Mirror Lake Protective Association: Land Conservation Committee
Guiding Principles
A. We are committed to integrity in our work with landowners, community partners, donors, funders and volunteers.
B. We cherish our connection to Mirror Lake’s water and land and have a duty to protect the lake, scenery, native plants and animals.
C. We have a responsibility to future generations to protect Mirror Lake’s natural areas and wildlife.
D. We are dedicated to working with neighbors, individuals, organizations, resource agencies and federal, state and local government to help preserve the natural character of the region.
E. We value our relationship with landowners who have voluntarily entrusted to us the stewardship of their land to benefit future generations.
F. We believe that a healthy environment and a healthy economy are inextricably linked.
G. As part of our commitment we will marshal assets to ensure that we are a sustainable organization for purposes of protecting Mirror Lake.
Strategies
I. We will identify, prioritize and propose sites in the Mirror Lake watershed for potential acquisition and/or conservation easements pinpointing which sites have significant potential to protect and improve Mirror Lake’s water quality, and or provide value for and scenic pleasures and recreation.
II. We will work proactively and cooperatively with landowners, individuals, organizations, resource agencies, and federal, state and local government to protect the entire land ecosystem within the Mirror Lake watershed.
III. We will work to promote conservation and easement practices consistent with exemplary programs in New Hampshire.
IV. We will conduct land conservation activities that result in improved health of the vital watersheds and water resources of Mirror Lake.
V. We will implement a process for refreshing and re-evaluating our vision so that it continually reflects the values of our community and honors the perpetual nature of the organization.
Land Conservation Criteria
The parcel shall include one or all of the following;
- Potential to protect or improve water quality
- Wetlands and/or tributaries to Mirror Lake
- Significant or sizeable wildlife habitat
- Forest resources, education/scientific research, old growth preservation
- Access for public recreation
- Preservation of properties and wildlife in their natural state
- A connecting corridor between already protected areas to facilitate wildlife movement and recreational trails
- Preservation of rural and/or historic character of an area
- Expansion of an existing conservation parcel
- Preservation of a significant scenic vista
Additional factors for consideration include:
- Interest, contribution and cooperation of land owner
- Accessibility for public use
- Threat of development
- Availability of local volunteers to serve as stewards
- Size
- Proximity to conservation land
- Wetland characteristics
- Scenic value
- Water quality and quantity
- Surface water resources
- Streams
- Forest cover (diversity and quality)
- Wildlife
- Open and forested uplands
- Rare and endangered species
- Exemplary natural communities
- Access and fragmentation
MLPA Land Conservation Committee Members
Dusty Davies
John Dawson, Chair
Larry Gil (Tuftonboro Conservation Commission)
Gary Philbin
Robin Muench
Steve Scapicchio (Tuftonboro Conservation Commission)
Kathy Sciarappa
Ann Torregrossa
The MLPA Land Conservation Committee works in concert with the Tuftonboro Conservation Commission in their efforts to ensure the proper protection, promotion and management of the natural resources of Tuftonboro.
Similarly, the MLPA Land Conservation Committee aligns with the Moose Mountains Regional Greenways to conserve key natural resource areas in our New Hampshire communities and connect them within a permanently protected network of greenways and open space for today and tomorrow.
Rick Van de Pol, principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants of Sandwich, NH, serves as consultant to the MLPA Land Conservation Committee and has completed a land study to guide the acquisition and management of key properties on Mirror Lake.
Aquatic Plant Field Guide
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