C u n n i n g h a m Po n d Pe t e r b o ro u g h, N H Join us in preserving a community treasure Cunningham Pond is one of the places people love most in Peterborough. Protecting it today will ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come. - Elizabeth Thomas, former selectwoman www.monadnockconservancy.org
CUNNINGHAM POND is a 40-acre jewel perched above the town of Peterborough, New Hampshire. In the shadow of Pack Monadnock, this former public water supply serves the needs of people and wildlife alike. In summer, swimmers splash in the clear water, and, in winter, skaters glide across the smooth ice. Anglers pursue year-round one of the best largemouth bass populations in the state, and the entire area teems with songbirds.the largely undeveloped shoreline and adjacent forests are home to deer, fox, fisher, bobcat, coyote, moose, and bear. In 1996, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas donated the north shore to the Town of Peterborough, establishing the town beach and solidifying Cunningham Pond s place as a community treasure. In fact, locals ranked the Pond first in a town-wide survey of conservation priorities, as reported in the Peterborough Master Plan. But we cannot take Cunningham Pond for granted. Last year, 20 acres on the east shore were subdivided and sold as three building lots. Together, protecting forever the land we love
Judy Blake Today we have the opportunity to save 100 acres along the south shore, but we need your help A COMMUNITY TREASURE The land along Cunningham Pond s picturesque southern and eastern shores has been in the Peterson family for more than 70 years. The property includes a productive hay field managed by a local farmer, more than 100 acres of forest, the old family hunting lodge, and a stone boathouse at the water s edge. For decades, visitors have enjoyed walking along the old carriage road, now a gentle, woodland path along the shoreline. Cunningham Pond sits at the center of nearly 8,000 acres of permanently conserved land, including Casalis State Forest, Miller State Park, and the Wapack National Wildlife Refuge. Apart from the town beach, however, neither the Pond nor the shoreline is conserved. Last year s sale of building lots on the east shore signaled that time is running out to save the Pond s remaining shoreline and surrounding forest. Fortunately, in 2017, a group of concerned citizens formed an alliance to conserve the remaining 100 acres. After successful negotiations, in December 2017 a contract to purchase the property at a price below market value was signed by the Petersons, and in January the Monadnock Conservancy agreed to lead this campaign to raise the needed funds and purchase the land.
OUR GOAL WAYS TO GIVE is to ensure Cunningham Pond and its environs may continue to benefit the citizens of Peterborough and the greater region, now and for generations to come. All donations to the Cunningham Pond campaign should be directed to the Monadnock Conservancy. The Conservancy gratefully accepts donations of cash and securities, and multi-year pledges of up to three years may be possible for large donations. WILL YOU JOIN US? We must raise $1.5 million to achieve Please contact Ryan Owens, executive director, with all questions about donations: 603-357-0600, ext. 103, or Ryan@MonadnockConservancy.org permanent protection of these 100 acres. This includes the purchase price of $1.325 million and funds to conduct this campaign, manage the acquisition process, establish public access and safety, and endow future stewardship. Fundraising began in March 2018, and we seek to reach our goal by December 2018. Campaign expenses, due diligence, & project management: $75,000 Initial improvements & maintenance endowment: $100,000 Annie Card Purchase price: $1,325,000 Jeff Kutler $1,500,000 The Monadnock Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. www.monadnockconservancy.org
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Ryan Owens, Monadnock Conservancy Judy Blake, Peterborough Sue and Jim Callihan, Peterborough Marilyn Kenison, Peterborough Jeff Kutler, Hancock Libby Reinhardt, Peterborough Mark Schauer, Peterborough Sue Callihan Elizabeth Thomas, Peterborough Please contact Ryan Owens, executive director, with all questions about donations: 603-357-0600, ext. 103, or Ryan@MonadnockConservancy.org
ABOUT US Founded in 1989, the Monadnock Conservancy is the only accredited land trust dedicated to all 35 towns in the Monadnock region of southwestern New Hampshire. Its mission is to work with communities and landowners to conserve the natural resources, wild and working lands, rural character, and scenic beauty of the region. It accomplishes its mission through land conservation agreements and land purchases, responsibly caring for the land it owns, creating and maintaining recreational trails, offering community-based programs, and engaging people in ways that strengthen their communities and their connections to the land. Cover photo: Judy Blake Monadnock Conservancy PO Box 337 15 Eagle Court, 2nd Floor Keene, NH 03431 www.monadnockconservancy.org Together, protecting forever the land we love