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CONWAY - In 2024, USVLT protected 5 properties and over 300 acres of land in Conway, Fryeburg, and Albany. “With the steadfast support of our generous donors and funders – combined with the extra-hard work of a depleted staff, board, committee members, and volunteers – we successfully completed the following conservation projects while rebuilding our organization. All of us at USVLT look forward to a productive 25th year under the insightful leadership of our remarkable Executive Director of seven months, Eric White,” says Board President Doug Burnell. 

Bun Lucy Fields. The conservation agreement on the Bun Lucy Fields property on West Side Road in Conway provides connectivity to a block of conserved lands and ensures the permanent protection of 38.5 acres of fields, forests, and high priority water supply lands along the Saco River. This project was made possible with the generous support of the landowners, Nat & Marianne Lucy, and funding from the NH DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund Program.

Lori Jean Kinsey Arboretum and Sanctuary. Located adjacent to Tin Mountain’s Nature Learning Center on Bald Hill Road in Albany, NH, USVLT’s conservation agreement with long-standing conservation partner Tin Mountain Conservation Center permanently protects 62 acres of land from development. Be sure to check out its 1.2-mile-long Accessible Nature Trail, welcoming people of all mobilities!

Jockey Cap. Small but mighty, this important local landmark in Fryeburg, ME is now forever protected thanks to a conservation agreement with the Town of Fryeburg. The conservation agreement covers the granite dome that is Jockey Cap and the surrounding forests. Improvements include a new parking area, trailhead and connector trail to existing trails. While the land may be conserved, Jockey Cap still needs support for Phase 3: improving and maintaining the area for recreational use.

Fryeburg Town Forest. In partnership with the Town of Fryeburg and Fryeburg Conservation Committee, a conservation agreement on the 60 acre property preserves this wonderful community resource for future generations. A one-mile loop trail provides public access for recreation. The historical relevance and natural resources, including frontage on the Saco River and the opportunity for carbon sequestration, make this a great asset for our region.

Bisson Preserve. USVLT acquired this 124-acre property in Conway through the generosity of Karyl and Ed Bisson. The wonderful network of looping trails built by the Bissons, along with the health and resilience of its re-emerging forests, will now be forever protected. 

Besides the above land acquisitions in 2024, USVLT also acquired 3 new staff members. Executive Director Eric White was the long-serving Education Director at Old Sturbridge Village before moving to the Boston Society for Architecture, where he became Executive Director in 2013. Land Steward Cindy Sellers joins USVLT with a diverse background in surveying and geographic science. Development & Outreach Coordinator Sam Hanson grew up in the Mount Washington Valley and graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a B.S. in Computer Science. They join Conservation Easement Manager Linda Comeau, who helped found and has been affiliated with USVLT since its conception in 2000, and Office Manager Vicki Soletsky, who has a history in veterinary technology. 

Looking ahead to 2025, USVLT is celebrating its 25th anniversary and welcomes Kate Shambaugh, who has a background in both behavioral and environmental sciences, as the new Conservation Director. Several conservation agreements are being worked on in Fryeburg, Albany, Madison, Brownfield and Conway, totaling over 1,400 acres. Land acquisition projects in Bartlett and Madison are also underway, which would preserve over 900 acres. Notably, the Chain of Ponds Community Forest Project–which will conserve 625 acres of forestland and waters in Madison, NH–is planned to be acquired in Fall 2025. The success of this project was made possible with the generous support of individuals and organizations, including $400,000 from USFS Community Forest Program grant, $350,000 from NH DES Drinking Water Groundwater Trust Fund and $250,000 from NH’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program.

In the 25 years since its founding, USVLT has completed 86 conservation projects and preserved more than 12,300 acres of sensitive habitats, working forests, and prime farmland in its 11-town service area in New Hampshire and Maine. The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is an accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and an equal opportunity provider.