Copyright keenesentinel
The Monadnock Conservancy has accepted and finalized the donation of two woodlots in Fitzwilliam totaling 105 acres. These two properties have been donated to the Monadnock Conservancy by Anne Twitchell, 94, of Peterborough as a way of ensuring the properties remain undeveloped woodlots. The Conservancy, in accepting the donated properties, will now own and manage the woodlots moving forward. Woodlots are managed forests that have historically been used for lumber or other wood products. With proper forestry techniques, woodlots can be a renewable source of local wood and can provide opportunities for recreation and forestry education. The total donation of 105 acres consists of two properties. The first parcel is an 84-acre property which sits to the southeast of Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam, near the Massachusetts border. This property contains a stream, forested wetlands and wildlife habitat. Portions of the property have been deemed a priority for regional conservation organizations, including the Fitzwilliam Open Space Plan, for the wildlife habitat the forest offers. The second piece of land is a 21-acre parcel. Parts of this property fall within an important zone which supports Fitzwilliam’s water supply. The property also contains two streams and, like the Sandy Hollow property, has been identified by local and regional conservation organizations as having important wildlife habitats. Anne Twitchell of Peterborough worked with the Conservancy to see these properties protected. When asked about why this land is important to conserve, Twitchell said, “I am pleased that Monadnock Conservancy will be the guardian of these two lots in Fitzwilliam. They will be carrying on the forestry practices that David Kent has done for the past number of years and the wildlife will continue to have a home.” Land Protection Director Anne McBride, who worked with Twitchell to conserve these properties, added: “We are hugely grateful to Anne for these gifts of land that have been in her family for over a hundred years. We look forward to continuing her thoughtful stewardship of sustainable forestry and maintaining important wildlife habitat.” For more information about The Monadnock Conservancy, go to www.MonadnockConservancy.org or call 603-357-0600.
