Conserved Lands in Barrington, Durham, Madbury, Kingston, and Hampstead Provide Significant Protection for Local Habitat and Natural Resources
In a flurry of year-end activity, the Southeast Land Trust of NH (SELT) completed three conservation projects located in Barrington, Durham, Madbury, Kingston, and Hampstead.
Donigian Property, Barrington
The Donigian property in Barrington, acquired by SELT, represents an important first puzzle piece in the growing Ayers-to-Isinglass Preserve, an over 500-acre block of contiguous land SELT is working to protect in Strafford County.
This 102+-acre tract consists of a mixed oak-pine forest and includes a portion of a 40-acre wetland that starts at the outlet of the Ayers Pond dam, making it a repository of diverse wildlife habitat and water protection. Special thanks to the Town of Barrington and members of the community for contributing funds to the conservation effort.
Straus Conservation Easement, Durham and Madbury
In Durham and Madbury, the 18.5-acre Straus Conservation Easement safeguards the headwaters of Beards Creek, an important tributary to the Oyster River near its mouth into Great Bay, and protects the top of Beech Hill, the highest point in Durham. In addition, the parcel contains important wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors, provides protection for public drinking water, and helps to connect over 750 acres of conserved land to the north with thousands of acres of public and conserved land to the south.
“Sandi Straus bought her property with her late husband in the early 1980s and has lovingly stewarded the land ever since,” said Ben Engel, Conservation Project Manager for SELT. “She was committed to seeing her land protected and generously donated her easement to make her dream a reality. We would also like to thank the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership for their support of the project.”
Keim Conservation Easement, Hampstead and Kingston
The completion of the 36-acre Keim Conservation Easement in Hampstead and Kingston adds to approximately 290 acres of conservation and public land, which is part of a 1,700-acre unfragmented forest block. Cheryl Keim’s property contains DES-designated High Priority Water Supply Lands and includes multiple vernal pools and beaver ponds, providing critical habitat for the wildlife in this region.
“Cheryl was deeply committed to ensuring her land would remain a haven for wildlife, plants, and trees,” said Kaitlin Deyo, Conservation Project Manager for SELT. “Her decision to donate a conservation easement over her land was an incredible gift that she dedicated to the living landscape it protects.”
Transaction funding for this project was provided by the Merrimack Conservation Partnership, a public/private effort for land conservation in the Merrimack River Watershed. To learn more, visit http://merrimackconservationpartnership.org.
About SELT
SELT is a nonprofit land trust with a mission to protect and sustain the significant lands in our communities for clean water, fresh food, outdoor recreation, healthy forests, and wildlife. Since 1980, the Southeast Land Trust has worked in 52 communities of southeastern New Hampshire to conserve nearly 30,000 acres of land through conservation agreements and ownerships. SELT is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, confirming its commitment to meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. For more information, visit seltnh.org.