The Moultonborough Conservation Commission is kicking off its campaign to protect Lee’s Pond Preserve on Saturday, November 8th. A public forum is scheduled for 11AM, in the Town Library at 4 Holland St. There, with guidance from a landscape architect, attendees will discuss why this land is worth protecting and the potential for shared use. A light lunch will be served.

At 9AM, directly before the meeting, the public is invited to walk through the site. To attend, please meet at 8:45AM in the Magic Chef Catering parking lot, 882 Whittier Highway (Route 25), Moultonborough, NH. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and uneven terrain. Those that cannot make the site walk are encouraged to attend the 11AM meeting at the Library.

The Lee’s Pond Preserve, map lot 76/4, is 37 acres of undeveloped land along the Red Hill River and Lee’s Pond marshland. Offered for sale by a private trust, it is located in a high-priority conservation zone. The property provides diverse wildlife habitats and corridors, borders sensitive wetlands and has historical value. Located in the thriving 1800’s village of Moultonborough Falls, historic photographs show a number of buildings along a dirt road, and cleared land that is much different than what we see today. The Conservation Commission is leading the effort to raise funds and partner with conservation groups to provide ongoing stewardship.

“It is fortunate that we have an opportunity to protect this important property before it is acquired for development”, said Marie Samaha, Moultonborough Conservation Commission Chair. “We will only be successful with public support, private donations and volunteers to help with fund raising.”

For more information, please visit the Lee’s Pond Preserve Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leespondpreserve or the project page on the Moultonborough Town web site, moultonboroughnh.gov/Pages/MoultonboroughNH_BComm/Concom/leespond, or send email to leespondpreserve@gmail.com.