Press Release
February 9, 2023
Stoddard Conservation Commission Announces $110,000 Match for Land Project
The Stoddard conservation commission has received a $110,000 1:1 matching grant from four anonymous
donors to protect an iconic tract of land in Stoddard that has taken the name “Little Big Forest”.
In April 2021, three adjacent lots totaling 40-acres of ecologically significant, undeveloped land with 4,000 feet
of shoreline at the southern end of Highland Lake went on the market. The Stoddard Conservation
Commission investigated what could be done to acquire, protect and manage this land for the benefit of the
residents and visitors of Stoddard, and to preserve the land’s outstanding ecological, recreational, and wildlife
habitat values.
Verbal Approval
In July of 2021, the owner Steven Wilson, Kensington, CT gave verbal approval to the commission to pursue a
conservation outcome.
It would take 9 months of negotiation before a signed Option Agreement was obtained in May of 2022. The
purchase price, as stipulated in the OA, “shall be no higher than $1.3 million dollars”.
An October, 2022 appraisal (field work conducted in August, 2022) determined the value at $1,335,000: a
bargain sale for the town.
Another $200 thousand in estimated project costs brings the total cost to protect the “Little Big Forest” to $1.5
million dollars.
In anticipation of a major fundraising event, the commission obtained several letters of support from
community organizations, including the unanimous support from the Stoddard Board of Selectmen.
Raised to date
Over the course of 2022, multiple sources for funding were researched and applied for. Here is what has been
raised to date:
The U.S. Forest Service-Community Forest Grant Program awarded the LBF a $600,000; one of only 12
projects funded nationwide;
The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Board of Directors
“unanimously awarded the LBF a $400,000” grant from LCHIP;
NH State Conservation Committee Conservation Moose Plate Grant Program awarded the LBF $30,000;
Several local groups have invested in the LBF, including:
The Bailey Foundation (a Delaware non-profit with NH connections): $40,000
The Putnam Foundation: $25,000
Ashuelot River Hydro: $20,000
The Fidelity Charitable Fund (Ariel Phillips and Gwyndaf Jones): $5,000
The Lesser Foundation (Island Pond): $3,000
The Keene Lions Club: $1,000
The Highland Lake Unified Association: $1,000
Matching Grant
In addition, over 150 individual donations have been received totaling $130,766. The $110,000 matching grant
(1:1 dollar donation match) was established to encourage residents and recreational users of Stoddard’s
conservation lands, who may harbor “cautious concerns” to invest in the ecological and recreational
importance of the LBF.
Conservation Commission Chairman Geoffrey T. Jones said he’s “thankful that land conservation is still a
priority for federal and state agencies amidst inflation, nervousness about the economy, political difficulties
and the war in Ukraine. It is amazing to think that people still value land protection under these tumultuous
circumstances, which is deeply gratifying and humbling” Jones said.
NH Association of Conservation Commissions executive director Barbara Richter says that it is “very unusual
for any town to undertake a land protection initiative of this size and complexity”. She further adds that “their
success is an inspiration to all”.
Balance Remaining
To date, $1,231,841 has been raised, leaving a balance of $143,433 remaining to complete the $1.5 million dollar
project. The $110,000 1:1 match will be available for all donations until May 30, 2023.
The closing is scheduled for June, 30, 2023.
Check out the Project Profile here
For further information contact:
Geoffrey Jones, chair Stoddard conservation commission
PO Box, 336
Stoddard, NH. 03464
Tel. # 603-446-3439
geoffreytjones@gmail.com
Click here to donate today!