June 25th, 2024 — Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) celebrated today the permanent protection of the 34-acre Simpson Easement located in Ossipee and Tuftonboro.
The Simpson Easement is in close proximity to more than 1,000 acres of existing conserved lands including the New Hampshire Fish and Game Garland Pond Wildlife Management Area and is adjacent to a larger pending conservation project on Chickville Road, significantly enlarging a contiguous block of conserved lands. With Carroll County experiencing a high rate of new building development, expanding on this existing wildlife corridor is crucial for supporting biodiversity in the region and protecting the rural character that local residents cherish.
The easement contains Appalachian oak pine forest, forested wetlands, and two acres of old field habitat making it a high traffic area for migrating bird species. It is a valuable buffer to Garland Pond, and directly abuts the NH Fish and Game Garland Pond Wildlife Management Area (WMA), as well as the Beech River that feeds into the pond. The property also falls within the highest priority for conservation under MMRG’s Conservation Action Plan, and has excellent potential for supporting climate change mitigation.
MMRG Land Agent Veronica Bodge said: “The Simpson Easement includes many high-quality natural resources, making it an important addition to our conservation portfolio. With increased development pressures threatening the valuable landscapes in our service area, this conservation easement ensures the long-term protection of an additional 34-acres of prime wildlife habitat.”
This conservation project was completed with a $45,000 grant from The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) which provides matching grants to projects that conserve important New Hampshire landscapes. The Simpson Easement is also a recipient of a $25,000 grant from NH State Conservation Committee Conservation License Plate Grant Program (Moose Plate). The project was also completed with financial support from public fundraising efforts thanks to many generous individuals. MMRG additionally wishes to thank Dana and Carol Simpson, the dedicated landowners who advocated for and supported the project through to its completion.
“LCHIP is pleased to continue its partnership with Moose Mountains Regional Greenways, and to support this important conservation project,” said LCHIP executive director Paula Bellemore. “This is LCHIP’s fifth grant to MMRG, and we are pleased to support local organizations in their efforts to conserve ecologically valuable lands across the state for the benefit of the environment, economy and our way of life in New Hampshire.”
MMRG is eager to bring the Simpson Easement into permanent protection. As a small, locally-focused land trust, MMRG deeply values working with local landowners to achieve conservation successes for the region.
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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.
