Conservation groups set December mixer

Milton and Farmington participants gather around a map of their area during the groups' mixer two years ago. (MMRG photo).

Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) and the Farmington Conservation Commission will hold the 3^rd annual 'CC Mixer' on Dec. 3 from 6:30-9 p.m., at the American Legion Building, 526 Main St. in Farmington.

The evening will feature a round table session for Conservation Commissioners from MMRG's seven service towns and presentations about the new state Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) and the work of the Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative.

Amanda Stone of UNH Cooperative Extension will present the newly revised NH Wildlife Action Plan, which guides the efforts of towns, local and statewide land trusts and individual landowners to protect wildlife and their habitats in New Hampshire. The plan identifies 169 species of greatest conservation need and focuses on 27 habitat types that support these species, such as lowland spruce-fir forest, salt marsh, shrub lands, warm water lakes and ponds, and vernal pools. Stone will bring maps detailing the priority types of habitat across the state.

Other presenters include Nik Coates of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions, with an update on conservation-related legislation, and staff of the state Department of Environmental Services, who will introduce the work of the Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative (SFWC) and its focus on mapping drinking water resources in the Salmon Falls watershed that need protection. There will also be opportunities for networking, questions and input from the public.

Members of the public who wish to learn more about newly updated state priorities for conservation, the SFWC, or about the work of their town Conservation Commissions (CC) are encouraged to come. It would be an excellent opportunity for people interested in serving on their town CC to learn more. The round table session, during which each town CC may share its recent successes or challenges, will be followed by discussion and a chance for Commissioners to learn from each other's experience.

This event is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be available. Preregistration is helpful but not required. For more information, call MMRG's Education Coordinator Kari Lygren at (603) 978-7125 or email info@mmrg.info.

MMRG, a non-profit land trust, works to conserve and connect important water resources, farm and forest lands, wildlife habitats, and recreational land in Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro. Throughout the year, MMRG offers many educational opportunities to inform all ages about the benefits of our region's natural resources. For more information and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.mmrg.info.