Gilmanton – Wilson/Sapiro
Meadow Pond, Loon Pond, Stockwell Hill Roads
164 acres of forest, stream, and wetland habitats
Public access, no formal trails
December 2018
Approaching the four corners of Meadow Pond, Loon Pond, and Stockwell Hill Roads in Gilmanton is like experiencing “The essence of rural character in Gilmanton.” Now these 164 acres of scenic lands are conserved permanently, thanks to landowners Graham Wilson and Virginia Sapiro who donated a conservation easement to Five Rivers Conservation Trust on December 20.
The landowners have carefully managed their pine-oak forestland, and allow a neighbor to tap their sugarbush. Waterfowl and other terrestrial and aquatic life find productive habitats along over 3/4 of a mile of Academy Brook. Vernal pools, beaver ponds, mill ponds, and the surrounding expanse of forest augment the value of this land for wildlife. Gina tends fertile gardens on the property and her produce and bread are available at “Gilmanton’s Own Market”.
Old timers know this property as the former location of a thriving 19th century Gilmanton landmark, Jones Mill. Millers used the power of Academy Brook to grind grain, manufacture clothes dryers, and make 73,000 shingles per day!
The landowners generously donated the conservation easement to permanently protect their land from development, subdivision, and mismanagement, no matter who owns it in the future.
Five Rivers Conservation Trust guided the conservation process and is responsible for ensuring the terms of this conservation easement are upheld forever. To do that Five Rivers will monitor the property at least annually, work cooperatively with all future landowners to determine appropriate land uses and take action if future activities are not compatible with the conservation easement.
The Gilmanton Land Trust and private donors provided crucial financial assistance for transaction costs. Five Rivers is still accepting donations to cover these costs.
