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MMRG's first outright land buy is along Branch River

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The newly purchased Branch River Conservation Area boasts a diverse ecosystem. (MMRG photo)

Moose Mountains Regional Greenways is under contract to purchase a 17-acre property that includes 5,000 feet of frontage along the Branch River between Routes 16 and 153 in the Town of Wakefield.

This will be MMRG's first outright purchase of land for conservation purposes and the organization is currently raising funds to finalize the acquisition of the parcel, named the Branch River Conservation Area.

Within the area, the pristine waters of the Branch River flow along the banks of wooded uplands and high value wetlands that serve important water filtering and flood control functions. Undeveloped lands like these help control flooding because they don't contribute to runoff that is typically generated by impervious surfaces, such as roofs and paved areas, and they can absorb or accommodate excess water from melting snow and rain, easing flood impacts.

The Branch River Conservation Area overlies a high yield stratified drift aquifer, so conservation of this property will enhance protection of the underlying aquifer and its existing and potential drinking water resources. As a tributary to the Salmon Falls River that feeds the Milton Three Ponds and ultimately Great Bay, the Branch River is part of the Piscataqua/Salmon Falls Watershed. This watershed is designated by the U.S. Forest Service as one of the nation's most threatened due to development pressure, making it all the more urgent that these riverbank lands are conserved.

The parcel boasts notable biodiversity, providing a variety of wildlife habitats with its meandering river, emergent and shrub wetlands, and an uplands pine-oak forest. MMRG staff and volunteers have seen signs of deer, beaver, chipmunk, turtle, pileated woodpecker, as well as redwing blackbird habitat.

Given the pristine water habitats, it's likely that visitors will identify even more wildlife species. The parcel also provides important wildlife habitat connectivity between the downstream Union Meadows Wildlife Management Area, owned by NH Fish & Game, and private conserved lands, Wakefield Town lands, and upstream habitats along the Branch River and its tributaries.

MMRG plans to preserve public access to the BRCA property. The best recreational opportunities make use of the river for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. Anglers have long frequented this spot on the river and will continue to have access to toss in their lines. Access for canoes and kayaks is available from a pull-off along Route 153. Canoers and kayakers who venture upstream will find an ideal picnic and exploring destination within the uplands forested knoll.

Conserving the BRCA will preserve scenic vistas of its wetlands from White Mountain Highway (Route 16) and Wakefield Road (Route 153). The eastern property boundary partially fronts on Route 153 and the remainder fronts on private or town-owned properties along that route. The western boundary falls along the NHN railroad line. An historic gravesite lying just within the southern property boundary and tended by a local resident provides historic and cultural interest.

On April 5, MMRG sent out a fundraising appeal to Wakefield landowners and has also engaged its membership throughout the region to help acquire the Branch River Conservation Area. MMRG's new Executive Director Patti Connaughton-Burns reports that in just a few weeks, the enthusiastic response from the community has raised over 25 percent of the $20,000 purchase costs. Said Connaughton-Burns, "I am humbled and inspired by the landowners who have 'acted locally' to preserve the BRCA. MMRG welcomes additional tax deductible contributions that will facilitate a match with restricted funds for land conservation and with a potential grant for protection of lands within the watershed of the Salmon Falls River."

Donations to the project are gratefully accepted via mail to MMRG, PO Box 191, Union, NH 03887, with a designation for the BRCA, or online at www.mmrg.info. MMRG 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.

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