For me, 2005 will always shine as the year Moose Mountains Regional Greenways helped conserve forever a significant portion of its namesake. After four long years of grant writing, complex negotiations, community outreach, lobbying and fundraising, MMRG, in partnership with The Forest Society, has nearly completed the permanent preservation of 2,189 acres in the Moose Mountains range.
The conservation of this regional treasure fulfills every stated objective of our organization’s mission. These 2,189 acres represent one of the last large blocks of forestland in southeastern New Hampshire and contain the most pristine upper reaches of the Salmon Falls and Great Bay Watershed. This parcel links two other conservation lands to form a 4,000 acre greenway corridor for wildlife and multiple recreational opportunities.
Through numerous public outreach initiatives throughout the year, MMRG presented the Moose Mountain project to each of the six MMRG communities and undertook a $400,000 fund raising drive in cooperation with the Forest Society. As of January 1, 2006, we only have $25,000 left to raise toward our goal, having successfully secured more than $2.3 million to complete this project. Thanks to you, we are almost there!
We believe that our public outreach and educational efforts are critical to ensuring successful conservation outcomes. Last year MMRG hosted a Community Roundtable in Wakefield, the Second Annual Branch River canoe trip (in cooperation with UNH Cooperative Extension), two local land conservation workshops (with the Natural Resources Outreach Coalition), and our Third Annual Trail Day at Branch Hill Farm.
We now turn our attention to 2006 and beyond. We are currently working with the owners of several important natural resource parcels totaling almost 1,000 acres, to assist them in their conservation efforts.
We are also excited about the promise of the Coastal Watershed Land Conservation Plan (see the article on page one of this newsletter). This comprehensive science-based plan will provide MMRG and our community partners with the critical information needed to prioritize potential parcels for preservation.
MMRG’s Board is rewarded for its hard work when loyal members renew and new members sign on. Our organization has grown significantly this year, fulfilling an important stated task in our 2005 strategic workplan. Our membership includes 260 households, all of our six towns’ Conservation Commissions, and several regional and state conservation organizations. The message that we repeatedly receive from members new and old is keep up the good work!
On behalf of Moose Mountains Regional Greenways’ Board and staff, thank you for your support. With your help, we will continue to make “voluntary land conservation” a household phrase throughout Strafford and Carroll counties and conserve our region’s most special natural areas.
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