We are thrilled to announce the closing of our newest conservation success, the permanent protection of 79 acres of land in the town of Milton, NH! The Casey Road property boasts over 1.5 miles of trails winding through thick oak and pine forests, making the area an excellent community resource while aiding the preservation of Milton’s rural character and beauty. The property also provides critical wildlife habitat and protects Lyman Brook, part of the Salmon Falls watershed, from runoff and other pollution.

Milton residents have enthusiastically supported the conservation of the Casey Road property. In a town vote on the preservation of the property, an overwhelming 70% of voters were in favor. Many local businesses have also supported the project financially, including the Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust, the Cheney Companies, Index Packaging Inc., Mac Ford Custom Building LLC, McKenzie’s Farm, Milton Mills Small Engine Repair, Milton Veterinary Clinic, Super Groomer of Rochester, the Law Offices of Justin Caramagno, P.A., and The Music Mill.

“Milton has always been pro-conservation. Residents understand that conversation projects are in our community’s best interest and provide recreational opportunities, safeguard wildlife habitat, and protect the Salmon Falls watershed,” said Cynthia Wyatt, chair of the Milton Conservation Commission.

The conservation of Casey Road has been a deeply collaborative process between MMRG, the Milton Board of Selectmen, and the Milton Conservation Commission. The Casey Road Land Protection Committee, a sub-committee of the Conservation Commission, was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to become an advisory committee on the project. The committee co-hosted regular events at Casey Road with MMRG, and provided vital outreach to businesses to garner support. The Conservation Commission also pledged $20,000 to support a continuing fund for Casey Road, and town residents voted to spend an additional $5,000 from the budget towards conserving the land. While the town of Milton owns the property, MMRG will hold a conservation easement on the land and is responsible for its ongoing stewardship. This collaborative arrangement ensures that the land remains pristine and thoughtfully managed in perpetuity.

“The Casey Road Project is an amazing example of what is possible when land conservation organizations, local municipalities, residents and community groups all work together,” said MMRG’s Executive Director Jillian Eldredge, “This project saw input and support from such a wide swath of these entities and they can all feel a sense of pride and ownership in the result. We hope that the community will use, enjoy and feel connected to this special property long into the future.”

The newly conserved property offers a number of low-impact recreational opportunities. Casey Road is an ideal destination to enjoy safe walks or bike rides, with easygoing trails headed down to Lyman Brook and several historic stone walls criss-crossing the property. Many trails have informational kiosks, benches, and footbridges installed as part of Boy Scout projects. Local schools will be able to use Casey Road for outdoor field trips, too. The brook makes a natural boundary to the land, but also leads to a picturesque wetlands complex. Wildlife is abundant in the area. There is even an active beaver dam across one upstream area of the brook, on the neighboring public Liberty Circle Open Space, owned by the town of Milton.

“Casey Road has some really nice trails that are very attractive, that go through open woods and near the brook. People love to come and walk their dogs, snowshoe, or go birdwatching,” Virginia Long, a member of the Casey Road Land Protection Committee, said. “I go down there at least once a season to see what’s happening. There’s always something new going on!”