NEW HAMPSHIRE—In July, New Hampshire acquired a conservation easement that secured the permanent protection of 1,248.5 acres of privately owned forestland in the northeastern part of the state. The USDA Forest Service provided a $2.3 million grant through its Forest Legacy Program to help the state acquire the land. Prior to the state’s acquisition of the conservation easement, the property was believed to be the largest block of unprotected forested land under single ownership in Mount Washington Valley.

Located adjacent to the White Mountain National Forest and other lands under easements, the Dundee Community Forest expands protected wildlife movement corridors and provides opportunities to establish connections with existing recreational trails in the area. It also helps protect vital waterways and aquatic resources, including several streams that feed into the federally designated Wildcat Wild and Scenic River and tributaries to the East Branch of the Saco River, which support drinking water for more than 250,000 people in New Hampshire and Maine.

“The Forest Service is honored to help protect this valuable resource through the Forest Legacy Program helping to secure the social, economic and environmental benefits of Dundee Community Forest. This includes protecting vital waterways that support drinking water for thousands in New Hampshire and Maine, sustainable timber harvesting, and expansion of recreation opportunities,” said Regional Forester Gina Owens.

The New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources worked closely with the Trust for Public Land, which helped facilitate the project. The easement protects the land from incompatible development, allows for sustainable forest management, and provides public recreational access for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

According to State Forester Patrick Hackley, who also serves as director of the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, establishing the Dundee Community Forest enhances quality of life and helps keep forests as forests in the state’s efforts to address the effects of a changing climate.

“We are pleased to see the Dundee Community Forest conserved,” Hackley said. “Forestland conservation is our greatest tool in maintaining our forest-based economy, rural communities and thriving recreational tourism.”

The Dundee Community Forest is now owned by the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust. While the legacy program funding purchased land from the previous landowner, the trust was able to acquire the land from the Dundee Management Corporation using funding provided by the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program, New Hampshire Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund and numerous private donations. The property will be managed by the trust for non-motorized recreation, wildlife conservation and sustainable timber harvesting in accordance with the provisions of the state-held conservation easement.