Moose Mountains Regional Greenways Announces the Permanent Conservation of 132-Acre Hraba Forest in Wakefield, NH

MMRG Staff with Philip Jennison at closing.

September 30, 2025, Wakefield, NH — 

Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) is thrilled to announce the permanent conservation of the 132-acre Hraba Forest in Wakefield, NH–a major win for the future of the Lovell Lake watershed, and for expanding outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities in the region.

Located off Brackett Road, just above the shoreline of Lovell Lake, the Hraba Forest features over 1,900 feet of undeveloped road frontage and provides significant ecological value. Its protection helps safeguard water quality, reduce runoff and erosion, and maintain the natural character cherished by generations of lakefront families and the broader Wakefield community.

Aerial photo of Hraba Forest with Lovell Lake in the background.

Jon Balanoff of the Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance (AWWA) emphasized the environmental importance of the project: 

"Conserving the Hraba Forest will have a significant impact on the future water quality of Lovell Lake and by extension the Salmon Falls River Watershed. Land Conservation is identified as one of the high impact methods of preventing the proliferation of cyanobacteria blooms. If developed, this property would have contributed an average of 46 lbs of additional Phosphorus into the lake each year, which is the primary nutrient used by cyanobacteria to flourish. Preventing this influx of nutrients from entering the lake will have a positive effect on Lovell Lake's ecosystem resilience and long-term health."

Now under MMRGs conservation ownership, work will begin to install a kiosk and small parking area, and to reopen more than 1.5 miles of trails for passive recreation. The site will host nature walks, forestry tours, and educational workshops for residents and visitors. 

Speaking to the collaborative nature of the Hraba Forest conservation project, MMRG’s Land Agent, Veronica Bodge, shared:

“Moose Mountains Regional Greenways was proud to work with several key partners, including the Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance, the Lovell Lake Association and the Wakefield Conservation Commission. Without the help of these dedicated local partnerships, the completion of the Hraba Forest conservation project would not have been possible. We are excited to share this conservation success with our local community.”

 Michael Prindle, President of the Lovell Lake Association, shared his appreciation:

“Two years ago, MMRG came to the Lovell Lake Association with the opportunity to help preserve 132 acres of land within the watershed of Lovell Lake. With MMRG’s leadership and collaboration, the LLA stepped up to make a significant donation to the purchase that will be completed this fall. Thank you MMRG for your stewardship to help preserve the beauty of our lake.”

This conservation success was made possible thanks to the generous support of multiple foundational donors and community partners. Donors and partners include the Lovell Lake Association, Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance, the Wakefield Conservation Commission, the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the NH State Conservation Committee’s Conservation License Plate Program (Mooseplate), the Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation, Peter and Susan Goodwin, and Cynthia Siemon Wyatt. Remaining funds for the project were provided through public and private fundraising efforts, highlighting the strong community commitment to protecting natural resources in the Moose Mountains region.

About Moose Mountains Regional Greenways

MMRG, a non-profit land trust, works to conserve and connect important water resources, farm and forest lands, wildlife habitats, and recreational land in Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield, Ossipee, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro. Throughout the year, both BHF and MMRG offer many educational opportunities to inform all ages about the benefits of our region’s natural resources. For more information and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.mmrgnh.org

About the New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program   

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) is an independent state authority providing matching grants to New Hampshire’s municipalities and non-profits, helping to preserve the state’s most important natural, cultural, and historic resources and ensure their contribution to the economy, environment, and quality of life in New Hampshire.   Since 2000 LCHIP has awarded 615 grants, investing $65 million in 206 NH communities to help conserve 247,000 acres of land and rehabilitate 192 historic structures. Learn more about how LCHIP is helping to preserve and protect New Hampshire’s heritage at LCHIP.org, by following LCHIP_NH on Instagram, or Facebook.