Conservation Projects Awarded New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Grants in 2023

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) is an independent state authority created to ensure the perpetual contribution of natural, cultural and historic resources to the economy, environment, and quality of life in New Hampshire. LCHIP does this by providing matching grants to New Hampshire municipalities and non-profits to conserve and preserve the state’s heritage. As of December, 2022, LCHIP has awarded 564 grants, helping to conserve over 237,000 acres of land for food production, water quality, ecological values, timber management and recreation and has supported projects to study and rehabilitate 160 historic structures and sites. More about LCHIP

 

West Sawmill Town Forest Expansion, Atkinson
The Conservation Fund and the Town of Atkinson, working in partnership, have been awarded $118,000 to help expand the West Sawmill Town Forest. This project supports remarkable wetland ecosystems and the adjacent Sawmill Swamp, and ensures access to a public trails.

Landry-Nippo Lake Conservation Easement, Barrington
Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire has been awarded $350,000 to assist with the conservation of 162 acres in Barrington. This property includes a substantial stretch of undeveloped shoreline on Nippo Lake, the steep slopes of Mt. Misery, and important wetland and upland habitats and secures access to the lake and trails for the public to enjoy.

Bradford Bog Headwaters
Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT) has been awarded $80,000 to assist in the purchase of 71 acres in Bradford just upstream of the Bradford Bog. The property includes extensive frontage on East Washington Road and is highly ranked in the state's Wildlife Action Plan for its importance to wildlife. ASLPT plans to construct a small trail network for the public to enjoy the property.

Clarkridge Farm Conservation Easement, Goffstown
A $200,000 grant will help the Piscataquog Land Conservancy acquire a conservation easement on 71 acres along the General John Stark Scenic Byway in Goffstown. Known as Clarkridge Farm, the property consists of hayfields, mixed hardwood and pine forest, prime wetlands and open water. The easement will conserve prime agricultural and forest soils, protect prime wetlands and wildlife habitat, preserve a well-traveled scenic vista, and add to an extensive mosaic of conservation land in the area.

Lithia Spring Project, Londonderry
The Town of Londonderry’s Conservation Commission has been awarded $300,000 to acquire the 54-acre Lithia Spring property. The land supports a diverse mix of wetland habitats along Nesenkeag Brook which are important habitat for osprey, heron, and migrating ducks. The property also includes the historic site of the Lithia Spring, where “medicinal” water was once extracted and sold nationwide. The town plans to have trails that will allow the public to enjoy both the historic and natural features of the property.

Little Big Forest, Stoddard
The Town of Stoddard’s Conservation Commission has been awarded $400,000 to assist in acquisition of the Little Big Forest along Highland Lake in Stoddard. The property includes 4000 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Highland Lake, and 40 acres of forest exhibiting old-growth characteristics. The newly created community forest will secure public access to the lake, and provide outdoor learning opportunities for students at the nearby elementary school.

Great Meadow Expansion Project, Tuftonboro
LCHIP has awarded $31,600 to Moose Mountains Regional Greenways, which, in partnership with the Town of Tuftonboro, will acquire the 20-acre Lyon property in Tuftonboro, expanding 343 acres of conserved land in the Great Meadow wetland complex. The Town of Tuftonboro will install boardwalks and an observation deck for the public to enjoy this important wetland.