LCHIP creates conservation register

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program announced has announced plans to develop and maintain the state’s first inventory of conservation land and properties.

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Register currently lists 104 historic sites and 97 land protection projects in 105 communities, such as the Amherst Town Hall, a barn restoration project in Cornish, and a 550-acre parcel of land in Easton.

The register will be updated twice a year.

“Our purpose in developing the register is to establish a baseline assessment of the land and historic resource preservation needed to maintain the unique sense of place and quality of life we enjoy as residents of the state, and on which the New Hampshire economy depends,” said Rachel Rouillard, LCHIP executive director. “The register will give us a picture of the current scope of community resources that people view as critically important for conservation and preservation.”

Projects listed on the register will be eligible to receive priority ranking from LCHIP and will be eligible for consideration for funding as it becomes available.

Approximately $750,000 is expected to be available in 2006.

To be included in the register and considered for future grant funding, complete a Call for Projects form and return it to LCHIP postmarked no later than Dec. 31. Grants will be awarded in April 2006.

For more information, call 224-4113 or visit lchip.org. – CINDY KIBBE