To The Daily Sun,
Living here is a gift. With sunsets over our lakes, trails through ancient forests, and a natural beauty that is not just scenic but central to our town’s value and vitality, we have something remarkable — and worth protecting.
Like neighboring towns, Gilmanton uses the Land Use Change Tax, a smart, self-balancing tool that supports conservation. This tax is paid only by landowners or developers who remove land from Current Use in order to develop it. While development can increase tax revenue, it also brings increased demand for town services such as schools, road maintenance, and fire and police protection. Conserved land, by contrast, requires minimal services while providing significant public benefit and helping make Gilmanton a desirable place to live.
Many nearby towns — including Belmont, Canterbury, and Gilford — dedicate 100% of their LUCT revenue to conservation. Currently, Gilmanton splits LUCT revenue evenly between the General Fund and the Conservation Fund. A new warrant article proposes removing the Conservation Fund’s entire 50% share and redirecting it to the General Fund. Based on town data, this change would save the average Gilmanton taxpayer less than the cost of one tank of gas per year — while crippling conservation efforts and leaving our town behind our neighbors.
Nature is not a luxury; it is the foundation of a healthy, sustainable economy. Our natural landscapes support recreation, tourism, local businesses, agriculture, and strong property values. Conservation also reduces flood risk and protects clean water and air. Once open land is lost, it is gone forever.
We believe our Selectboard, Conservation Commission, and residents share the same goal: a thriving town we are proud to call home. As vice chair of the Conservation Commission, join us on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. at the Deliberative Session at Gilmanton School, 1386 Route 140, to continue this important conversation.
Stephen Hopkins
Gilmanton
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