From the desk of Gal Potashnick, Outreach & Member Services Director;

Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust

March 11, 2020

Contact: Rebecca Brown, (603) 728-5557

Brown Says Time for New ACT Leadership

FRANCONIA – Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust celebrated its 20^th anniversary March 7 at the Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill, one of the many properties ACT has conserved.

At the event, founding board president and ACT’s Executive Director Rebecca Brown announced that sometime this year she will step down as director.

“Just as we look at the next generation of landowners when crafting conservation easements, now it’s time to consider the next generation of ACT,” said Brown. “It’s time for new leadership.”

The ACT board has started succession planning.

“My goal has always been to make ACT strong enough to go on without me as director,” said Brown. “I am confident that because of the contributions of so many people in energy, time, spirit, and financial support, now is the right time for a leadership transition.  Our organization and systems are strong and resilient;  our mission is well-defined.”

Brown explained that the region has much land that needs protecting. “With landowners aging, there’s a huge challenge ahead of us to keep the most important land for farming, forestry, wildlife, and public recreation from being sold off as small lots.”

Brown also emphasized ACT’s community-based work, such as building and maintaining and promoting public recreational trails, inviting people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends, and learn about the natural world and how to care for it.

Our commitment to our landowners and our community has always been that ACT’s work is ‘in perpetuity.’” Brown said. “That means that we are principled and flexible, creative and judicious.  I am sure that ACT will continue this essential ethic into the future.”

ACT protects land for the future vitality of the North Country. It also hosts hikes in summer and XC ski/snowshoe outings in the winter, as well as monthly fun and educational programs and its popular ‘Shoes & Brews. For more information about conserving land or to see its upcoming events, please visit www.act-nh.org or call (603) 823-7777.