A conservation solution for Beaver Pond Farm

COURTESY
NEWPORT — Becky (McDonough) and Ben Nelson are eighth-generation farmers who are teaming up with the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) to keep their land in agriculture and producing food for centuries to come. 

Last week UVLT mailed outreach to Newport residents inviting them to join in the initiative to conserve Beaver Pond Farm. Project Manager Megan Chapman says UVLT has raised a significant amount of the funds needed to buy a conservation easement. “We’re in the final stretch, with only $16,000 remaining to reach our goal.” Major grants have been committed by NRCS, The 1772 Foundation, and NH SCC Moose Plate. In addition we have a generous promise of $5,000 if 100 house holds contribute gifts.

Chapman said that UVLT is encouraging donations of any size to meet the challenge and reach the campaign goal. She noted that the Oct. 30 deadline in the recently mailed flyer has been extended through the end of November. “It is not too late for community members to contribute in support of conserving this important farmland  in Newport,” she said.

Beaver Pond Farm was carved out of the wilderness by Revolutionary War Veteran William Osgood in 1780, it has been in the family for over 235 years. Today, the Newport farm is a highly diverse fruit and vegetable operation. The 243-acre farm is located off of McDonough Road and includes both 135 acres of prime, statewide, and locally important agricultural soils, and a 90-acre, 2,800 tap sugarbush. Their crop production is supplemented by hay, beef, maple syrup, and Christmas trees. 

What the Nelson’s grow is sold at local grocery stores, farmers markets, and their popular farm stand along the John Stark Highway, a meeting point between Newport and Claremont. Beaver Pond Farm is a staple in the community, with its longevity proving its ability to adapt and change with each passing decade. 

Becky Nelson’s family has been tending the land at Beaver Pond Farm for hundreds of years and they don’t want to see the farm fragmented or converted. As the Nelson’s plan for a new generation to take over the farm, they have sought assistance from UVLT to protect their land by placing a conservation easement on the property.

A conservation easement is a powerful and permenent legal agreement that specifies how the land can be used and developed, no matter who owns the land in the future. Conserved land remains in private ownership, used for farming and forestry or as open space and natural areas. UVLT is responsible for upholding the conservation easement terms forever.

Donations to the project can be made online by visiting www.uvlt.org and clicking the “donate now” button and choosing “Beaver Pond Farm” as the designation.