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June 13. 2012 9:21PM
Londonderry takes on issue of preserving open space
LONDONDERRY — Sure, it's not easy being green, but with a little help from their neighbors, members of Londonderry's Conservation Commission hope to preserve their town's natural spaces for generations to come.
Later this month, the commission will host a public workshop, “Your Role in Londonderry's Green Infrastructure.”
The meeting will take place on Monday, June 25, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Hill Council Chambers at Town Hall.
“Right now, our focus is the values and benefits of open space, and why the (certain) properties provide those natural services,” Commissioner Mike Speltz said.
Earlier this month, a letter was sent to local landowners whose property has been identified as playing an important role in the town's green mission.
Recently, the town's Open Space Task Force completed an evaluation of Londonderry's natural resources and the value and benefits they provide to the town.
Some, but not all, of the parcels identified in the evaluation are privately owned, and those landowners are particularly encouraged to attend this month's meeting.
The identified green parcels are spread evenly throughout town.
Speltz said the town is interested in helping those sites remain open space so they continue contributing to the green infrastructure.
He stressed, however, that the town is by no means attempting to take or condemn land in order to support its green infrastructure program.
“It only works with willing landowners in a cooperative effort to protect our natural resources,” Speltz said.
With that in mind, local landowners will be presented with several options during the meeting: independently managing the land as open space; donating or selling a conservation easement to the town or another conservation agency to place legal protection on the land and prevent future development; or donating or selling the land.
Those opting for the latter would have the option of retaining their right to use the property for the span of their lifetime, commissioners noted.
“Just as we have infrastructure that supports our municipal services, our schools, our roads and our sewer and water systems. We also have this green infrastructure that supports our water quality and quantity, our opportunity for outdoor recreation and the rural feel of our town,” said Speltz.
Those with questions relating to their identified properties may contact Jaye Trottier at Town Hall at 432-1100, ext. 134 or jtrottier@londonderrymh.org.
April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.
Later this month, the commission will host a public workshop, “Your Role in Londonderry's Green Infrastructure.”
The meeting will take place on Monday, June 25, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Hill Council Chambers at Town Hall.
“Right now, our focus is the values and benefits of open space, and why the (certain) properties provide those natural services,” Commissioner Mike Speltz said.
Earlier this month, a letter was sent to local landowners whose property has been identified as playing an important role in the town's green mission.
Recently, the town's Open Space Task Force completed an evaluation of Londonderry's natural resources and the value and benefits they provide to the town.
Some, but not all, of the parcels identified in the evaluation are privately owned, and those landowners are particularly encouraged to attend this month's meeting.
The identified green parcels are spread evenly throughout town.
Speltz said the town is interested in helping those sites remain open space so they continue contributing to the green infrastructure.
He stressed, however, that the town is by no means attempting to take or condemn land in order to support its green infrastructure program.
“It only works with willing landowners in a cooperative effort to protect our natural resources,” Speltz said.
With that in mind, local landowners will be presented with several options during the meeting: independently managing the land as open space; donating or selling a conservation easement to the town or another conservation agency to place legal protection on the land and prevent future development; or donating or selling the land.
Those opting for the latter would have the option of retaining their right to use the property for the span of their lifetime, commissioners noted.
“Just as we have infrastructure that supports our municipal services, our schools, our roads and our sewer and water systems. We also have this green infrastructure that supports our water quality and quantity, our opportunity for outdoor recreation and the rural feel of our town,” said Speltz.
Those with questions relating to their identified properties may contact Jaye Trottier at Town Hall at 432-1100, ext. 134 or jtrottier@londonderrymh.org.
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April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.
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