Jackson Ski Touring & Upper Saco Valley Land Trust Announce Significant Land Preservation Easement

JACKSON, NH – The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation and the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, together with two local donors, have formed a unique partnership to permanently preserve 62 acres of open space in Jackson for use as ski touring and snowshoe trails and for other forms of passive recreation.  Sited at the junction of Valley Cross and Black Mountain Roads, the land consists of woodland and open fields with more than 500 feet of frontage on the Wildcat River.  Its rolling terrain includes the Wave, John and Henry cross-country trails and affords stunning views of Mt. Washington to the northwest.  This far-reaching, charitable partnership was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the landowner and an anonymous local donor.

Much of the land comprising the former Pinkham Farm (1790) was reassembled over a 40 year period.  During that time, the owners encouraged Jackson Ski Touring Foundation to establish and maintain ski trails for the public’s use and enjoyment.  The Wave, John and Henry now form a network that is one of the few cross country venues in North America certified by the International Ski Federation for competition at the highest level.  Jackson Ski Touring Foundation will host the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s cross-country ski championship on this course in 2017.

Now, as the landowner, the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation will maintain the trail system and be responsible for stewardship of the land year-round.  The ski and snowshoe trails will continue to be open to ticket and season pass holders during the winter season.  At other times of year, the public will have access to the land for non-motorized, passive recreation.

Kevin Killourie, President of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, said, “The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is touched by this incredibly generous donation, and the actions of all involved who made this transaction possible.  We are honored to become the stewards of this very special part of Jackson. This land will provide amazing recreational opportunities for generations to come.”

A tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation provides recreational and competitive opportunities for cross country skiing and snowshoeing that enrich lives and promote healthy lifestyles for all ages.

Upper Saco Valley Land Trust will hold a conservation easement to ensure that the land is preserved and that its significant natural characteristics, including woods, fields, river and stream frontage, and wetlands, are protected.

William Abbott, Executive Director of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, said, “The Land Trust is honored to be a part of this charitable partnership that has preserved 62 acres in the heart of Jackson, and we are extremely grateful for the landowners’ long-term vision for this land.  The views, the extensive trail network, the wetlands and other high-value habitats onsite will now be safeguarded for future generations, forever.  We express our deep gratitude to all who helped preserve this iconic property.”

The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is a community based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, chartered to maintain trails in and around the charming Village of Jackson, NH. The “Foundation” maintains 150 km of varied and breathtaking cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Foundation trails connect with A.M.C. trails in Pinkham Notch and White Mountain National Forest backcountry adventure trails. The Foundation operates under a Special-Use Permit with the White Mountain National Forest, and with the cooperation of 75 private landowners, and the Village of Jackson.  More information about the Foundation and its offerings can be found on the web at www.jacksonxc.org.

Upper Saco Valley Land Trust preserves land for community benefit in the upper watershed of the Saco River in both Maine and New Hampshire.  This easement will be the Land Trust’s 51^st project, and will bring the total amount of land conserved by the Land Trust to 7,900 acres. To learn more about local conservation, visit www.usvlt.org.