Meredith voters asked to approve $400k toward purchase of 567-acre Page Pond property

A private/public partnership between The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Town of Meredith hopes to permanently conserve 567 acres on Meredith Neck that features an unfragmented forest, a completely undeveloped 19-acre pond, and an extensive wetland complex. On Wednesday March 12, Meredith’s voters will be asked to consider warrant article #9 at Town Meeting, which would authorize the town to borrow $400,000 for acquisition.

The Page Pond and Forest project is thought by many to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the town to conserve a valuable property it has sought to protect for over 25 years. Working in partnership with TPL, the town hopes to acquire the property this summer for permanent conservation. If acquired, the Town of Meredith would own and manage the property for low-impact recreational uses, wildlife habitat and water quality protection.

TPL is a national non-profit conservation organization, which has negotiated the option for the town to purchase the property from its current owner, The Wilds of New England. Rodger Krussman, state director for TPL, said, “We are very excited to be a part of this conservation opportunity in Meredith. As a result of our work with communities throughout New England, we understand the desire for towns to play a critical role in conserving natural resources. Long term stewardship is often best assured through local involvement and ownership.”

TPL and the Town must raise $2.6-million by May 30, 2008 to acquire the property and cover anticipated project costs. To date, the Town of Meredith has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the state’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), and the town has approximately $300,000 on hand to apply toward the purchase. A dedicated group of local volunteers is working to raise the remaining $1.45-million needed through private donations, and has made significant progress to date. The Page Pond $400,000 warrant article to be considered on March 12 will play an essential role in completing the acquisition, as will the additional $50,000 appropriation to the Open Space/Conservation Expendable Trust Fund.

Meredith residents have long considered the Page Pond and Forest tract as an identifying feature of the community and a highly significant scenic area. After past efforts to protect the property proved unsuccessful, Town officials contacted TPL two years ago to begin negotiations with the current landowner, The Wilds of New England.

Peter Miller of the Meredith Conservation Commission said, “Because of the size of the property and its location, purchasing of the 567-acres will help preserve Meredith’s village way of life forever. To allow this property to fall into the hands of a developer is unthinkable. A hypothetical build out analysis done by Town Planner John Edgar found that nearly 190-units of cluster type housing could be built on the property. Meredith voters understand the long-term quality of life issues at stake, and their support for the $400,000 bond issue is appreciated.”

The option agreement signed by The Wilds and TPL expires on April 30, 2008. If the conservation effort is unsuccessful, the current owner could proceed with development plans or sell the property on the open market.

Frank Michel, chair of the Meredith Selectboard, said “Under the proposed financial structure, the town is being asked to pay about 30-cents on the dollar for a property highly valued for its location and resources. Not only is this an excellent value for the town of Meredith, but this investment is symbolic of the Town’s commitment to preserving the quality of life we can all cherish in the future.”

The Town of Meredith and regional conservation groups have long identified the Page Brook property as a priority for protection because of its size, its impact on the Lake Winnipesaukee watershed, and its varied natural habitat. The Page Brook wetlands are the most diverse and highly valued wetlands in Meredith, providing ideal habitat for fish and many birds. This rich aquatic system, in close proximity to a large forested upland area, also provides critical habitat for many game and non-game species, including bear, coyote, moose, mink, beaver, otter, and muskrat.

After the purchase, the Conservation Commission will open up the property for year-round low-impact recreation, including hiking, cross country skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, bird watching and nature appreciation. As a community owned and managed asset, public access and recreation would continue in perpetuity.

The Trust for Public Land, established in 1972, specializes in conservation real estate, applying its expertise in negotiations, public finance, and law to protect land for people to enjoy as parks, greenways, community gardens, urban playgrounds, and wilderness. TPL depends on the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations. In New Hampshire, TPL has protected more than 200,000 acres. TPL’s New England Community Forestry Initiative has spearheaded community forest projects in several New Hampshire towns, including Errol, Randolph, Freedom, and Dunbarton. For more information, visit TPL on the web at www.tpl.org.