Farmington, NH — At the recent Farmington Town Meeting, residents voted a resounding yes to purchase 178 wooded acres on the Mad River. The money for this purchase, which will be complete this summer, will come from the Town’s conservation fund—derived from the change-of-use fees paid by developers whenever a parcel is taken out of current use.
With an extensive trail network, 2,700 feet of frontage along the Mad River, and rolling wooded terrain, the property features excellent habitat for creatures that live on both land and water. These attributes enticed the State of NH Department of Fish & Game to partner with the Town, contributing $70,000 to the project. The net cost to the Town of Farmington to conserve this local recreation area will be $100,000.
Anne and Tom Dubois, who have owned the land since 1986, came to love its natural beauty. In 2004 when it was time to sell, they sought the help of Moose Mountains Regional Greenways, hoping to find a way for the residents of Farmington to continue to hike, fish, hunt and snowmobile on the land forever.
Because of the many competing conservation priorities that faced the town, it was clear that the community would not be able to afford to pay full market value for the property. In light of this, the Duboises agreed to sell it for $170,000—well below the appraised value of $320,000. This offer represents a gift of $150,000 from the Duboises to the Town of Farmington.
“What a wonderful gift from Anne and Tom Dubois to the Town, and, what a great opportunity for Farmington to ensure that this land will remain available for the recreational enjoyment of future generations,” said Moose Mountains Regional Greenway’s Executive Director Cynthia Belowski. “We are proud to have participated in this project.”
“My wife Anne and I think this piece of land is gorgeous and we are thrilled that it is going to be protected. This is the best use of the property,” said Tom Dubois. “We have been pleased to make the land available for recreation and are thankful to the Powder Mill Snowmobile Club for their ongoing efforts to maintain a trail through the property.” Dubois said that he is happy to have gotten in touch with MMRG. “Both Cynthia Belowski and Joyce El Kouarti (past MMRG Executive Director and current board member) have been very helpful. They did the majority of the work to find a way for us, the Town and the State to work together to make sure the property stays in its natural state.”
The Duboises land is situated on the south side of River Road just off Rte 11 in Farmington. When the sale is complete, the Town will manage the property in partnership with NH F&G. The intent is to continue to use the property for recreational enjoyment such as hiking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
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