From 1990 to 2004, New Hampshire’s population grew twice as fast as the rest of New England and continues to be the fastest-growing in the northeast. With development pressure closing in on the Monadnock Region from the east and south, it is more critical than ever to protect water, forests, farmlands, wildlife habitat, scenic areas, and recreation lands for future generations. A few statistics tell the story...
- In Cheshire County, 93% of the land that filters public drinking waters are unprotected. Hillsborough County is only slightly better off, with 87.5% vulnerable.
- New Hampshire loses about 17,500 acres of forestland to development every year. (For comparison, most Monadnock Region towns cover about 23,000 acres).
- Forest cover is declining for the first time since the Civil War.
- Only 10% of the best forestland is protected statewide.
- From 1997 to 2002 development consumed farmland at a rate of five square miles a year.
- Cheshire County alone lost 20% of its most productive cropland from 1997 to 2002.
- While some larger mammals are doing well, several species of small mammals, amphibians, and songbirds are in decline due to habitat fragmentation.
- Most rare and endangered plants and animals occur on unprotected land with vulnerable habitat
- Five of the top 10 most serious risks to public health and a clean environment in New Hampshire are caused by degradation of our land and water.
- Many communities in the Monadnock Region are losing cherished views, walking trails, and historic landscapes.
Protecting land through the Monadnock Conservancy is a direct and permanent way to conserve these priceless resources for future generations.
