LAND CONSERVATION IN THE NEWFOUND WATERSHED
Protecting land to protect water quality.
One of the best ways to preserve the quality of the water in Newfound Lake is to protect the lands surrounding it. Forests and fields soak up rainwater like a sponge, filtering it into the ground before it picks up pollution and runs into waterways. Conservation easements, land owned by conservation groups, town forests, and state land all ensure this valuable open space will be protected in perpetuity, in turn offering lasting protection against Newfound Lake’s biggest threat: stormwater pollution.
Currently, over 14,000 acres, nearly 25% of the land in the Newfound watershed, is conserved.
NLRA works to conserve land as a member of the Newfound Land Conservation Partnership, a group that has driven land conservation in the watershed since its establishment in 2009.
Learn more about current land conservation efforts, how to conserve your land, and more ways to get involved:
THE NEWFOUND LAND CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP
Conservation Lands in the Newfound Watershed
The Newfound watershed lies within the red line. To view full size, click here.
BENEFITS OF CONSERVATION
Along with clean water, land conservation provides us with endless recreation opportunities, firewood, maple syrup, and other forest products, wildlife habitat, and the rural character we value for our communities.
Healthy, mature forests store greenhouse gasses and offer economic benefits too. A study from the Trust for Public Land found that every $1 invested in land conservation returned $11 in natural goods and services to the New Hampshire economy. Lastly – conserved land can lead to tax savings since open space requires less town infrastructure – schools, roads, and life-services – so they are less of a burden for taxpayers than residential development.
NLRA CONSERVED PROPERTY
NLRA holds conservation easements and owns conservation property.
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
In 2011, we were given Grey Rocks Conservation Area which is protected by a conservation easement held by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. We are working to restore ecological function of Grey Rocks, while allowing for access and enjoyment of this beautiful area along the Cockermouth River. Learn more.
Sugarloaf Ridge-Goose Pond Conservation Area
NLRA holds the conservation easement for this conserved area, working with the landowner – the Lakes Region Conservation Trust – to make sure their land management activities are in accordance with the easement. Learn more.