What's Going on With the Newfields-Exeter Community Forest?

What's Going on With the Newfields-Exeter Community Forest?

A common topic of discussion in my family recently has been the Newfields-Exeter Community Forest Fort Rock Trails, a large stretch of trees, rocks, and streams, a significant amount of which is owned by the Rugg family. They have owned these trails for over a hundred years, and have allowed the community to use them for about 75. Approximately 101 acres of the forest is located in Newfields and 47 in Exeter. These trails are used by nearly anyone who enjoys nature. Bikers, hikers, dog walkers, bird watchers, geocachers, and hunters all utilize these trails. However, the family is now preparing to sell their land.

If this land were to be developed, a planned 67 family homes would go in its place. These wouldn’t house just a few people either; being family homes, each would likely contain anywhere from three to four people. The average family in the United States is 3.13 people, 3.13 multiplied by 67 is 209.71. This means that roughly 210 people would live in this area, causing a massive amount of problems both there and in surrounding areas. One being that the traffic would spike. I live near where many of the streets to access this area would be, it is a series of small, winding roads filled with blind turns and hills. Even the most experienced drivers can risk car accidents in the winter, and this increase in traffic would only make it more dangerous. 

In addition to this, these beautiful trails would be gone. From hiking to biking to hunting, these trails hold valuable memories for everyone who uses them. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t exploring the woods with my family, bumping into neighbors and strangers who were also enjoying the trails. I don’t want that to go away. Members of the community have left their mark on these woods, including my own father and his friends creating the Olive Branch trail. If you’ve never gotten the chance to experience this beautiful forest, I urge you to do so soon, since there may not be much time left.

So, what can we do about it? The proposed solution is for the Town of Newfields and the Town of Exeter to each purchase these trails, making them public land and preventing them from being developed. There have already been several meetings held on the matter, and I encourage you to seek out more that you can attend. In fact, January 5 is the last day for a voter petition on the Newfields bond warrant article, which needs 25 or more signatures. I encourage you to sign if you have not already. Other important dates include January 9, a Newfields budget hearing at 7 pm in the Newfields Town Hall, January 16, a Newfields bond hearing for community forest also at 7pm in the Newfields Town Hall, February 3, an Exeter deliberative session at 9am right here in Exeter High School, and on February 6 there will be a Newfields deliberative session at 7pm in the Newfields Town Hall. Then, on March 12 there will be a vote at each town hall on whether or not the towns should buy the forest. You can find even more information about each of these events at SaveFortRockTrails.org and on the Facebook page “Supporters of Newfields-Exeter Community Forest”. 

A common argument against purchasing their trails would be that taxes would go up for a short time so that the towns can pay for the forest, and while this is true, taxes would likely increase either way. As I stated earlier, the roads around this area would be used more. This would cause taxes in the community to rise as well because the road will require more upkeep. The increase in traffic would wear down the pavement, and there would likely need to be safety measures put in like traffic lights. This would potentially cost even more than if the towns were to buy the forest because the purchase of the forest is only going to happen once, but the upkeep of the roads is constant. So what would you rather your tax dollars go to, another set of beautiful forests developed into lifeless houses, or the happy memories of generations to come?

Please, if you haven’t enjoyed this forest yet, I encourage you to take the drive to do so. They truly are beautiful with a series of intricate trails for different skill levels of both hiking and biking. There are natural wonders like streams, dense trees, and rock formations that will never cease to amaze me. Help us save the woods, and vote yes on the towns’ purchase of the Newfields-Exeter Community Forest.