the country.  His work has been featured in 2 National Geographic specials, Discovery Channels “Papa Bear”, and in appearances on “Late Night with David Letterman” and NBC’s Dateline among others.

At his center in Lyme Kilham has rehabilitated dozens of orphaned bear cubs, successfully releasing them back into the wild under a special license issued by NH Fish & Game.   By watching bears interact with each other and their environment and even by wrestling with them to earn their trust, Kilham has gained a unique perspective on bear behavior, discovering that they are not as solitary as we may have thought.

While it’s well known that bears are intelligent creatures, discovering just how highly intelligent they are, and how they use that intelligence, is fascinating.  Kilham has watched a bear hide behind a tree watching an unsuspecting passerby; he’s watched a bear drag a half-rotted log into the water to be used as a float – and then remove and store it nearby to be used another day. 

A “gifted dyslexic” Kilham has an IQ in the top one percent but only a third grade reading level.  He struggled, but ultimately received his BS in Wildlife Biology from UNH in 1974, but was unable to pursue a graduate degree.  The lack of an advanced degree has not deterred him from pursuing his long-held dream of wildlife research.

This popular 1-hour presentation based on Kilham’s firsthand experience raising cubs and observing black bears in the wild is illustrated with his personal slides and peppered with extemporaneous commentary – even if you’ve heard him before, you’re sure to hear something new.  A 30-45 minute question and answer period will follow the lecture. 

Photo Courtesy:  www.benkilham.com

October 21, 2007

Piscataquog Watershed Association announces additions to Board of Directors

New Boston, NH:  The Piscataquog Watershed Association (PLC) announces three new Board members elected at the Annual meeting held October 20th, 2007.

Sherry Heiber of Goffstown, Carol Hess of New Boston and Barbara Russell of New Boston will join current Board members Len Allen of Francestown, Diane Beland, John McCausland and Jerry Shinn of Weare, The Rt. Reverend Arthur Walmsley of Deering, Amy Doherty, Gail Parker and Mica Stark of New Boston.  The following slate of Officers was also elected: Board President, Jerry Shinn, Vice-President Mica Stark, Secretary Amy Doherty and Treasurer Gail Parker.  

October 20, 2007

Local Conservationists & Artists Celebrated at PWA’s 2007 Annual Meeting

New Boston, NH:  An audience of over 100 members and supporters gathered on Saturday, October 20th for the Piscataquog Watershed Association’s (PWA) 2007 Annual Meeting. The presentation of two awards highlighted a day-long event which included field trips to local conservation lands, an Art Exhibit and Auction featuring displays from member artists David Carroll, Laurette Carroll, Jon Brooks, Pat Nelson, Cyndi Katz, Karen Salerno, Alissa White, Gail Hersey, Rosemary Conroy and Cheryl Christner and a keynote address by well-known naturalist, artist and author David Carroll of Warner.

Dr. Barry Wicklow of Francestown was lauded as the recipient of the first annual Gordon A. Russell Award, an award established by PWA in honor of Mr. Russell’s longstanding passion and commitment to the preservation and conservation of lands in the Piscataquog River Watershed. The Award will be given annually to an individual who best represents the enthusiastic leadership qualities Gordon exemplifies in his efforts to protect the watershed.  An exhibit including “Great Meadow”, an original watercolor by local artist Karen Salerno will be displayed at PWA’s New Boston offices along with the names of each recipient. A print of the original work will be given to each honoree.    

Pat Nelson of Francestown was awarded the PWA’s Presidents Award for Volunteerism by outgoing President John McCausland.  The President’s Award recognizes the tremendous value volunteers bring  to PWA and other non-profits.  Ms. Nelson devotes countless hours each year to PWA as editor of its bimonthly newsletter, Watershed News and in numerous other capacities.

The PWA gratefully acknowledges the following local businesses whose support helped make this event a success.  Thank you to A&E Custom Coffee Roastery, Butters, Damian’s on the River, Dodge’s Store, The Framers Market, Good Earth Farm, Middle Branch Farm and Weber-Stave Design. 

October 9, 2007

“Art: Inspired by Nature”

Weare, NH:  “Art: Inspired by Nature” an art exhibit and silent auction to benefit the Piscataquog Watershed Association (PWA) will be held on Saturday, October 20th at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Weare from 10am – 4pm.

