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MADISON, NH - The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) in partnership with The Conservation Fund and the Town of Madison is excited to announce the successful completion of the Chain of Ponds Community Forest Project, permanently protecting 626 acres of forest, ponds and wetlands in Madison, NH. The property will also be protected by a Conservation Easement held by the Town of Madison.

A long time ago, a glacier carved its way through the Valley, leaving behind unique features: rocky outcrops, scattered boulders, long gravel ridges known as eskers and nearly 300 acres of surface and groundwater linked to the Valley’s drinking water supply. This magnificent landscape is what’s known as Chain of Ponds for its many ponds and bogs including Mack Pond, Blue Pond, Tyler Pond and Cranberry Bog, and it plays a critical role in the lives of the community.

For wildlife? Chain of Ponds Community Forest provides many habitats for wildlife to call home. Several federal and state threatened species of plants, fish and birds coexist within this unique ecosystem. The abundance of forests, wetlands, streams and ponds provide the shelter and nutrients they need to not only live, but thrive. This remarkable conservation area connects with other conservation properties including Madison Boulder State Park, the World Fellowship Center, and Nature Conservancy property, creating a significant block of wildlife habitat.

For people? Chain of Ponds Community Forest protects groundwater that provides clean drinking water to those living in Madison. The property’s network of woods road and footpaths and plans for additional improved trails provide the opportunity for public recreation for activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting and snowshoeing. “We’re so grateful for the incredible commitment, passion, and generosity of our partners, supporters, and the entire community who helped make this dream come true,” shared USVLT Executive Director Eric White. “By conserving this special place, we’re protecting clean air and water, giving wildlife a home, and preserving the deep connection that makes this Valley a meaningful place to live.”

“The glaciers that shaped the White Mountains left something truly unique at Chain of Ponds — a string of deep blue ponds, colorful bogs and tall pines set in a gentle landscape,” said Sally Manikian, New Hampshire and Vermont state director at The Conservation Fund. “Conserving this place has long been a local priority, and it’s been inspiring to see the community come together to make it happen. It’s an honor for The Conservation Fund to have played a key role in protecting a property that so beautifully blends clean water, wildlife habitat and public access.”

“The Madison Conservation Commission is pleased to have worked in collaboration with the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust in the acquisition of the Conservation Easement known as “Chain of Ponds” said Ralph Lutjen, Chair of the Madison Conservation Commission. “The Town of Madison’s generous contribution of $213,000 towards the purchase of the easement on the property helped ensure the successful completion of the project. The Town of Madison has approximately 1,300 acres of conservation land that is either Town owned or under conservation easement. The Chain of Ponds Conservation Easement adds 626 acres of highly strategic conservation importance. Management of this easement represents a major new initiative for the Madison Conservation Commission and is a very meaningful step for the Town of Madison to be involved in the preservation of this highly valuable conservation asset.”

The Chain of Ponds Community Forest Project is also in partnership with and financial assistance provided by the U.S. Forest Service through the Community Forest Program. USVLT was awarded $400,000 in grant funding through the highly competitive Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. This project was just one of thirteen projects nationwide awarded funding in 2024 in recognition of its extremely highconservation and community value.

The successful completion of this project is also made possible with support from a $250,000grant from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, a $350,000 grant from NHDES Drinking Water Groundwater Trust Fund and a $50,000 grant from the Davis Conservation Foundation. USVLT is extremely grateful for the community’s generous support as well.

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The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) is a non-profit organization that works to protect land for community benefit throughout its 11-town service area in Hart’s Location, Bartlett, Jackson, Albany, Chatham, Conway, Eaton and Madison in New Hampshire and Fryeburg, Brownfield and Denmark in Maine. In the 25 years since its founding, USVLT has completed 87 land conservation projects and preserved more than 12,500 acres of sensitive habitat, working forest and prime farmland. USVLT is accredited by the Land Trust Alliance. Accreditation is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. USVLT is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more about the organization, visit our website at usvlt.org, email us at info@usvlt.org, or call us at (603) 662-0008. 

About the New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program: The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) is an independent state authority providing matching grants to New Hampshire’s municipalities and non-profits, helping to preserve the state’s most important natural, cultural, and historic resources and ensure their contribution to the economy, environment, and quality of life in New Hampshire. LCHIP grants are funded by a $25 fee assessed when deeds, mortgages, and plans are recorded at the state’s ten registries of deeds. Since 2001, LCHIP has awarded 615 grants, totaling nearly $65 million. As of July, 2025, the program’s investment has helped to conserve 247,000 acres of land and rehabilitate 192 historic structures across 206 NH communities. Learn more about how LCHIP is helping to preserve and protect New Hampshire’s heritage at LCHIP.org, by following LCHIP_NH on Instagram, or Facebook.