Town of Farmington - Conservation Commission

This was a very productive year for the Conservation Commission. Working with various organizations such as The Strafford Rivers Conservancy (SRC), Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG), local landowners, and other state agencies, the Conservation Commission was able to secure over 100 acres into conservation easements. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a state or local land conservation agency that permanently prohibits development and protects its use by the public, with or without certain limitations on recreational activities.

Art and Gayle LeClair placed 107 acres, which abut Blue Job State Forest into conservation. This land compliments the abutting 46 acres that the Fernald’s placed into easement in 2008. Additionally, Mr. Maynard put 19 acres into a conservation easement. Listed with the New Hampshire Historical Society, Mr. Maynard’s contribution was considered more for its historical value rather than its size. These properties, all located on Sheepboro Road, are in an area identified by the Farmington Conservation Commission, with guidance from MMRG, as most desirable.

Our Town Forest has been expanded by 6 acres, donated by the Davenport family. This parcel connects Abbott’s Grant with the Waldron Grant and now connects the Town Forest with Bay Road. The Davenport family’s generosity has allowed us to remove the cable restricting vehicle access and create a small area for off-road parking. This should go a long way in improving safety for those visiting the forest. A sign, fashioned after the Abbott and Waldron signs, recognizes the Davenport’s contribution to the welfare of our community.

A new gate was placed at the beginning of the fire road which leads into the forest. This is for emergency vehicle access only! Please do not touch it, paint it, destroy it, or block it!

Out on River Road; the commission has begun to implement the management plan of the French property. Members and volunteers began clearing a woodcock breeding area, as well as placing small green and white placards roadside to identify the property’s boundaries.

Placards were also placed at the Dubois property. Additionally, the commission engaged the services of a company to do a management plan on the 197 acres of the Dubois property, which we will be implementing as soon as the NH Fish & Game Department approves. The Conservation Commission has also been actively monitoring our other properties in town.

The Conservation Commission is funded by the current use tax. The current use tax is a tax applied to land when it is taken out of current use. The idea is when land is developed; monies can be put toward other lands to be conserved and maintained. In lieu of purchasing land; the commission is focused on conservation easements and donations.

The Conservation Commission continues to seek new members. We currently meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 pm at the Municipal Offices and the public is always welcome.

The members of the Farmington Conservation Commission would like to give special thanks to the scouts of Troop #188, and Brandy Sanger for their assistance in clearing the woodcock area on the French property; refreshing the existing signs at the Town Forest; and building the sign for the Davenport donation.

We would like to thank the Board of Selectmen and town personnel responsible for expanding the parking area at the Town Forest. We also would like to thank the community for their support through out the years.