Location
Weare, NH

Size
608 Acres

Year Protected
2006

Weare Historical Society President Betty Straw described this 608-acre Pine Hill parcel as "the last big chunk of land that's going to be available."

Eastman Conservation Area

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On March 14, 2006, by a vote of 1234 - 456, Weare voters approved the purchase of land extending from Concord Stage Road to the Henniker line. Historical Society President Betty Straw described this 608-acre Pine Hill parcel as "the last big chunk of land that's going to be available." Taxpayers funded a $700,000 bond toward the $1,800,000 purchase price.

The project began last October when Weare Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee member Steve Najjar learned that Frank Ferrante sought approval for eight house lots on Pine Hill Road. The two met, and the result was an agreement to offer the majority of the Ferrante parcel for sale as conservation land. What followed is a testimony to the power of cooperation and directed efforts. Margaret Watkins, the PLC's Executive Director, and Carol Hall of the Russell Foundation offered guidance. The Trust for Public Lands negotiated the purchase price.

The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee became involved. Dick Ludders from the John Stark Regional High School Board, Paul Doscher from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Weare resident Rosemary Conroy, and Jerry Shinn from the PLC Board lent support along with the NH Fish and Game Department, Goffstown Fish and Game Club, and the Weare Historical Society.

A bequest Mildred Hall had left to the town directed the selectmen to establish a Mildred Hall Bequest Advisory Committee. Historical Society members Betty Straw, Terry Knowles, and Ruth Jones were appointed, and met in January to evaluate possible projects. Purchase of the Pine Hill property "…seemed like a natural fit to us. It had a substantial impact on the town and met a substantial need," said Mrs. Straw. The land abuts property once belonging to Mildred's grandfather, Scott Bailey. Arthur Bailey logged the land, leaving trails for easy walking. The committee offered $800,000 toward the land purchase.

Goffstown Fish & Game provided $1,000. Through fees added to hunting licenses, NH Fish & Game contributed $50,000. An ad hoc group called Friends of the Pine Hill Forest was formed to promote passage of the bond request on the warrant.

Tours of the land revealed a richness of habitats and species. The panoramic view from Rattlesnake Hill is worth the trek, and the marsh is a breeding ground for much wildlife. The PLC will hold and monitor a conservation easement protecting Pine Hill, which never has and never will be developed. It abuts protected land in Hopkinton, providing a major conservation resource.

A stone monument will bear a brief history of Mildred Hall's bequest on one side. Her parents' names will be on the other side. The land will be known as the Charles and Ethel Eastman Conservation Area, a town forest.

A dedication ceremony is expected to be held early in 2008.