Strong Support for Connecticut Lakes Proposal (NH)

PITTSBURG, NH, 12/10/01: The following is a joint statement of support by the Trust for Public Land, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and The Nature Conservancy of New Hampshire, released today after the announcement of the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Partnership Task Force’s final recommendations for the conservation of the 171,500-acres of International Paper land in Coos County.

“The Task Force’s proposal is a consensus solution that ensures a heritage of forestry and public recreational access, while permanently protecting this vast forested landscape and its key natural areas,” said Jane Difley, president/forester of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. “We hope the spirit of cooperation enjoyed to date will continue as we work to secure the state, federal, and private funding necessary to complete this project.” Ms. Difley was one of 24 on the Task Force’s steering committee.

“The recommendations of the Task Force will go a long way toward guaranteeing that the Connecticut Headwaters property will always contribute to the state’s economy, be open to the public for recreation, and provide habitat for wildlife,” said David Houghton, field office director for the Trust for Public Land. “Securing the future of this land is more important than ever given the economic challenges facing the North Country. The opportunity to conserve this land may not come again.” Mr. Houghton was one of 24 on the Task Force’s steering committee.

“The natural areas chosen by the Task Force harbor some of state’s most important natural features – rugged mountain peaks, remote ponds, lush wetlands, and rich lowland forests – and will protect a wide spectrum of northern New Hampshire’s native plants and animals. This will provide New Hampshire’s game and nongame species, along with the great variety of plants native to our state, a place where they can thrive and from which they can replenish the rest of our landscape,” said Daryl Burtnett, state director of The Nature Conservancy. “The Task Force’s recommendations provide an excellent framework for making decisions about the future of the Connecticut Headwaters region.” Mr. Burtnett was one of 18 on the Task Force’s technical committee.

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving land for people to enjoy as parks and open space. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 1.4 million acres nationwide, including nearly 20,000 acres in New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.tpl.org.Founded in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is a 10,000 member non-profit organization that has helped protect over one million acres of land in the state. Visit www.spnhf.org for more information.

The Nature Conservancy is an international conservation organization dedicated to preserving the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Conservancy has helped to protect more than 92 million acres of ecologically significant land worldwide, including nearly 92,000 in New Hampshire. Visit www.nature.org for more information.