The completion of the third largest conservation project in New Hampshire history will be celebrated today in the North Country...
The newly conserved land is called the Androscoggin River Headwaters. It covers about 31,300 acres clustered around Errol.
“The whole property will be open for public access for hiking, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling,” said J.T. Horn, an official with The Trust for Public Land, which orchestrated the project.
About 23,000 acres – or 73 percent of the land - will still be used for sustainable forestry by The Plum Creek Timber Company. Horn said.
But there can never be any development.
The deal also protects several miles along Route 26 and Route 16 called "The Moose Path Trail."
The project cost about $17 million, mostly in federal funds and it took about six years.
“Protection of these natural resources and recreation opportunities is what drives the regional economy for forest products and for tourism” Jeff Rose, Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, said in a statement.
It is the third largest conservation project in the state.
The first is the White Mountain National Forest with almost 800,000 acres, followed by the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters with 171,000 acres.
Officials expected to attend a ceremony this afternoon at the Umbagog Lake State Park include Governor Maggie Hassan.
