You may have seen signs in several places around Chesterfield advertising a public auction of properties. Or you may have seen the article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette Monday. A number of individuals and local conservation organizations agree that three of the properties slated to go up for auction have features that make them valuable areas to conserve, particularly the property along River Road at the Chesterfield Gorge, one of the region’s most visited sites. This parcel is surrounded by conserved land and if developed could permanently alter the experience of visiting the Chesterfield Gorge for those who hike, run, fish, bike, cross country ski, or snowmobile.
For decades HLT has worked to protect unique landscapes and habitats in the Hilltowns. And in that time we’ve learned that the most successful projects come from collaboration with landowners, towns, partner organizations, and passionate individuals. Collaboration requires effective communication, and we would like to help facilitate that.
We want to hear from community members who use open space in the Hilltowns. We feel delivering a collective voice to decision makers thinking about the protection of properties like these will be more compelling than many separate ones. If you would like to see this land and other open space in the Hilltowns conserved, please share your comments with us by filling out the form below.