Reney Memorial Forest Project (September 2002)
An initiative to conserve 434 acres in Grantham, NH
The Upper Valley's sweeping views and rolling, forested hills rising up from the Connecticut River Valley are distinctive and beckoning...
Residents of Grantham and its surrounding communities have a unique opportunity to help preserve one of these sweeping, forested hills and the rural character of the area by helping to conserve a 434-acre parcel in Grantham.
The land, appraised at $350,000, is being offered to SPNHF by Everett "Mike" Reney and his sister, Lena Cote, for $150,000. A local fundraising campaign has already generated about two-thirds of the funds needed to purchase the property, but SPNHF must raise the balance by December 31.
Property Description
- The land is located between Routes 10 and 114 (with extensive frontage on both roads), and forms a prominent hillside backdrop for Grantham.
- The property has about a half mile of frontage on the Sugar River and is a productive woodland with abundant wildlife, deer, and moose populations.
- For many years, a number of snowmobile trails have been maintained across the property, as well as a warming hut, and these trails are part of a large, regional trail system.
- The parcel is subject to significant development pressure because of its proximity to I-89 and its location within easy commuting distance of the Hanover-Lebanon area.
SPNHF's Proposal for the Reney Memorial Forest
- The Reney Memorial Forest will be maintained in perpetuity as conservation land managed for multiple uses.
- The property will remain open to the public for passive recreation activities including hiking, picnicking, hunting, and snowmobiling.
- SPNHF anticipates installing a parking area and trailhead kiosk just off Route 10 (at the old lumber slide). SPNHF will maintain trails and signage with the assistance of local volunteer land stewards.
- Snowmobiling will be allowed and the warming hut will remain on the property in cooperation with local snowmobile clubs.
- Timber will occasionally be harvested in an environmentally friendly, "green-certified" manner.
- SPNHF will voluntarily pay property taxes to the Town of Grantham.
Contributions to the Reney Memorial Forest Project
- Contributions to the Reney Memorial Forest Project will be used to fund the purchase and stewardship of the property (including the installation of the parking lot and trailhead kiosk).
- Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
- Checks should be payable to "SPNHF-Reney Project."
- Should SPNHF fail to raise the necessary funds to purchase the Reney property, all donations will be returned to the donor.
For more information about making a contribution, please contact Merle Schotanus at 603/863-2293 or Susanne Kibler-Hacker, SPNHF's senior director of development and finance, at 603/224-9945, ext. 314 or mailto:skh@spnhf.org