Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) and the Tuftonboro Conservation Commission, on behalf of the Town of Tuftonboro, are thrilled to jointly announce the addition of 22 acres of conserved land to the Great Meadow Preserve in Tuftonboro, NH. The expansion includes areas along Sodom Road that directly abuts the existing 379-acre Preserve.
The newly conserved land will connect to the existing Preserve through a system of publicly accessible trails ideal for hiking, and also features a new parking area. The Great Meadow Preserve is the largest wetland in Tuftonboro, and is known for its exemplary natural resources. The Preserve contains high-quality wetland habitat with lush vegetation, old-growth forests, and prime waterfowl habitat among other benefits. The expansion adds 3.5 acres of wetlands to the property, and 950 feet of frontage along the Melvin River.
MMRG Land Agent Veronica Bodge said: “The Great Meadow wetland complex totals over 500 acres. The addition of these additional 22 acres means that 74% of the total Great Meadow is now conserved and protected in perpetuity. We look forward to stewarding these ecologically important lands in partnership with the Tuftonboro Conservation Commission.”
This conservation project was completed with the help of funding from The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) and the Department of Environmental Services Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program (ARM), both of which provide matching grants to projects that conserve important New Hampshire landscapes. MMRG was selected to receive $51,000 from these competitive grant programs for the Great Meadow Preserve Expansion. LCHIP and ARM funding provided critical support for the legal requirements, due diligence work, and stewardship of the Expansion.
“Protection of the Great Meadow has long been a priority for LCHIP,” commented LCHIP Executive Director Paula Bellemore, “not only for its scenic beauty and recreational uses, but also because it protects an underlying aquifer and provides significant flood control benefits.”
MMRG Executive Director Jillian Eldredge expressed gratitude for LCHIP and ARM’s support and said: “MMRG is grateful to be the recipient of public funds in support of this project from both ARM and LCHIP. These important organizations and funding sources continue to show their dedication to the beautiful rural landscapes that make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to live. As a result of these awards, MMRG was able to work together with the Town of Tuftonboro, through the Tuftonboro Conservation Commission, to accomplish an exciting expansion of a cherished Tuftonboro property.”
The Town of Tuftonboro owns the Great Meadow Preserve and MMRG will be the Conservation Easement holder. This partnership allows for a double-layer of protection that benefits the entire surrounding community and ensures that the land remains conserved in perpetuity. The project was also completed with financial support from public fundraising efforts thanks to many generous individuals.
###
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. Learn more about our work online at 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 589 grants, investing $62 million in 200 NH communities to help conserve 241,000 acres of land and rehabilitate 172 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.
