In August 2017, the Piscataquog Land Conservancy adopted its latest five year strategic plan for the organization, covering 2018-2022. The document’s introductory sections are excerpted below.
Our Purpose
In 1970 a group of visionary citizens concerned about the rapid urbanization of their corner of southern New Hampshire founded the Piscataquog Watershed Association (PWA). Its purpose was to protect the natural resources of the 12-town Piscataquog River watershed by conserving strategic properties through purchase or easement. In 2008 PWA became the Piscataquog Land Conservancy (PLC), and in 2015 the organization expanded its service area to include another 11 towns in the Souhegan and Nashua River watersheds.
Our Mission
The Piscataquog Land Conservancy works to conserve the natural and scenic environment of its southern New Hampshire communities for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations.
Our Vision
New Hampshire in general and the PLC region in particular, comprise a rural region characterized by large tracts of forests, small farms, and small towns and villages. The PLC region, the Piscataquog, Souhegan and Nashua River watersheds, fall within the orbit of rapid urban development radiating from Boston as well as Manchester and Nashua. The increasing cost of living in the urban centers coupled with ease of transport and telecommuting, combined with a desire to live in a more rural setting and enjoy all that the rural setting offers is exerting a growing pressure on undeveloped land.
The PLC trusts that preserved aquifers, forests and agricultural parcels continue to perform essential environmental services and help to maintain the rural character of living we presently enjoy. The conserved parcels will contribute to cleaner air and water while continuing to provide access to traditional New England activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, walking, hunting and fishing along with other ‘outdoor’ pursuits. We feel these activities, being enjoyed in a natural and unpolluted environment, contribute significantly to the region’s quality of life.
Future residents will share this preserved land with plants and animals that may otherwise be threatened or lost if open space is not protected. Forested lands protected by the PLC will continue to be harvested using sustainable methods that are consistent with their preservation. Protected agricultural lands will provide for small-scale farming that is beneficial now and of continued importance into the future. These farms will provide locally produced fruits, vegetables, dairy goods and other non-edible items such as Christmas trees and most of the pumpkins grown locally today.
Fulfilling the Vision
From its inception in 1970, PLC has worked hard in pursuit of this vision. By 2012, when the last Strategic Plan was adopted, PLC had protected 89 properties totaling 5,075 acres of conservation land in 12 towns. Five years later PLC has added 17 properties totaling 1,788 acres, and as of July 2017 held fee land and easements on 106 tracts totaling 6,863 acres. PLC has also added 11 towns to its service area in late 2015, bringing the total to 23 towns served. PLC’s accomplishments in meeting its land protection, stewardship and outreach goals has given us the confidence to apply for Land Trust Alliance Accreditation, which was awarded in August 2017
PLC’s future is bright, but there are substantial challenges ahead to maintain the scope and high quality of its services. Though the foundation is solid, success will demand new efforts, new resources, and new strategies. Our capacity is strong; PLC currently has two full-time and two part-time staff, along with more than 75 dedicated volunteers, but may need to expand in the years ahead.