This unique 1-day-only show will feature works on display and for sale by sculptor and furniture maker Jon Brooks of New Boston, botanical artist-naturalist David Carroll and painter Laurette Carroll of Warner, wildlife painter Rosemary Conroy of Weare, photographer Pat Nelson of Francestown, and New Boston artists Karen Salerno and Cheryl Christner, among others. 

The exhibit and silent auction will be open to the public from 10am – 4pm.

Crow Medicine, Rosemary Conroy

Fish Pillow by Cheryl Christner:  Shibori & discharge dye on velvet/velveteen

David Carroll

Jon Brooks Chair, Jon Brooks

September/October 2007

PWA Helps Neighbors Protect 3500 Feet on the South Branch

“We moved to Francestown five years ago because we loved the house, and the river, and the town’s rural character,” says Tiffany Flik Calcutt.

Within a year of arriving, Dennis and Tiffany Calcutt hired Ron Klemarczyk to develop a forest management plan for their 21 forested acres off Woodward Hill Road. The plan reflects their interests in maintaining forest productivity and enjoying the land recreationally, with year-round trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Shortly thereafter, they were thinking about ways to permanently protect it.

“We met with Barry Wicklow and Margaret Watkins,” recalls Dennis, “and they talked with us about how our land played into a bigger context of land conservation in the Rand Brook area. Our land has several hundred feet of frontage on the South Branch, and a conservation easement seemed like a good option for us at that time. Now, with our 2-year-old daughter Eva and another child on the way, conserving our land is even more meaningful as we look to the world our children will inherit.”

At the same time, Dennis and Tiffany’s neighbor Monica Derr was trying to decide what to do about a 15-acre land-locked parcel she owned abutting the Calcutts’ land. Monica’s lot also fronts on the South Branch, and the two lots together provide several acres of rich floodplain forest habitat with significant wildlife habitat value. Monica’s land also abuts land that Roger Hall is protecting with a conservation easement to the PWA. Taken together, the three ownerships protect some 3500 feet of frontage on the South Branch, 11 acres of floodplain forest, and 42 acres of contiguous upland forest.

“I’ve always wanted to see that land protected, and with this opportunity, I feel it is only right to entrust the land to the PWA and the Calcutt family,” said Monica about her 15-acre tract.

The Piscataquog Watershed Association is pleased to have helped Monica Derr and Dennis and Tiffany Calcutt achieve their conservation goals by agreeing to hold conservation easements on their property. Congratulations Dennis, Tiffany and Monica on making this wonderful gift to future generations!

As a conservation partner, PWA assists landowners throughout the Piscataquog region who are interested in protecting their open space lands. Our members play a vital role in this process. To learn how you can help preserve the rural character of your community visit www.PWA-NH.org or call us at 487-3331.

September/October 2007

PWA Helps Carry on a Deering Town Tradition
by Margaret Watkins

Shortly after moving to Deering in 1994, Keith Robinson got involved with land conservation work at the local level. Through the Deering Association and with help from a NH Audubon intern, Keith helped organize meetings about land protection and conservation easements for landowners. As a result, shortly thereafter, three Deering properties went into permanent conservation. Others followed.
Now, with a conservation easement on 17 acres to the PWA, Keith and his wife, Lauren, have added their land to the growing number of conserved properties in Deering.

“I hated the thought of land that’s been farmed for 250 years becoming developed,” Keith reflected recently when asked what motivated them to put their land into easement. “This was one of the oldest farms in Deering, and the fields have been here for a long time. To me it’s just the right thing to do, with all the development that’s been going on. I just didn’t want that for this land.”

Lauren agrees. “We think of our land as open space – the fields and forests, the stream and the wetland.”

Their children, Ben, 9, and Ruthie, 7, love the land as well. They have built trails and laid claim to special places on it and take an active interest in the scat, bugs, and plants around them. A variety of habitats characterize this backyard playground, including an old gravel pit now grown up in poplar. The stream that runs along the eastern corner of the property flows to the North Branch of the Piscataquog River, and the fields are crisscrossed with animal trails.

