Help Preserve

Wilton’s Agricultural Heritage

The Gage Road Fields are at risk of being developed. We have the opportunity to receive state and local grants to preserve these fields but we must raise matching funds locally. If successful an agricultural easement would be held by the Town of Wilton and would keep these fields open in perpetuity. Adjacent to the historic 1765 Gage Farmhouse and part of the original Gage Farm, these fields have been maintained and improved by many generations of Wilton farmers.

An agricultural easement is a legal deed which forbids any residential or industrial use of the land. It also limits the size of any possible agricultural structures and prevents the abuse of the soil. In this case the deed would be owned and monitored by the Town of Wilton’s Conservation Commission.

For information about the Conservation Commission please visit the Town’s website at www.ci.wilton.nh.us/

Your contribution to the Gage Road Fields helps protect 18.85 acres in total, with 9 acres in open hay fields and the balance in woods. The total cost of this project is estimated at $230,000. This estimate includes both the value of the land and the necessary costs, but even a small donation can help make it eligible for state and federal grants.

The Cadmus Corporation, a federal non-profit based in Wilton, is accepting tax-deductible donations on behalf of this project.

Please send your contribution to:

Cadmus Corporation

C/O Anitra Sorensen

52 Colburn Road

Temple, NH 03084

The Temple-Wilton Community Farm hopes that the hay from these fields will help keep their small herd of dairy cows fed through the long New Hampshire Winters. In the past, they have survived on the generosity of local landowners, but as hay fields and pastures continue to be developed for housing this source has begun to dwindle. Your contribution not only helps keep some beautiful land open but also helps assure the continuance of the last dairy in Wilton.

For any questions on the importance of your donation or how these fields will be used please contact Lincoln Geiger at (603)654-6082