IN THE NEWS

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- NOVEMBER 10, 2003
CONSERVATION TRUST TO PRESERVE SANDWICH NOTCH PROPERTY

Meredith, New Hampshire- The Lakes Region Conservation Trust, in the midst of completing the final $250,000 of the $5,900,000 Castle in the Clouds campaign, has announced that it has signed a purchase and sale agreement with realtor Denley Emerson of Sandwich. The agreement calls for the Trust to raise $800,000 by January 20, 2004 in order to purchase and permanently protect 800 acres of key conservation properties located in Sandwich, New Hampshire. Included among these is a 250-acre inholding within the White Mountain National Forest, located on historic Sandwich Notch Road.

"These parcels represent a cross-section of wildlife habitats and thoughtful recreation opportunities within the town of Sandwich," notes LRCT President Tom Curren of Danbury. "They include upland ridges, meadow land, rich forests, wetlands, and two sections of the Bearcamp River Trail. The Sandwich Notch lot is of particular note, since it was the only parcel that remained unprotected after the statewide campaign to save Sandwich Notch in the '80's. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to finish the job and save this land in perpetuity."

The move to save these lands is consistent with the lifelong philosophy of their owner, Denley Emerson of Sandwich. "It has been an honor to work with Mr. Emerson on this project," continues LRCT's Tom Curren. "Denley believes in the character of his town, and has stewarded his lands thoughtfully for more than half a century. These lands are not only key wildlife habitats, but also reminders of our history and culture. We particularly gratified to have the chance to save Pulpit Rock, with its rich historical associations, and the adjoining stone walls and cellar holes, and to be completing the protection of Sandwich Notch, he concludes.

To complete the purchase, LRCT must raise the necessary funds by mid- January of next year. To date, more than $500,000 has been pledged to the effort, which is being led by Jocelyn Gutchess and Fred Rozelle of the LRCT board of trustees, and, by local volunteers Leslie Jose and Fred Lavigne, all of Sandwich. Persons interested in supporting the campaign can receive a case statement, map, and pledge card by writing LRCT at P.O. Box 1097, Meredith, NH 03254, by telephone at (603) 279-3246, or by e-mail at sud@metrocast.net.