February 2, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Charlie Niebling or Jim Graham, 603-224-9945
Gov. John Lynch acts to free up $500,000 for water protection
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests today lauded Gov. John Lynch’s decision to release $500,000 in critical state funds to help communities protect their drinking water supplies. The Water Supply Land Grant Protection Program money will provide grants to assist cities and towns in purchasing lands or easements in areas surrounding their most important water supplies.
“This is great news for anyone in New Hampshire who’s interested in ensuring that all our citizens have access to clean drinking water, now and in the future,” said Jane Difley, president/forester of the Forest Society. “In protecting drinking water, this program also protects associated lands that are important to maintaining healthy forests, open spaces and wildlife habitat."
Difley also praised the work of Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Michael Nolin for collaborating with conservation organizations across the state and cities and towns to promote the program.
The program allows communities to apply for grants of up to 25 percent of the cost of land or easements for water protection. Started in 2000, the program has helped protect 3,400 acres with grants totaling $3.6 million.
Founded in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is a 10,000-member, nonprofit organization that has helped protect more than one million acres. Visit www.forestsociety.org for more information, or call (603) 224-9945.
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