PREP Reports & Publications

Abstract

The Goss Farm was permanently protected in November of 2010 with assistance from the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) and is located directly adjacent to the Awcomin Salt Marsh, in Rye, New Hampshire. The Town of Rye Conservation Commission owns the land, and the RCCD holds the conservation easement on the property. The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) provided $9,930 in funding assistance to support the Rockingham County Conservation District in its partnership capacity with the Rye Conservation Commission and other natural resource agencies to complete outreach, to plan and complete integrated pest management control practices, and to establish a 100 foot shoreland buffer at the Goss Farm. All objectives originally proposed through the PREP funding request have been met and conservation practices and outreach efforts have exceeded initial expectations. This is in part due to the community commitment as well as supplemental funding sources that are supporting additional conservation practices. Through PREP’s assistance a 100 foot wide shoreland buffer was established in which a 2 foot by 3 foot sign is now located. The sign communicates the importance of shoreland buffer functions, and serves as a mechanism to further promote natural resource outreach and educational efforts at the site. During 2011 eight workshops were offered and over 75 people attended, with a significant component occurring on-the-ground at the Goss Farm. Local school groups attended on-site workshops and similar efforts will be offered in the spring of 2012 that will include native shoreland buffer plantings. After receipt of proper permits, invasive species were controlled using a variety of IPM control methods within the established shoreland buffer as well as other areas on the site. An initial Goss Farm Management Plan, 2011 was prepared and included an invasive species management component, and is expected to be updated annually. Local farmers are currently being interviewed to farm a portion of the site, and community gardens and a school plot are being defined for Goss Farm for the spring of 2012.

Department

Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership

Publication Date

12-2011

Publisher

Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership

Document Type

Report

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