Bodewell Farm Granted Conservation Easement

EXETER, NH - The 200-acre Bodwell Farm, in Kensington, has been saved with a permanent conservation easement that protects the land for future generations. The Bodwell Farm straddles Stumpfield Road in Kensington, linking more than 2,000 acres of landscape with two high priority conservation areas on either side of the farm.

Working with the Bodwells, the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire acquired a conservation easement on the southern portion ofthe farm, conserving 110 acres in late 2016. This second phase conserves the family’s remaining200 acres on the north side of Stumpfield Road.

The Bodwell Farm conservation project was made possible with funding from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), US Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Land Easement program, the Town of Kensington Conservation Fund, the Lewis Family Conservation Foundation, The 1772 Foundation, Russell Farm and Forest Conservation Foundation, Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership, and donations from more than 100 donors.

The Bodwells first moved to the farm in 1928. Since then, the family has weathered a century of agricultural change, consolidation, and industrialization. Reflecting on what conservation means for his family’s property, Hal Bodwell explained, “In 50 years it could be open land with people doing vegetable farming or just haying the land. Who knows? With the easement protecting the land, it will give somebody the opportunity to grow something other than houses.”

Within the terms of the conservation easement – a permanent, legal agreement that directs the future uses of land while protecting critical natural resources – current and future owners of the farm will be able to respond to the needs of modern farming while also providing valuable habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for the community.''

The Lewis Family Conservation Foundation made a leadership gift to support the conservation
of the Bodwell Farm, inspiring area residents to contribute as well. Alan Lewis, of the Lewis
Family Conservation Foundation, works to conserve special places throughout Kensington. He
expressed the gratitude many feel, saying, “We thank the Bodwell Family and SELT for working
together to conserve precious farmland and preserve the tradition of New Hampshire family
framing. You help make our beloved Kensington a special place to call home.”

Courtesy Photo / Sandy Chaisson