“It really all started with Bev Yeaple,” recalls Keith. “She was just completing an easement on her land when we moved here. She has been an inspiration to us and encouraged us to move forward with an easement ourselves.”

Ed Cobbett, long-time chair of the Deering Conservation Commission, also helped, as did the prevailing attitude in Deering, that conservation is a good thing.

“The people in town are so supportive of conservation,” observes Lauren. “We know lots of people who have conserved their land. It’s so accepted in this town.”

That support has resulted in nearly 25% of the town being protected. The Conservation Commission annually updates its map of protected lands, and the number and size of green blocks that are emerging on it is an impressive testament to Bev, Ed, and the many landowners who have contributed to ensuring a green future for their community. These easement lands and lands in conservation ownership are protecting wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, community character, the North Branch of the Piscataquog and the Contoocook River, and the corridors of green that link Deering lands to conservation lands in adjoining towns.

When thinking about finalizing the easement and completing the process, Lauren’s eyes dance. “When we see our easement on the map along with all the others, it’s going to be very exciting!”

Lauren and Keith hope that their easement will in turn inspire others to think about conserving their land just as they were inspired by Bev. If just a few more key parcels are protected, it’s not hard to visualize a green corridor on the map connecting their land with Bev Yeaple’s and beyond!

The Piscataquog Watershed Association is pleased to have assisted Lauren Warner and Keith Robinson protect their Deering land by agreeing to hold an easement on their property. Our warm congratulations to Lauren and Keith on the achievement of this dream!

May/June 2007

Why I am Protecting Our Family’s Land with PWA

by Caroline Robinson

When I was first getting to know my husband, Buck, he would take me to a romantic cabin on Scobie Pond. It was very rustic, with no running water and two stoves for heat. Leaving Cambridge and going to Scobie became such a wonderful respite for us that, when we got married in 1981, we looked for land in the area.

We were lucky to find a river property close to the center of Francestown; it was secluded, wooded, and wild. The year our first child was born, we installed a small shed with a tiny woodstove, and spent weekends exploring the woods and river. Three years later, when we had a second child, we built a family-sized cabin.

If we had known then that we would wind up farming on the NH seacoast, we never would have bought wooded acreage, let alone built a cabin in Francestown. But in 1991 we made the decision to move our family to the land in Stratham where I had grown up and to open a large, organic berry farm. Now how would we ever get to Francestown? Should we sell the cabin?

We couldn’t. We loved it too much. The cabin became a source of secluded family delight. It offered a perfect laboratory for us all to discover forest, pond, and river wildlife. Salamanders, beaver, otter, trout, blue heron, ducks, turtles, bear, deer, mice, and a host of songbirds and insects made every visit exciting. For two years, we tried keeping bees in the field, but each time, a bear demolished the hives and left us humbled.

The cabin was also an experiment in alternative energy, with photovoltaic panels, solar hot water, a wood-burning boiler, a woodstove, a propane fridge, and cooking stove. While we were gone, the batteries would charge, and when we came for a weekend, we would use the stored electricity and hot water. In winter, we ran a generator to boost the batteries. Not being connected to the grid was a source of pride, and conservation of energy was a house rule.

As three small abutting properties became available, we added them to the original purchase, hoping to further protect the river. In spring floods, the river rounds two sharp corners, shooting a powerful stream of water up onto the shore and carrying away brush, fern, and gravel. It is a beautiful, powerful sight, and offers a glance back in history to a time when there was a water mill just upstream of us on Potash Road.

We often talked about putting our land into easement, and did so with the farm in 1998. That same year my husband was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, so the Francestown easement got put on hold. When he died in 2003, I vowed to finish realizing our dream of permanently protecting the land we had bought together.

My children are now 18 and 21, and both are studying for environmental careers. Knowing that the property will soon be protected forever, we are all grateful to the PWA – in perpetuity!

Caroline Robinson, a longtime PWA member, owns and farms Berry Hill Farm in Stratham, NH, where she is active on the town’s Open Space Committee and works with landowners to protect their land.
In 2007 Caroline realized the dream she shared with her late husband by permanently protecting their Francestown property when PWA agreed to hold their conservation easement. The PWA is proud to have partnered with Caroline on this very special project.