IN THE NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2006

Lakes Region Conservation Trust and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Announce LRCT’s Acquisition and Permanent Conservation of Ragged Island

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) and the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center have announced that the LRCT will acquire Ragged Island and Little Ragged Island in Lake Winnipesaukee from the Science Center.

Ragged Island is 11.5 acres in size and is located in the middle of Winnipesaukee, between Little Bear Island on the north, Cow Island on the east, Sandy Island on the south, and Long Island on the west.  Little Ragged Island, located just off Ragged to the northeast, is a quarter-acre in size.  The islands have a full mile of undeveloped shoreline, and include pine and oak forests, significant wetland areas, beaches, trails, and a loon nesting site that has been active for many years.

The LRCT plans to manage the property for conservation and nature observation and education, and to allow public access to the property.  The LRCT expects that the property will be a popular destination for canoers and kayakers.

The property was transferred to the Science Center in 1995 by the Natural Science for Youth Foundation, subject to a conservation easement conveyed to the LRCT.  Since that time, the Science Center has periodically used the property for nature education programs, but in recent years has determined that the property is not central to its core mission and operations based in Holderness.  The Science Center and the LRCT have worked together to structure the current transaction to ensure that the property is preserved as conservation land.

In order to provide additional permanent protection of the property, beyond that afforded by the LRCT’s ownership, the Science Center and the LRCT have agreed that the LRCT will grant a conservation easement to prohibit uses other than conservation, nature study and education, habitat management, and low impact, non-motorized/non-mechanized recreation.  The LRCT and the Science Center also plan to work together to identify opportunities for the Science Center to conduct environmental and nature education programs on the property.

LRCT President Don Berry said that the LRCT is very excited about the opportunity to assume permanent ownership and responsibility for stewardship of the property.  “Ragged Island is one of the most scenic spots on Lake Winnipesaukee, and it will be one of the LRCT’s growing number of canoe and kayak landing points around the Lake,” Berry said.  “We are grateful for the Science Center’s interest in working with the LRCT to ensure that the property is permanently preserved for the enjoyment of all who appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of Lake Winnipesaukee.”

Berry said that the LRCT has already embarked on a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to acquire and steward the Ragged Island property and plans to complete the campaign this fall.  For information about donating to the campaign, please contact the LRCT by phone at 603-279-3246 or email at lrct@metrocast.net or visit the LRCT’s website at www.lrct.org.

Science Center Executive Director Iain MacLeod said that the Science Center has appreciated the opportunity to steward this special property and believes that it will be in capable hands with the LRCT.  “The Science Center determined that the LRCT is the organization best suited to ensure that Ragged Island is preserved for conservation, habitat management, and nature education purposes, consistent with the expectations of those who were involved in the initial efforts to protect the property in the late 1970s and early 1980s.”

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust, based in Meredith, is an independent, non-profit, member-supported organization that protects key wildlife habitat, preserves freshwater and wilderness resources, and provides for public access to conservation lands for thoughtful recreation in the Lakes Region.  Through the generous donations of thousands of people, the LRCT has protected more than 17,000 acres of conservation land in the Region, including approximately 21 miles of shore frontage on the region's lakes and ponds.  Among the LRCT’s key properties in and around Lake Winnipesaukee are Stonedam Island, Five Mile Island, and Blanchard Island, the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area in Moultonborough and Tuftonboro, the Red Hill Conservation Area in Moultonborough, Sewall Woods in Wolfeboro, and Knight’s Pond in Alton.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, based in Holderness, is a private, non-profit educational institution serving 75,000+ visitors annually.  The mission of the Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.  Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world.  For further information about the Center, please call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.

Learn more about Ragged Island...