The Gilford Conservation Commission is extremely excited to announce the very recent signing of a Purchase and Sale agreement to purchase land on Piper Mountain. This has been THE top priority parcel of the Conservation Commission and the Gilford Land Conservation Task Force for protection for many years, and is also a top priority of the Belknap Range Conservation Coalition, a group trying to conserve and protect as much of the Belknap Range as possible.

The land is comprised of 273 acres and includes the summit with its open and beautiful views, many hiking trails, and important wildlife habitat. Surrounded on three sides by hundreds of acres of land already under protection, it has remained an obvious missing piece of the puzzle in dire need of protection.

The Gilford Conservation Commission and many concerned townsfolk are partnering with the Lakes Region Conservation Trust to procure the land on Piper Mountain. We need to raise $120,000 before January 17, 2017, so our time is very limited. Donations may be sent to the Gilford Conservation Commission, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249. Checks can be made out to the Town of Gilford Conservation Fund with "Piper Mtn." as a notation in the memo section.

Anyone who has hiked Piper can attest to the beauty of our Lakes Region's mountains and lakes as observed from the ledge outcroppings at the north and south summits, maybe while sitting on one of the "thrones" of rock.

We wish to unanimously thank the seller for giving us the opportunity to protect Piper Mountain for all to enjoy its trails and scenic beauty forever.

Gilford Conservation Commission, Carole Hall, Chair

Gilford Land Conservation Task Force, Everett McLaughlin, Chair