At last the 2,189-acre Moose Mountains project, a collaborative effort
between Moose Mountains Regional Greenways and the Society
for the Protection of NH Forests, is nearing completion.
Out of the $2.4 million needed to complete the project, the partners still
have to raise $25,000. However, the Forest Society was able
to purchase this spectacular property, located in Brookfield
and Middleton NH, before December 31, 2005 thanks to a bridge
loan from the Open Space Conservancy.
The project, which has been four years in the making, received its first major
boost in 2003 when Moose Mountains Regional Greenways successfully
secured a $1 million Forest Legacy Program grant. In 2005
the Forest Society was able to secure an additional $1 million
from NOAA’s Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program.
NH Senator Judd Gregg was instrumental in helping both organizations
obtain these federal funds.
This left $400,000 for the partners to fundraise through private donations.
Fortunately, the bridge loan has allowed the partners a little
more time to complete their fundraising. “In order to pay
back the loan we still need to raise $25,000,” said Moose
Mountain’s new Executive Director Cynthia Belowski. “We are
reaching the home-stretch, but it’s not over yet. If you’ve
been thinking about donating to this effort, please do it
now.”
Linking the Jones Brook Wildlife Management Area, a NH Fish &Game property,
and the Middleton Town Forest, the purchase of this 2,189acre
parcel will ensure that nearly 4,000 acres of unfragmented
forest will remain forever green.
The project ensures the protection of the headwater streams
of the Branch River—considered to be the most pristine segments
of the upper Piscataqua and Great Bay watersheds. As these
streams and rivers make their way to the Piscataqua, they
feed the drinking water supplies and wells of Milton, Wakefield
and Somersworth.
The land’s productive forest soils support a variety of mixed
hardwood and softwood stands, and its diverse habitat supports
a variety of wildlife, including moose, bear, coyote and other
species that require a large range.
The public can enjoy hilltop views and explore this spectacular preserve on
a well established network of trails.
Please help us to complete this project by sending your tax-deductible
donation to:
Forest Society
54
Portsmouth Street
Concord, NH 03301
memo: Moose Mountain
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