The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is pleased to announce that we have achieved our fundraising goals to purchase and protect the 99 acre Foss Mountain Project property in Eaton, NH. This project was by far our most ambitious project to date. Protection of the Foss Mountain property enhances the existing scenic, recreational and ecological resources of the adjacent 341 acre property owned by the Town of Eaton and preserves its scenic values, important wildlife habitat and productive blueberry fields and forest lands.

Eaton Conservation Commission member Marnie Cobbs and her husband Dennis Sullivan led a group, including NH State Senator Jeb Bradley, on a snowshoe tour of Foss Mountain to admire the stunning views now protected in part with LCHIP funding. Pictured left to right are Jeb Bradley, Marnie Cobbs, Dennis Sullivan, Tom Gross (USVLT Board member) and Jess Charpentier (USVLT staff). Photo by Linda Comeau.

In May 2009, the Town of Eaton's Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission requested the Land Trust's help to purchase and preserve this important, community-defining resource. After months of negotiations with the landowner and significant "soul searching" by a diligent Board of Directors, the Land Trust purchased the property for $320,000 in February 2010. The Land Trust then initiated a fundraising effort to raise $350,000 for the purchase price and related transaction costs.

"The Land Trust is extremely grateful for the broad community support demonstrated by all who have contributed to our Foss Mountain Project" said Land Trust President Tom Earle. Funding for the project included a $100,000 grant from the state of NH through its Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) (see the full press release); $50,000 by warrant article from the Town of Eaton; $60,000 from two anonymous foundations; $20,000 from the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation; $10,000 from the Davis Conservation Foundation; $5,000 from the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation; $5,000 from the Fields Pond Foundation; and over $113,000 in individual contributions. The Land Trust is also grateful to two anonymous donors who guaranteed our Northway Bank loan until the fundraising could be completed.

On March 1, 2011, the Land Trust transferred ownership of the 99 acre Foss Mountain Project property to the Town of Eaton. The property will be managed by the Eaton Conservation Commission and protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement held by the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust.

"When Madison split from Eaton in 1852, they left the real jewel behind and this town has enjoyed it ever since. Foss Mountain is a unique area with magnificent vistas in all directions. It is important that the mountain be kept undeveloped and open to the public for future generations to enjoy". - Selectmen, Town of Eaton