Upper Saco Valley Land Trust acquires scenic road easements

Dickinson donates easements to 700 acres in South Conway

Two conservation easements to more than 700 acres of land in South Conway were donated last month to the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust by resident and Selectman Howard Crow Dickinson Jr., the land trust announced this week.In addition to the 70 acres, the easements protect more than two miles of road frontage on Gulf Road, Baird Hill Road, Greeley Road and Leavitt Road in South Conway from development. All of these roads are designated as scenic roads by the Town of Conway under New Hampshire RSA 231:157, according to land trust spokeswoman Linda Comeau. The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is extremely grateful to Mr. Dickinson for the opportunity to protect this important community resource. In addition to protecting the propertys scenic values, the easement protects its forest resources ensuring sustainable forestry using best management practices. Combined with several other conservation easements which have been donated to the organization over the years, more than 1,700 acres in South Conway are now permanently protected by the land trust, said Comeau. The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust has been great to work with and made the conservation easement donation process understandable and simple. said Dickinson. I highly recommend the organization to other landowners who are interested in protecting their land as well.Because of the generosity of Dickinson, the Earle family and several of their neighbors, Comeau said this rural area will remain much as it is now for future generations to enjoy.To truly appreciate what a significant contribution these easements are to the community, take the time to drive along the scenic back roads of South Conway. You won't be disappointed, said Comeau.The Dickinson easements contributed to the Upper Saco Valley Land Trusts most successful year ever. The land trust closed on nine conservation easements in 2007, which were donated to the organization by generous land owners throughout the valley.We have now acquired a total of 26 conservation easements permanently protecting 3,778 acres from development, said Comeau.The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is a private, nonprofit organization working in partnership with local landowners in the watershed of the upper Saco River in New Hampshire and Maine to permanently protect local lands and bodies of water.For more information, call 356-9683 or visit www.usvlt.org.