Boston Couple with Deep Roots in New Hampshire
Donates Conservation Easement on 100 Acres in Henniker
Daniel and Carol Goodenough recently donated a conservation easement on 106 acres in Henniker, New Hampshire to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
“We’re so pleased that the Goodenoughs approached the Forest Society for help conserving their property,” said Forest Society President/Forester Jane Difley. “This is an exceptional piece of land, rich with habitat for wildlife.”
The Forest Society partnered with the Town of Henniker to ensure this land was conserved. The Henniker Conservation Commission graciously provided a grant to cover all project expenses and will hold an executory interest in the easement.
The land includes well-managed forests and active hay field, as well as approximately 40 acres important wildlife habitat as identified in the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game’s Wildlife Action Plan. The northern parcel contains a large open wetland and several seasonal streams that enhance its wildlife resources.
“We see every kind of animal out there – moose, black bear, lots of deer, and an unbelievable plethora of birds,” said Daniel. “It’s really wonderful.”
Located in the southern portion of the Mink Hills, the Goodenoughs’ property is a priority conservation area for not only the Town of Henniker, but also for the surrounding towns of Warner and Bradford as well as the bi-state Quabbin-to-Cardigan (Q2C) Initiative. The land is located near other existing conservation owned or conserved by the Forest Society.
The property, which has been in Daniel’s family since the 1950s, was acquired in pieces, starting with a 14-acre parcel that includes a house built in the 1790s. Daniel’s mother later purchased additional tracts in lots as small as 10 acres. Daniel inherited the entire property in 2005 and has contemplated conserving the land ever since.
The Goodenoughs were encouraged to move forward with their easement after hearing about the Forest Society’s effort to conserve the nearby Bound Tree Forest in Warner. The couple is excited that their project will contribute to a larger conservation goal.
“Doing something like this helps make a difference preserving the landscape,” said Daniel. “It’s a wonderful sense of satisfaction that we feel, now that we’ve taken this step.”
Founded in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is the state’s oldest and largest non-profit land conservation organization. Supported by 10,000 families and businesses, the Forest Society’s mission is to perpetuate the state’s forests by promoting land conservation and sustainable forestry. For more information, visit www.forestsociety.org.