Meredith closes on purchase of conservation land

The town has officially closed on the purchase of 194-acres of open space that will be preserved for future generations and open to the public for different recreational activities.

The Eames Trust Property, located on Tucker Mountain Road in the western part of Meredith, is one of two major conservation projects that voters gave their blessing to at town meeting in March of 2003 when they approved borrowing $500,000 to help pay for the 194-acre tract, as well as a conservation and preservation easement on the 125-acre historic Longridge Farm.

Combined, the two projects cost $1.32 million. Of that, about $554,550 (52 percent) was paid for through federal and state grants and private donations by the property owners.

There is still a possibility that two more grants totaling $150,000 may be approved.

The Eames property, also known as the Chemung District, will link with the Hamlin Recreation and Conservation Area's trails, which can be accessed by way of the Hamlin trailhead on Chemung Road. New hiking trails are also planned for the Eames property.

Future development is one of the primary reasons that the conservation commission here spearheaded an initiative to purchase the tract of land nearly three years ago. In one grant application it is noted that because the Chemung area is so close to Interstate-93, it is likely to see pressure for development in the future.

The property no longer can be sold or subdivided and it will not see any type of residential or commercial development.

Much of the land abuts the 310-acre Hamlin Conservation Area, and it is catty-corner to the Tucker Mountain Town Forest. It is also near the 150+ acre Leighton Wildlife area and the Freeman Conservation Easement.

Other noteworthy aspects about the land include the fact that it is home to two large beaver ponds, wetlands, wildlife corridors and it boasts of 2000-feet of frontage along a town-designated scenic road.

The major acquisition of the property will be dedicated during a public ceremony planned for the springtime.