Lakes Region Conservation Trust acquires Ragged Island

Lakes Region Conservation Trust will acquire Ragged Island and Little Ragged Island in Lake Winnipesaukee from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Ragged Island, 11.5 acres in size, is located in the middle of Winnipesaukee, between Little Bear Island on the north, Cow Island on the east, Sandy Island on the south, and Long Island on the west. Little Ragged Island, just off Ragged to the northeast, is a quarter-acre. The islands have a full mile of undeveloped shoreline, and include pine and oak forests, significant wetland areas, beaches, trails, and a loon nesting site that has been active for many years.

The trust plans to manage the property for conservation and nature observation and education, and to allow public access to the property. The property is expected to be a popular destination for canoers and kayakers.

The property was transferred to the science center in 1995 by the Natural Science for Youth Foundation, subject to a conservation easement conveyed to Lakes Region Conservation Trust. Since that time, the science center has periodically used the property for nature education programs, but in recent years has determined that the property is not central to its core mission and operations based in Holderness.

In order to provide additional permanent protection of the property, beyond that afforded by Lakes Region Conservation Trust's ownership, the science center and the trust have agreed that the trust will grant a conservation easement to prohibit uses other than conservation, nature study and education, habitat management, and low impact, non-motorized/non-mechanized recreation. The science center will continue to conduct environmental and nature education programs on the property.

OPT

LRCT President Don Berry said that the LRCT is very excited about the opportunity to assume permanent ownership and responsibility for stewardship of the property. “Ragged Island is one of the most scenic spots on Lake Winnipesaukee, and it will be one of the LRCT’s growing number of canoe and kayak landing points around the Lake,” Berry said. “We are grateful for the Science Center’s interest in working with the LRCT to ensure that the property is permanently preserved for the enjoyment of all who appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of Lake Winnipesaukee.”

Berry said that the LRCT has already embarked on a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to acquire and steward the Ragged Island property and plans to complete the campaign this fall. For information about donating to the campaign, please contact the LRCT by phone at 603-279-3246 or email at lrct@metrocast.net or visit the LRCT’s website at www.lrct.org.

Science Center Executive Director Iain MacLeod said that the Science Center has appreciated the opportunity to steward this special property and believes that it will be in capable hands with the LRCT. “The Science Center determined that the LRCT is the organization best suited to ensure that Ragged Island is preserved for conservation, habitat management, and nature education purposes, consistent with the expectations of those who were involved in the initial efforts to protect the property in the late 1970s and early 1980s.”

END OPT

Lakes Region Conservation Trust, based in Meredith, is an independent, non-profit, member-supported organization that protects key wildlife habitat, preserves freshwater and wilderness resources, and provides for public access to conservation lands for thoughtful recreation in the Lakes Region. Through the generous donations of thousands of people, the trust has protected more than 17,000 acres of conservation land in the region, including approximately 21 miles of shore frontage on the region's lakes and ponds. Among the trust’s key properties in and around Lake Winnipesaukee are Stonedam Island, Five Mile Island, and Blanchard Island, the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area in Moultonborough and Tuftonboro, the Red Hill Conservation Area in Moultonborough, Sewall Woods in Wolfeboro, and Knight’s Pond in Alton.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, based in Holderness, is a private, non-profit educational institution serving more than 75,000 visitors annually. The mission of the science center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world. For further information about the center, call 968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.