Eastman Conservation Area
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The Charles & Ethel Eastman Conservation AreaGPS Coordinates: N 43° 7 36.9, W 71° 44 42.7 Acres: 608 |  |
Eastman Conservation AreaHistory, Adopted from PLC On March 14, 2006, by a vote of 1234 - 456, Weare voters approved the purchase of land in north Weare extending from Concord Stage Road to the Henniker line (east of Route 114, north of Route 77, and west of Hatfield Road). The land consists of an un-fragmented mixed forest with south facing slopes and significant wetlands, characteristics that ranked it very high in conservation value. Historical Society President Betty Straw described this 608-acre Pine Hill parcel as "the last big chunk of land that's going to be available." Tours of the land revealed a richness of habitats and species. The panoramic view from Rattlesnake Hill is worth the trek, and the marsh is a breeding ground for much wildlife. The property connects to several thousand acres of protected open space lands in neighboring towns, preserving wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities of regional significance. The project began in October 2005 when Weare Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee learned that Frank Ferrante sought approval for eight house lots on Pine Hill Road. Open Space Committee members Pat Myers and Steve Najjar met with Frank, and the result was an agreement to offer the majority of the Ferrante parcel for sale as conservation land. What followed is a testimony to the power of cooperation and dedicated well-directed efforts. |
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Many groups made significant contributions to the project. Margaret Watkins, the Piscataquog Watershed Association (PWA)'s Executive Director, and Carol Hall of the Russell Foundation offered guidance. The Trust for Public Lands negotiated the purchase price. The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee became involved and supported the project. Dick Ludders from the John Stark Regional High School Board, Paul Doscher from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Weare resident Rosemary Conroy, and Jerry Shinn from the PWA Board lent support along with Jim Oehler and Charlie Bridges from the NH Fish and Game Department, Goffstown Fish and Game Club, and the Weare Historical Society. Taxpayers funded a $700,000 bond toward the $1,800,000 purchase price. Goffstown Fish & Game provided $1,000. Using funds from hunting license fees, NH Fish & Game contributed $50,000. The balance of required funds (approximately $250,000) was allocated from the Town’s Conservation Fund. An ad hoc group called Friends of the Pine Hill Forest was formed to promote passage of the bond request on the warrant. One group came forward with a tremendous contribution that made all the difference in turning hope into reality. A bequest Mildred Hall had left to the Town directed the Selectmen to establish a Mildred Hall Bequest Advisory Committee. Historical Society members Betty Straw, Terry Knowles, and Ruth Jones, Malcom Wright, Rad Betts and Sherry Burdick were appointed, and met in January to evaluate possible projects. Purchase of the Pine Hill property " …seemed like a natural fit to us. It had a substantial impact on the town and met a substantial need," said Mrs. Straw. The land abuts property once belonging to Mildred's grandfather, Scott Bailey. Arthur Bailey logged the land, leaving trails for easy walking. The committee offered $800,000 toward the land purchase. In recognition of the spirit that made the project a success, a stone monument will bear a brief history of Mildred Hall's bequest on one side, her parents' names will be on the other side, and the land will be known as the Charles and Ethel Eastman Conservation Area, a town forest. The PWA will hold and monitor a conservation easement protecting the Charles and Ethel Eastman Conservation Area in perpetuity. The main Eastman Conservation Area entrance is located at the end of Pine Hill Road in Weare. Pine Hill Road can be found by on Route 77 in North Weare, just east of the intersection of Center Rd. and NH Route 77. If you have questions concerning the Eastman Conservation Area, or if you would like materials on protecting your family land, please contact the Weare Conservation Commission through the Town Office at (603) 529-7575 or email conservation@weare.nh.gov. Pictured is the completed stone monument that was etched as part of the easement terms. The etching reads: This parcel is a town forest and is under timber management, check the main town web site for harvesting schedules. | |
