When NHCP acquires land, either by purchase or donation, or accepts a conservation easement on a property it makes a perpetual obligation to look after these conservation lands.
On land NHCP owns, we develop management plans enabling the organization to anticipate costs, ensure protection, manage diversity and improve access.
With conservation easements, NHCP enters into an agreement with the granting landowner that obligates the organization to monitor and enforce the specific terms of that easement. These terms (or restrictions) stay with the property no matter who subsequently owns it. These partnerships are enduring.
Properties that NHCP owns are accessible to the community and its guests.
Several conservation easement properties allow for public access thanks to the generosity of the granting landowner. In those cases NHCP works with the landowner to ensure the properties values are upheld and that access remains responsible. These are still private properties and we ask that people use this right of access with respect.
The Challenges of Change
Recently, NHCP has focused on trying to address the steady march of invasive species (aided by our warming planet) on two of its preserves, Mill Stream and North Shore. Invasive Buckthorn, which threatens plant, animal and insect diversity on a landscape scale is a particular problem on both preserves and on many North Haven properties. Our invasive species brochure is available at Waterman’s, the NHCP office, and can be downloaded here.
Browntail moth, which can cause allergic skin reactions and respiratory distress from it air born, caterpillar hairs, is found throughout the island but particularly prevalent along Middle, South and North Shore Roads. NHCP is making a concerted effort to remove and destroy nests at its Mill Stream Preserve.
