Greenbelt completed its second Conservation Restriction (CR) in Amesbury in November, almost 30 years after the Capp CR was gifted to Greenbelt in 1991.
This second CR – a generous gift from Jocelyn Van Bokkelen on the Amesbury portion of Heron Pond Farm – like the Capp CR, protects intact woodlands along the Powwow River.
The Van Bokkelen CR has over 1,000 feet of frontage on the Powwow, which provides drinking water to the City of Amesbury and feeds Lake Gardner, a launching point for many paddling and fishing enthusiasts.
The Powwow is also an important part of the region’s colonial history, at one time powering a grist mill, bog iron works and several sawmills.
Keeping native riparian forests intact is vital to preserve clean water. Wetlands in these woodlands help retain floodwaters during high rainfall, protecting areas like downtown Amesbury which lie downstream.
Heron Pond Farm is an organic vegetable farm in South Hampton, New Hampshire, that grows over 250 varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
Protecting the Amesbury portion of the farm with the conservation restriction ensures that this farmland will always be available to grow healthy food for generations to come.