Bisson Preserve

Preserve

Public Access
Trails

December 16, 2024

The Bisson Preserve was generously donated by Karyl & Ed Bisson, preserving 124 acres of trails and forests in Conway.

Conservation Values

• Habitat Types: 

  • 120 acres Hemlock-hardwood-pine Habitat

  • 1.0 acres Peatland

  • 0.5 acres Temperate swamp

  • 1.5 acres Grassland

• Protection of scenic views along 826 feet of undeveloped road frontage on Benlor Drive, an unpaved private road.
• Protection of the water quality of the Conway Lake & Saco River Watershed by filtering surface water & limiting erosion, siltation & nutrient loading.

 

History

During European settlement of the area, the Property was originally a portion of the Samuel Stark Farm. The presence of stone walls throughout the Property & remnants of barbed wire fence suggests that at one time the land was cleared for agriculture. Farm abandonment & associated loss of pasture likely occurred during the late 1800s or early 1900s. The process of succession from pasture to forest created the Property’s current forested landscape. Karyl & Edgar Bisson subsequently purchased the Property in 2004, and over the years created & maintained a network of recreational trails throughout the Property. In 2023, Karyl & Edgar contacted USVLT about their interest in donating the land, in order to protect its public recreation access, scenic enjoyment, and wildlife habitat.

Recreation

The preserve can be accessed at Benlor Drive off of Stark Road in Conway. A network of trails exists all around the property, allowing for low impact recreation such as walking, cross country skiing and nature observation. 

State(s): NH
Town(s): conway
Acres: 124
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