MIDDLETON, NH - Moose Mountains Regional Greenways has partnered with the Society for the Protection of NH Forests to raise $2.4 million to conserve more than 2,100 forested acres in Middleton and Brookfield.
Moose Mountains Regional Greenways has already secured a $1,000,000 grant from the Forest Legacy Program, and the Forest Society has applied for an additional $1,000,000 grant from the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). On June 23, U.S. Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH), John Sununu (R-NH), and Congressman Jeb Bradley (R-NH) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has earmarked $1 million in funding for the conservation of the Moose Mountains. Modeled after the successful Forest Legacy program, CELCP was created to purchase and protect sensitive ecosystems with the goal of better ensuring their protection from development or conversation.
"The Moose Mountain project is remarkable both for the richness of its resources and for its sheer size," said Jane Difley, President/Forester of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. "Thanks to our congressional delegation, we have taken a huge step forward in protecting this remarkable place forever."
"We’re absolutely thrilled," said Moose Mountains Regional Greenways Executive Director Joyce El Kouarti. "This project has been a long time in the works, and the CELCP grant is a critical benchmark."
Moose Mountains Regional Greenways and the Forest Society are challenged to raise an additional $400,000 by the end of the year to complete the project.
Stretching over three mountain ridges, the Moose Mountains link the 1,500-acre Jones Brook Wildlife Management Area and the 100-acre Middleton Town Forest. Conserving this land will create a 4,000-acre block of connected forestland in an area that is increasingly at risk of development.
With hilltop views and an established trail network, the Moose Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and hunting. The headwaters of the Piscataqua River begin in the Moose Mountains and feed the drinking water supplies and wells of Milton, Wakefield and Somersworth. The property’s diverse habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including moose, bear, coyote, and other species that require large range areas. "This project represents one of the last large blocks of wildlife habitat in the region," said El Kouarti.
The public is invited to hike the property on Saturday, August 6 at 9 a.m. with representatives from the Forest Society and Moose Mountains Regional Greenways. "We want people to have an opportunity to see first-hand what makes the Moose Mountains so special," said Cynthia Wyatt, Moose Mountains Regional Greenways chairman of the Board.
If you would like to make a donation to help conserve this critical local landmark, please send your donation to Moose Mountain, Forest Society, 54 Portsmouth Street, Concord, NH 03301.
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