The Piscataquog Land Conservancy has signed a purchase and sale agreement to acquire 205 acres of ecologically-rich forest and pristine wetlands bordering our Ferrin Pond Preserve in Weare. The land is currently owned by Meadowsend Timberlands (MTL), a New Hampshire-based company that owns and manages working forestland throughout the state and New England.
Located almost a mile into the woods from the nearest paved road, the land is a hidden gem. It contains almost 23 acres of wetlands, or 11% of the total tract, comprised of a string of beaver-impounded wetlands that run north-south down the center of the property, and at least eleven vernal pools scattered across the remainder of the tract. The largest of these pools is a half-acre basin swamp that includes black gum trees approximately 400 years in age. The property also features 4,700 feet of frontage on Bartlett Brook, which flows north through the property’s beaver ponds and meadows towards the main branch of the Piscataquog River.
The property’s wetlands are home to waterfowl, otter, mink, and beaver, and likely support rare turtle species. Its upland forests are roamed by moose, black bear and bobcat. NH Fish & Game’s Wildlife Action Plan designates 43% of the property as best-in state habitat, and another 36% as the best in the southern NH biological region. If successful, the project will also link 473 acres of existing conservation land owned by PLC and the Town of Weare. The existing walking trail system on PLC’s abutting Ferrin Pond Preserve could be extended into the target property if it is successfully protected, and at least one club-maintained snowmobile trail bisects the land.
PLC has between now and June 30, 2019 to raise $300,000 and complete the purchase of the property from Meadowsend. We have already received $200,000 in funding from the state’s Aquatic Resources Mitigation (ARM) grants program, which focuses on the conservation and restoration of wetlands, and from the Merrimack Conservation Partnership.
We also hope to raise an additional $15,000 to fund post-purchase costs, including boundary marking, trail development, and a comprehensive management plan.
