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KEEP NH FOREST UNDEVELOPED: Art In The Age Helps To Protect The Gilman Forest

New Hampshire is one of the most unique states in the union in that it has one of the highest percentages of undeveloped forest (85%, topped only by Maine at 90%). Tamworth, where we now have a farm and homestead, is situated in the valley of several ecologically significant mountain ranges. Due to lack of local zoning laws, currently forested land is not necessarily guaranteed any protection from future development. That’s where The Tamworth Conservation Commission comes into play. This commission of concerned and informed citizens is working with The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests to purchase and protect a 130-acre piece of land known as the Gilman Forest. The Gilman Forest stretches between South Tamworth and Eastern Sandwich (neighboring town), and is an abundant wildlife habitat. This is also one of the most unique forested areas of the White Mountains region that is not divided by roads or intermingled with development of any sort. It is wholly pure.

The Art In the Age Farm and its neighbors to the north, west, and south are under conservation easements, meaning that they cannot be razed and turned into Adirondack resorts. Ever. Thank god. To the east, we are bordered by the beautiful Hemenway State Forest. The Gilman Forest lies on our southern borders. As stewards of the land and members of a community, we must fully support our local conservation efforts, especially in a crucial region so near to us! To lose such a natural treasure to development would be a travesty. For this reason, Art In The Age has sent a donation to the commission to help purchase The Gilman Forest. We are proud to be a part of the project and ardently desire its fruition.

This effort is part of a larger initiative called WOW (Whites-to-Ossipees Wildlife Connectivity Initiative). The project aims to raise $140,000 to purchase the property and for long-term stewardship costs. Pledges of $48,000 have already been received. The NH Fish & Game Wildlife Action Plan rated this area among the highest quality habitat in the state. WOW will, over many years, help preserve the current working, forested landscape that supports this abundant wildlife activity.

For details and updates visit the Tamworth Conservation Commission’s website. I will keep you posted on progress, and will soon be posting more photographs of the Gilman Forest, as I go exploring!

To learn more about The Gilman Forest and join our cause by making a contribution (everything helps, even moral support for The Commission! Leave a comment…), download the brochure below: