Piper Mountain summit, 273 acres of forest permanently conserved

GILFORD — The Lakes Region Conservation Trust and the Gilford Conservation Commission are announcing the permanent conservation of a key 273-acre parcel of land on Piper Mountain in Gilford in the Belknap Mountain Range. The parcel encompasses Piper Mountain's open summit, elevation 2,044 feet, the surrounding unfragmented forest and wild habitat, and parts of key hiking trails.

Anyone who has hiked on Piper Mountain or elsewhere in the Belknaps, or who enjoys the views of the Belknaps from around the region, can attest to the beauty of this landscape. Contiguous to thousands of acres of conserved land, the Piper Mountain parcel has long been a conservation priority for LRCT and the town of Gilford. This project ensures that Piper Mountain's wildness and scenery, popular trails, and magnificent views of surrounding mountains and lakes can be enjoyed for generations to come.

LRCT President Don Berry said "the strong and enthusiastic support for the Piper Mountain project is a testament to the importance of the Belknap Range as a destination for hiking and other recreational activities and as a key natural landmark of the Lakes Region."

Berry said that LRCT is particularly grateful for the dedication of the Gilford Land Conservation Task Force and the Gilford Conservation Commission to the conservation of Piper Mountain and for the Conservation Commission's approval of a substantial contribution from the town's Conservation Fund. Berry also recognized the Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation for a enerous challenge grant which helped to bring the campaign to a successful conclusion, as well as the Belknap Range Conservation Coalition and the Belknap County Sportsmen's Association for their important support for and assistance in the project's success.

Carole Hall, chair of the Gilford Conservation Commission, said: "We are very thankful for the strong support for the Piper Mountain project from so many people in Gilford and points beyond. This is an outstanding conservation achievement for the town, and we are pleased to have worked with LRCT to raise the necessary funds. It has been a very successful partnership."

The Piper Mountain project is the second land conservation effort in recent years that LRCT and the Gilford Conservation Commission have worked on together. In 2014, the two organizations conserved the 332-acre Moulton Valley parcel, which abuts the Piper Mountain property.

LRCT is now the owner of the Piper Mountain parcel, and the town of Gilford holds a conservation easement on the property. As part of the project, LRCT also granted to the town a conservation easement on another contiguous parcel of 86 acres already owned by LRCT.

With the completion of the Piper Mountain project, LRCT owns and the town of Gilford holds a conservation easement on contiguous parcels totaling 691 acres, protecting key habitat, incredible hiking trails and destinations, and unspoiled natural habitat in the heart of the Belknap Mountains.

View from the top of Piper Mountain. (Courtesy photo)