The Connecticut River Watershed in western New Hampshire has some of the most important wildlife habitat and water resources in our state. We are thankful that Gov. Chris Sununu is now helping to ensure that generations from now, this will still be true.
New England’s longest river begins at the Nature Conservancy’s Fourth Connecticut Lake Preserve, located on the Canadian Border in Pittsburg.
More than 400 miles later, the Connecticut River enters the ocean at Long Island Sound. Along the way, the river and its watershed are home to important wetland, upland forest and salt marsh habitats where hundreds of animal species and millions of people coexist.
In New Hampshire, the tributaries and forests that make up the Connecticut River watershed not only provide clean water and habitat for iconic species such as native brook trout, black bear and moose, but also provide important services for downstream communities.
For example, the forest lands surrounding the headwaters of the Mascoma River in Canaan and Lyme help filter the drinking water for the city of Lebanon before flowing into the Connecticut River.
Protecting these forested lands protects wildlife habitat, and helps provide clean water for New Hampshire communities.
Helping achieve the goals of water quality and habitat conservation in the Connecticut River Watershed is the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
Established by Congress in 1997, the Conte Refuge is located in the four states through which the Connecticut River flows – New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The refuge and partners work with communities and willing landowners in strategic focus areas within the watershed to keep forests as forest – conserving and restoring the most important habitats, ensuring water quality and effectively managing wildlife populations.
One of the ways by which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with partners such as the Nature Conservancy, can advance these goals is to purchase conservation easements from private landowners who have a desire to see their forestlands, wildlife and water resources protected.
Conservation easements provide a win-win-win opportunity for conservation, communities and landowners alike.
Through the conveyance of easements, landowners wishing to leave a conservation legacy can do so while retaining ownership of their land. Because the conserved land remains in private ownership, municipalities still receive property tax revenue. The landowner continues to manage the woods.
Finally, the public wins because the natural resources and recreational values of the land remain intact and accessible for future generations. Easements are a tried and true approach, and are broadly supported across the Granite State.
In addition to these benefits, conserving lands within the Conte Refuge is important for traditional outdoor recreation.
Lands conserved in partnership with the refuge are open to the public for hunting, fishing, observing and studying wildlife, and for other traditional uses. When conserved, these lands remain vital habitat for game and nongame species to thrive, in perpetuity.
At a time of rapid change, conserving resilient and connected landscapes in places like the Connecticut River watershed is more important than ever if New Hampshire wants to keep the diversity of wildlife we find in our streams and forests today.
Gov. Sununu recognizes the importance of wisely conserving New Hampshire’s natural resources and protecting public access for generations to come.
In a recent letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sununu wrote about the importance and value of using conservation easements as a tool for landowners, public agencies and private organizations to achieve conservation goals within the Conte Refuge.
Appreciation for New Hampshire’s lands and waters is synonymous with what it means to be a Granite Stater.
If we want the next generation to enjoy the abundant and diverse wildlife New Hampshire has today, then we need to work to strategically protect important habitat and landscapes like the Connecticut River Watershed.
The governor’s strong position on the use of conservation easements in the Conte Refuge is a step in the right direction for the lands and waters and wildlife of our state.
(Jim O’Brien is director of external affairs for the Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire.)