News and Events

Spring 2009

Efforts this year will focus on stewardship of the parcels under control of the MVCC. Trails need considerable cleanup as a result of the ice storm, and we are always looking for volunteers to assist with trail clearing and maintenance.

We recently marked a 3 mile loop trail on the Wah Lum Reserve. The trail begins at the parking area on Dow Road, starting on a new segment cut last fall as part of Dan Allen's Eagle Scout Project. We should have a kiosk up by summertime!

Gates will be installed at the north and east entrances to Wah Lum Reserve, the Archibald lot on Route 13, and the Hebert Forest on Salisbury Road. Again, volunteers are appreciated in getting the gates installed.

We have flagged an area at the top of the hill on North Wah Lum, and foresters will clear the brush to return the area to hilltop meadow. This will create diverse wildlife habitat and ensure the beautiful view is maintained. Many thanks to all the volunteers who have participated in these activities to date.

Fall 2008

• Develop road access off Salisbury Road for forestry, recreation, and emergency response.
• Provide an example to landowners of the benefits in maintaining open space by generating revenues while following sustainable forestry management practices.
• Comply with Tree Farms designation standards
• Improve wildlife habitat
• Improve recreational access/trails

In addition to the efforts of the MVCC, an Eagle Scout project is underway to develop a trail head kiosk and begin marking trails.

Over the summer we worked on clearing trails on the Wah Lum Reserve parcels. As part of the road improvements to Dow Road, a parking area was established on lot 1-10, and an Eagle Scout project is underway to develop a trail head kiosk, as well as to cut a new trail north from the parking area. THis new trail ties into the existing trail network on the southern Wah Lum lot 1-9. From this parking area it is a short hike to lower, middle, and upper Purgatory Falls.

March 12th, 2008

The commission wishes to thank the townspeople for voting to approve the purchase of the 2 parcels in the Purgatory Watershed known as the Wah Lum Reserve. Special thanks go out to those who contributed with their time, creativity, financial support, fund raising, and moral support of this worthwhile project.

January 26th, 2008

The Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee members are pleased to announce that the Amherst Land Trust has issued a Challenge Grant matching all individual contributions to the Wah Lum Reserve project, up to $25,000, made between now and Town Meeting 3/11.

To date we have received over $134,000 in individual donations and pledges towards the purchase of Wah Lum Reserve! Our total contributions eligible for the Challenge Grant are slightly over $1,500. We have made amazing progress, but we need your help to maximize the benefits of the Challenge. We ask for your financial support, and encourage you to tell your friends and neighbors. You can find the donation form here.

Over $87,000 in donations are contingent on the town taking possession of the property. Please attend Town Meeting 3/11/2008 and vote YES in support of the purchase!

October 13th, 2007

The Mont Vernon Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee are sponsoring a hike in the Purgatory Watershed. The land includes the newly acquired parcels, aka Wah Lum Reserve, as well as the Nadeau Forest. If you are interested in attending, plan on spending about 3-4 hours hiking. Hikers should be prepared. Some parts of this hike are on rough, steep terrain and participants should be in good physical condition. If you wish to attend, please register ahead of time as the number of participants will be limited. To register, simply contact the Conservation Commission and let us know how many will be participating.

The plan is to meet at 9am at the Town Hall, with groups departing from the landing area off Purgatory Road as well as the newly established parking area on Dow Road.

August 20th, 2007

The Amherst Land Trust completes the acquisition of 248 acres in the Purgatory Watershed. Following a public hearing July 30th, the Selectmen unanimously approved using $100,000 from the Conservation Fund towards the purchase. The Land Trust has extended the town a 2 year option agreement to purchase the parcels outright, during which time the Conservation Commission and Open Space Committees will conduct fund raising activities to offset the costs. See the Project Summary on the Town Lands page for details. If you wish to donate to the project, use this form.

July 18th, 2007

We are pleased to report that the Town of Mont Vernon, represented by the Conservation Commission, has partnered with the Amherst Land Trust to enter into a Purchase and Sales agreement for 2 parcels in the Purgatory Brook watershed, Mont Vernon tax map lots 1-9 and 1-22, from Boisvert Properties LLC. Further details will be released as they become available. In the interim, please direct inquiries to George Bower or Steve Ruddock of the Amherst Land Trust.

The Purgatory Gorge, which includes three waterfalls, is perhaps the most prominent natural landmark in Mont Vernon. The watershed is identified in the Town Master Plan as an area of importance for permanent protection. These properties will join 3 existing protected lots to form nearly 2 miles of contiguous permanently protected open space along the east side of Purgatory Brook in Mont Vernon, totaling nearly 500 acres. Check out the latest map of protected lands in Mont Vernon.

We are eternally grateful for the assistance provided by the ALT, without which this would not have been possible.

March 2007

Hebert Lot - Tax map 6-17

Many thanks to the voters for establishing this parcel as an official Town Forest at the 2007 town meeting. We have marked the boundaries, walked the site with the county forester, and are in the process of hiring a licensed forester to assist with development of a Forest Management Plan.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding Town Forests, check out the article from the NH Local Government Center, Seeing the Forest for the Trees.

We have also prepared an FAQ pertaining to the town's implementation of the Town Forest designation.