PLC and the Town of Bedford are pleased to announce that we have completed the conservation of 123 acres of land formerly owned by the Marcia Marston Trust in Bedford and Goffstown. 

On December 23, 2021, the Town of Bedford purchased approximately 46 acres of undeveloped land from the Marston Trust located on the west side of Wallace Road, on the Bedford/Goffstown border. The Trust had previously been preparing to market the land for development.  The million-dollar purchase was funded from the town’s conservation fund, meaning there is no impact on town taxpayers.

As an additional conservation measure, the Town of Bedford conveyed a conservation easement on the 46-acre parcel to PLC.  The town also signed an agreement with the Marston Trust giving the town a right of first offer to purchase an additional 72-acre parcel located across the street on Wallace Road, if the Trust ever decides to sell it in the future. 

In a separate transaction completed on December 15th, the Marston Trust donated 77 acres of nearby land in Bedford and Goffstown to PLC to be managed for wildlife conservation and low-impact recreation.  The property owned by PLC will be named the Marston-Dunlap Wildlife Sanctuary.

“We are thrilled to see this ambitious conservation project completed, and grateful to the Town of Bedford and the Marcia Marston Trust for being incredible partners throughout the process,” said PLC President Chris Wells.

“Marcia Marston, a lifelong resident of Bedford, appreciates the efforts of the Town of Bedford and the PLC to accomplish this significant conservation project to protect and conserve open space.” said Peter Rotch, the attorney for Marcia Marston.