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Conservation Commission

Conservation and More

              by Bruce B. Beckley


Issue #72, November, 1999
In Three Flavors

"Conservation", the word, can have three different interpretations according to Richard Moore, President of the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. Mr. Moore, speaking to the NH Association of Conservation Commissions, warned that when we speak (or in this case write) about conservation we must realize that different readers may place our words in different contexts. Biodiversity, more than a buzz word, cuts across all three meanings which were listed as

  1. Anthropocentric - the human aspect of conservation: environmentally sensitive uses of the land for forestry, recreation, tourism, health.
  2. Biocentric - focused on biota, all living things. Looks at species on an ecosystem scale.
  3. Ecocentric - ecological scale processes including quality of air, water, habitat, diversity.

The ACC is attempting to serve all three flavors. Like the ice cream in a banana split, all three approaches to conservation can be good in one dish. But in our case, not necessarily will all three be served or represented on every one of the reservations we manage.

  1. The human - where appropriate, such as at Joe English, the ACC is performing managed forest cuts and permits hiking and XC skiing.
  2. Species sensitive conservation is advocated for Stump Pond and a buffer around it in recognition of the breeding ground it provides for threatened species.
  3. Any ecological scale program to date has been incidental to other objectives. Long-term or perpetual protection for the land around Pond Parish Town Forest including a large contiguous tract in Merrimack could fall in this category. Another candidate area for ecological scale protection is the New Boston Air Station. This 4-square mile area adjoining our Joe English Reservation is large enough and diverse enough to include habitat for all NH upland species except for a few critters of the North Country.

So how do we, the human short timers in the area, benefit from this three-pronged approach to conservation? We are the winners in each category.

  1. The human - school construction and taxes are reduced as open space is preserved, near by opportunities for passive outdoor enjoyment increase.
  2. Biota - this becomes a quality of life thing. Knowing that I can find pitcher plants, gum trees 90 inches in circumference, or watch bald eagles soaring within my town makes me feel good.
  3. Ecological scale protection – benefits us all with clean water and natural viewscapes.

However you define "Conservation", A, B, or E, there is something in "It" for everyone. The ACC has several conservation initiatives. Please support us in them.

Stewardship

Former Governor and NRC Chairman Dixie Lee Ray spoke often about the obligation we all have to be stewards of and for the natural world. The concepts of stewardship and covenant go together. We get life support - food, air, water, mental health - from Nature, however you spell Her name. Society's part of the covenant with Nature, whether individually we ascribe to it or not, is that we protect and make possible a diversified ecological system with a supply of clean air and water.

The ACC shares in this covenant because we want to, because it is right for Amherst, not just because RSA 36-A says to do so. Please support us emotionally and with your tax deductible gifts of land, easements, dollars or securities. Truly no gift can be too small. A jar of pennies buys a guide book for the Peabody Mill nature library. We will be glad to discuss recognizing conservation in your estate planning and gift designations. If you prefer to work through a private non-profit organization, The Amherst Land Trust also can guide you to expert advice.

Thanksgiving

We are grateful for your support and encouragement. As you give thanks this week for the gifts provided to you, please remember your part of the covenant and the call for stewardship of the land in whatever way makes you feel your best.

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