The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with help from the National Wildlife Refuge Association, recently established the Mascoma River Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Canaan, New Hampshire. The 762-acre conservation easement was acquired through a combination of funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and a donation from the landowner, Bear Hill Conservancy Trust.

The Service purchased a conservation easement on 692 acres of the property with $1,059,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Bear Hill Conservancy Trust was established to conserve the highest priority habitats identified in the State of New Hampshire's wildlife action plan.

The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge protects nearly 37,000 acres of land within the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The forests within the new Mascoma River Division provide breeding areas for songbirds and habitat for wide-ranging mammals such as bobcat and black bear. The Mascoma River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, flows through the easterly portion of the property and supports brook trout. Clark Pond, at the south end of the property, is home to common loons and is a popular fishing destination.

"The expansion of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is great news for the Connecticut River Watershed and the ecology of northern New England," said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. "I look forward to building on this collaborative success by continuing to advocate for the preservation of New Hampshire's beautiful spaces."

"Protecting New Hampshire's treasured wildlife and pristine landscape is important to our state's way of life and economy," said U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte. "Thanks to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the generous contribution from the Bear Hill Conservancy Trust, the Mascoma River Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge will preserve these cherished lands for generations to come."

The project is considered a priority by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and is supported by the local community. The area is home to a healthy population of black bears, and world-renowned bear expert Ben Killiam has been studying black bears at Bear Hill for 30 years.

"Conserving this special place has been one of our highest priorities in the northeast, and we are so thankful to partner with Bear Hill and many others to permanently protect it for the future," said the Service's Northeast Regional Director, Wendi Weber. "This acquisition at the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect example of focusing our limited resources strategically, while working alongside our partners, to grow the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of the Connecticut River Watershed and the American people."

"This project is a wonderful example of collaboration," said David Houghton, president of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. "The Bear Hill Conservancy Trust team had the vision, and has displayed such generosity to conserve this extremely important New Hampshire woodland. Meanwhile, Andrew French and the staff of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked very hard to make sure this project was a success."

"I'd like to also thank Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, for their work to appropriate funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund," Houghton said.

The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge was established in 1997 to conserve, protect and enhance the abundance and diversity of native plant, fish and wildlife species and the ecosystems on which they depend throughout the 7.2 million acre Connecticut River watershed. By preserving key areas, like the Mascoma River Division, throughout the watershed, the health of the entire system is maintained.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established in 1965 to invest in our nation's land, water and wildlife heritage. For 50 years, the fund has helped conserve our forests, rivers, lakes and wildlife habitat; supported parks and historic sites; and provided places for people to enjoy the outdoors, hunt and fish. The fund's primary source of income is royalties paid by oil and gas companies drilling offshore in waters owned by the U.S.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/northeast/. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel and download photos from our Flickr page.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is an independent nonprofit exclusively focused on protecting and promoting the National Wildlife Refuge System, the world's largest network of conservation lands and waters. Founded in 1975, the Refuge Association's mission is to conserve America's wildlife for future generations through programs that protect, enhance and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries. Connect with the Refuge Association on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.