Permanent conservation easements were granted to the Monadnock Conservancy by Priscilla A. Weston, owner of the Colburn-Weston Farm; and by Lisa D. Beaudoin, owner of the General Miller homestead. The conservation agreements protect open fields, forestland, and wildlife habitat. They also ensure that the lands will always be open to the public for walking, snowshoeing, and other passive recreation.
“Priscilla and Lisa have given truly wonderful gifts to the people of Temple,” said Sherry E. Fiske, chairman of the Temple board of selectmen. “These conservation agreements preserve significant wildlife habitats and beautiful natural areas for generations to come.” The Monadnock Conservancy purchased the conservation easements using grants made by the town from its conservation fund. In both cases, the easements were purchased at a small fraction of their appraised values.
A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement that leaves the land in private hands and available for such uses as forestry and farming, while permanently prohibiting intensive development. The Monadnock Conservancy is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the agreements with current and all future landowners.
The Colburn-Weston Farm is one of New Hampshire’s few Bicentennial Farms, a designation that honors farms that have been owned by the same family for more than 200 years. The 37-acre property includes open fields, a farm pond, a stream, and mixed forestland. Hikers on the property can explore “the caves,” unique rock formations that include an enormous split boulder. The property includes extensive frontage on scenic Colburn Road near the center of town.
Explaining the decision to protect her land, Priscilla Weston said, “The Colburn-Weston farm has been owned by the same family since it was purchased in 1771, but it seems likely to be sold to someone outside the family in the next few years. This agreement honors the family’s wish for the farm to remain as it is, both for the use and enjoyment of all and as a tribute to the generations of family members who have loved it so much.”
The General Miller property, located on General Miller Highway, includes productive forests, wetlands, and a significant stretch of Miller Brook. Owner Lisa Beaudoin operates a successful organic farm and a bed-and-breakfast. The easement protects a total of 94 acres. Some of the conservation land has been designated as a natural area while other parts will support active farming and forestry.
Conservation commission chairman Paul C. Quinn said, “This type of generous civic-mindedness shows that the term ‘rural character’ can be an attribute of not only a special town like Temple but its residents as well.”
In previous agreements in Temple, the Monadnock Conservancy protected the historic Charles Tobey homestead, open fields in the center of town, and a former apple orchard. The Conservancy works in 35 towns throughout the Monadnock Region and currently oversees more than 6,000 acres in 85 conservation areas. Information is available by calling 603-357-0600.
