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Conway, NH - Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) is honored to announce that it has been chosen as a 2024 recipient of a $400,000 award through the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) highly competitive Community Forest Grant Program. Chain of Ponds was ranked 5th of the strongest projects in the country. In fiscal year 2024, the USDA is awarding $5.5 million to create or add 13 community forests across the country that enhance saving the land in perpetuity. These community benefits include wood products, clean water, wildlife habitat, educational opportunities, and public access for recreation.

An ideal candidate for this award, Chain of Ponds Community Forest consists of 625 acres of land named for the string of ponds, wetlands and bogs that weave among glacial eskers in a narrow backwater valley in Madison. Adding to a large block of already-conserved land around Whitton Pond and Davis Pond, the seven contiguous parcels chain together the headwaters of two watersheds, Pequawket Brook to the north and Silver Lake and West Branch to the south.

Highlights of what this conservation project will help protect:

• Downstream community water supplies and pristine lakes and streams
• Trails meandering through an interesting, glacially impacted landscape, and along a ledged hilltop with nice views of Mt. Chocorua and the eastern Sandwich Range
• Waterfowl and beaver proliferating in the wetland/pond complexes, and an abundance of upland wildlife roaming through other areas - NH’s Wildlife Action Plan describes 98% of the lands as top-ranked habitat or supporting landscape
• Experiential learning opportunities for local students and nature lovers
• An entire undeveloped valley serving as backdrop and open space for nearby residents
• Opportunities for sound forest management and optimal carbon sequestration  

Chain of Ponds is a collaboration between USVLT, the Town of Madison and The Conservation Fund, culminating in a multi-decade community conservation effort to protect a valuable local resource and help to keep this special place a natural wonderland forever.

To learn more about the Chain of Ponds Community Forest and how you can help, please visit www.usvlt.org/chainofponds.

Photo: Joe Klementovich

Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization equal opportunity provider, accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, that works to protect land for community benefit. Since 2001, USVLT has completed 82 conservation projects, totaling nearly 12,000 acres throughout the towns of Hart’s Location, Bartlett, Jackson, Albany, Chatham, Conway, Eaton, and Madison in New Hampshire, and Brownfield, Denmark, and Fryeburg in Maine. To learn more, visit usvlt.org or call (603)662-0008.