To celebrate the new bridge over Mink Brook, the Council hosted a celebration at the bridge crossing.
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Thanks to our volunteer leaders who provided a wide variety of interesting spring programs. We had over 100 community members who came out to learn about nature photography, bird watch, fly a kite, learn about flowers and ferns and hear about the agricultural history and Abenaki influence at Mink Brook. Watch for our next newsletter with our fall schedule. Have a topic idea or would like to be a leader? Contact us!
Valley News – Sunday, May 10, 2009 – page E2
Forum – Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
The Hanover Conservation Council, a private non-profit organization incorporated in 1963, supports the current proposal before voters on May 12 to consider municipalization of the Hanover Water Works Company (HWWC). The proposal includes a new Town of Hanover and Dartmouth College equal ownership structure (50:50) of a reconstituted land management company. Currently the Town holds a 47.2% owner interest in the HWWC and its land (the College has 52.8%).
We believe that the proposal to municipalize the water company is a significant step forward in terms of equal ownership of the land resource. Focus on this proposal also offers an excellent opportunity to explore the permanent long-term protection of the watershed land. We are concerned that local ordinances and current zoning do not provide adequate long-term protection of the essential watersheds against future development. The Council strongly agrees with the Town of Hanover’s Master Plan (2003) and Open Space Priorities Plan that this land should be permanently protected.
The 1440 acres of watershed land in question, which feed the surrounding drinking water reservoirs, comprise the largest undeveloped and ecologically-significant tract remaining in Hanover. Based on both size and location, the land supports well-managed forests, prime wildlife habitat, and excellent agricultural soils. It offers crucial connectivity between Lord’s Hill, Oak Hill and the Appalachian Trail.
The community has also expressed keen interest in this land, its protection, and in potential public use. Now is the time to engage in an open dialogue to explore available conservation options. We propose that the Council, Town of Hanover, Dartmouth College and interested citizens work in partnership to plan for protection of this critical watershed land for everyone’s benefit far into the future. In the meantime, the proposal to municipalize the water company and equalize the ownership of the land resource is an advance toward longer-term conservation goals. Visit the Council website to learn more about this important resource in our community (www.hanoverconservation.org)
Betsy McGean
President, Hanover Conservation Council
Molly Donovan
Executive Director, Hanover Conservation Council
By Susan J. Boutwell
Valley News Staff Writer
HANOVER – Residents say they don’t know enough about a plan that would have the town take over the private, $20 million Hanover Water Works Co., a proposal that goes before Town Meeting voters on Tuesday.
Some say the lack of information available on the proposed municipalization of the drinking water system has persuaded them to vote against the plan.
However, supporters say there’s plenty of time to develop the details, which would have to be drawn up before a second town vote – tentatively set for fall – could seal the deal.
“There is simply not enough here to say yes to,” said resident Robin Carpenter.
But resident Jim Hornig disagreed. He said he’s confident details will be forthcoming.
“I guess I have some faith in the process,” Hornig said.
And it’s not just residents taking sides.
The town’s Conservation Commission is withholding support for the proposal while the private, nonprofit Hanover Conservation Council supports it.
The Hanover Conservation Council has been working to gather and share information on the ecologically important lands in the Route 120 Corridor in both Hanover and Lebanon. Please read the Rt. 120 Corridor Vision Statement from the Hanover Conservation Council for this area.
Position Statement on the Municipalization of the Hanover Water Works Company:
The Board of Directors of the Hanover Conservation Council, at a meeting on April 27, 2009, unanimously adopted the following summary and position statement regarding the municipalization of the Hanover Water Works Company.
POSITION STATEMENT:
The Hanover Conservation Council supports the proposal to consider municipalization of the Hanover Water Works Company and the new 50:50 ownership and governance structure of a reconstituted land management company.
The Council believes the open discussion of the proposal is an important step forward and provides the opportunity to explore future possibilities for stronger land protection, consistent with the Council’s mission and the stated aims of the Town Master Plan and Open Space Priorities Plan.
