Dick Webb Named Forest Society Conservationist of the Year

Dick Webb of Sunapee, New Hampshire received the highest honor awarded by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests: Webb was recognized as the organization’s 2008 Conservationist of the Year.

“Through his actions and advocacy, Dick has demonstrated and promoted the idea that each of us is but a temporary caretaker of our woodlots, and part of our legacy should be to leave them better than we found them,” said Forest Society President/Forester Jane Difley.

Webb was recognized at the Forest Society’s 107th Annual Meeting held on September 20 at Muster Field Farm in Sutton, NHWith the help of Forest Society staff, Webb was the first person in New Hampshire to craft a Deed of Dedication for his 703 acres in New London to ensure that the land would remain forever undeveloped. Webb’s Deed of Dedication, drafted in 1967, was the first of its kind in New Hampshire and the precursor of today’s conservation easement.

Since that time, Webb and his family have conserved nearly 3,500 acres in conservation easements, including the Forest Society’s third easement back in 1975. Today the Forest Society holds 500 easements on nearly 100,000 acres.

Webb has given not only of his resources, but also of his time. He served as a trustee of the Forest Society twice and has served as chair of the board. He has been a member of the organization for more than 50 years. He and his family have also been strong supporters of the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust since 1987, helping to make it one of the state’s most successful regional land trusts.

Webb was honored by his peers on September 20, 2008 at the Forest Society’s 107th Annual Meeting, held at Musterfield Farm in Sutton, NH. The Forest Society holds a conservation easement on 250 of the farm’s acres.

The Annual Meeting was sponsored by Benthien Associates, Bluewater Farm, Sparkle Media, Spring Ledge Farm and the Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery.