NH Coastal Program Grant Helps Fund Hampton Falls Project

[Brandon-K]

NH Coastal Program Grant Helps Fund Hampton Falls Project
Marsh Lane Conservation Preserve Extension Protected
Hampton Falls, N.H. --The Hampton Falls conservation commission today announced the acquisition and protection of 14 acres of land, including 320 feet along the banks of the Taylor River. The property is located next to the existing 21-acre Marsh Lane preserve, enlarging this natural area to 35 acres. The town of Hampton Falls used a grant from the New Hampshire Coastal Program (NHCP) at the Department of Environmental Services to help fund the purchase. The conservation easement, or legal agreement that will protect the land in perpetuity, is held by the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire. The easement allows non-motorized public access on the site.
“The conservation commission is committed to making this property accessible for passive recreation and education,” said Karen Ayers, Hampton Falls conservation commission chairwoman. “There are very few public access points along the Hampton Falls side of the Taylor River. The purchase of this property allows us to both protect a critical wildlife habitat and provide an opportunity for the public to enjoy the natural resources along the New Hampshire coast,” she said.
The land’s purchase cost $225,000 with $175,000 coming from the town of Hampton Falls conservation fund and $50,000 from the NHCP grant. The conservation fund currently receives 15 percent of the town’s land use change tax.
“It’s a quiet place for people to visit and spend time near the river. It lends itself to learning, relaxation and civic projects,” said Tracy Healey-Beattie, the conservation commission member who spearheaded the acquisition.
A conservation commission subcommittee will design a trail system with interpretive signage for the site. Ellen Snyder, wildlife biologist from the Southeast Land Trust, will help further identify wildlife and plant species and habitat of educational interest on the property.
“The property is special for its natural features, scenic view and educational opportunities. This stretch of river has a fabulous view of the Hampton Seabrook Estuary, and protects important shoreline along the Taylor River,” said Snyder.
This portion of the Taylor River falls within a conservation focus area of The Land Conservation Plan for New Hampshire’s Coastal Watersheds, which identifies the most ecologically valuable lands to protect for healthy coastal ecosystems. The Marsh Lane Conservation Preserve Extension also abuts the prime wetlands study area of the Taylor River and is being considered for prime wetlands designation in 2008.
The Hampton Falls Conservation Commission meets at the town hall the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. and welcomes and encourages public attendance. There are many volunteer opportunities, large and small, for citizens who would like to learn how to protect natural resources and preserve the rural character of Hampton Falls.
The New Hampshire Coastal Program is a federally approved coastal program authorized under the Coastal Zone Management Act and is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. NHCP strives to maintain a balance between the use and preservation of coastal resources. Through partnerships, funding and science, NHCP works to improve water quality and decision making in 42 coastal watershed communities; supports maritime uses; and restores coastal wetlands.
Formed by the merger of the Rockingham Land Trust and Seacoast Land Trust, the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire works to conserve the significant land and natural resources of southeastern New Hampshire, including water, working farms and forests, wildlife habitat and natural areas, and community landscapes. As a regional land trust, it serves 39 communities of greater Rockingham County. The Southeast Land Trust has helped landowners and communities conserve more than 4,500 acres of land through conservation easements and full-fee ownerships.