What are the differences between local and state-held easements in the LCIP program?
When the program began acquiring easements and fee simple interests, LCIP funds were divided between local projects and state projects. Local easements are “held” by the community. The community is responsible for ongoing stewardship and the State of New Hampshire holds a secondary interest in each property. This means that if the community cannot, or will not, uphold the terms of the easement, the State will through CLS. State held easements are primarily held by one of three state agencies; the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Foods, or the Department of Resources & Economic Development. The Conservation Lands Stewardship Program (CLS), housed at the Office of Energy and Planning, provides ongoing stewardship on many of these easement lands, including regular monitoring visits. We also actively coordinate our stewardship activities with the appropriate agency.
