Lawrence Forest

Two cold water streams, floodplains, wetlands, and forest with great mountain biking and hiking trails – no wonder acquiring the Lawrence property was a longtime goal of the Franconia Conservation Commission. With help from ACT, the town has finally purchased this 117-acre parcel situated near Lovett’s Inn.  The property is accessible from the trail system at the Inn, from the town’s Fox Hill Park, and from Old County Road.

ACT negotiated the purchase of the property from the Lawrence family, who had owned it for decades and at one time had full development plans drawn up. The land had been put back on the market in 2015. ACT secured funding from the Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund (MEF) to add to the Conservation Commission’s own funds to make the purchase. ACT will hold a conservation easement on the property, ensuring that it is forever protected for habitat and recreation.

The Conservation Commission is exploring various access options and parking, and will create a management plan in the next year. ACT will continue to work with the Commission on management and trail planning, access, and securing funding for any improvements. Snowshoe hikes will be offered this winter, and hikes and bird walks next spring. Some unusual warbler species have already been spotted there.

According to Kim Cowles, Parks and Recreation Director for the Town of Franconia, “Working with ACT was the best decision we made for this venture.  Rebecca’s ability to negotiate with the seller and her knowledge and ability to acquire the grant was key to the whole process.  The Lawrence Property is a beautiful piece of land, located in the heart of Franconia, easily accessible from Fox Hill Park.  There is a wonderful trail network already established and the wildlife is abundant. We look forward to many years of land stewardship with ACT.”

Wells Road Property

The Wells Road property is a hub within a larger network of recreation trails and landowners that support recreational trail use. The property is managed for recreational trail uses and will have a small parking area for individuals or small groups to access the trail system. The parking area, driveway, and trails will flow through a wooded setting, with large, mature trees.

The main goals and objectives for this property are to manage for recreation trail access and uses, maintain natural forest cover, and protect soil and other sensitive natural resources. Camping, hunting, and motorized recreation, including snowmobiles and ATVs are not permitted on this property.

The Wells Road property is part of the FA-NEMBA mountain bike trail system, providing an important link between trails centered around Inn/Airport and Mittersill/Cannon/FNSP/WMNF. The Ham Branch Trail crosses the property and is also used for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing and can easily be accessed from the large parking area at the Franconia Inn.

Grote Wildlife Sanctuary

The Grote Wildlife Sanctuary is a fee property owned by ACT. The land was generously donated to ACT by Peter and Mary Grote in December of 2022. The Grote’s wish to keep this 19.7-acre property as a wildlife sanctuary. It supports light recreational uses, helps to buffer ACT’s adjacent Wells Road property, improves connectivity between conserved lands, partially overlies important drinking water resources, and has scenic frontage along a town-designated scenic road.

Peter and Mary Grote acquired this land in 1995, when the owner at the time subdivided the land into 4 building lots. They purchased the property with the intent of keeping it undeveloped as long as they possibly could. They enjoyed the land as pasture for their horses and refuge; it was a place to ride and enjoy nature.

The property is mostly forested, with a smaller fenced meadow along Rte. 116, and is crossed by several trails that tie into the surrounding community trail network. Foot trails on this property tie into a larger network of community trails spanning numerous properties.  These trails have been in existence for decades providing outdoor human powered recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The trails on the Grote Sanctuary will be managed by ACT for hiking and snowshoeing only. The rest of the network is managed by a combination of private and non-profit stakeholders such as the Franconia Area- New England Mountain Biking Association (FA-NEMBA), the Franconia Inn, and other local enthusiasts.