July 2026 – The Piscataquog Land Conservancy has completed our purchase of 141 acres along the Massachusetts border in Mason as a new forest preserve. The acquisition permanently protects top-ranked wildlife habitat and recreational access to the adjacent 3,000-acre Townsend State Forest in Massachusetts.
The land was sold to PLC by Judy and Jerry Anderson, who purchased the property over many years with the intention of someday placing it in permanent conservation. When the time came to look for a conservation partner to work with, Judy Anderson said “I was pointed towards the Piscataquog Land Conservancy and found our values and goals closely aligned. I am grateful for the conservation team at PLC who listened closely to our needs and desires and crafted a viable plan.”
PLC Land Protection Specialist Jonathan Beck said “working with Judy Anderson over the past year has been a true pleasure. Together with our partners, we’ve helped secure the permanent protection of this remarkable and ecologically important landscape while advancing the Anderson family’s long standing conservation goals.”
Even though the Andersons sold the property to PLC for well below its full appraised value, the total budget for the acquisition was still almost $580,000, which was covered by several grants and a generous local donor. Half of the funding came via a $285,000 grant from the state’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).
“LCHIP is proud to support projects like the Anderson Forest that bring together landowners, conservation organizations, municipalities, and private donors to achieve lasting conservation outcomes,” said Paula Bellemore, Executive Director of LCHIP. “The Anderson project demonstrates how strategic public investment can leverage substantial private and local contributions to protect resources of statewide significance.”
The town of Mason contributed $40,000 from its conservation fund towards the project. Conservation Commission Chair Bob Larochelle said “the Mason Conservation Commission was excited to be a part of the Anderson land acquisition by the Piscataquog Land Conservancy. The property’s location next to Townsend State Forest will provide an enormous area for Mason residents to enjoy recreational trails and scenic views.”
Other funding for the Anderson acquisition included a $32,250 grant from the NH State Conservation Committee Conservation Moose Plate Grant Program, and $27,500 from the privately funded Merrimack Conservation Partnership. An anonymous individual provided the balance of the project’s funding.
