TURNERS FALLS, Mass., January 9, 2001 -The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acquired 670 acres of prime wildlife habitat in Jefferson and Whitefield, N.H., from Hancock Timber Resource Group (HTRG). HTRG sold the lands through their Sensitive Lands Program, which offers areas of special wildland or recreational value to suitable buyers.

Henry Whittemore, HTRG's northeast regional manager, said, "We've long recognized that this land is sensitive and considered a high priority for protection by the Audubon Society of New Hampshire and other conservationists. We're delighted that federal funds made it possible for these lands to be added to Audubon's existing conservation lands at Little and Big Cherry Ponds. This success was made possible by the collaboration HTRG enjoys with Audubon, Senator Gregg, New Hampshire Fish and Game and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, who recognized the merit of public ownership, was instrumental in bringing the parties together and securing the necessary funds. In explaining his interest in the transaction, Senator Gregg said, "Anyone who has visited Pondicherry understands the ecological importance of this rich and sensitive ecosystem. Pondicherry is one of the crown jewels of New Hampshire's awe inspiring natural environment and I was pleased to play a role in securing federal funding to protect these conservation lands. The project was a team effort, and I would like to commend the leadership of the Towns of Jefferson and Whitefield, the Hancock Timber Resource Group, the Audubon Society of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for working together to ensure that our children will enjoy the natural wonders of the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge."

The Audubon Society of New Hampshire, another key player in this collaboration, worked for many years to ensure protection of the area that abuts and connects their two ponds (Little and Big Cherry), collectively known as the Pondicherry Refuge. Pondicherry is well known as a New Hampshire "hot spot," attracting many bird watchers during the migration and nesting seasons. Society President Richard Moore stated, "Few places in New Hampshire have the ecological value, the scenic beauty, and the symbolic power of Pondicherry. It is one of those rare places where you feel deeply in touch with the natural world. We are so grateful that so much of the area has now been protected through the efforts of so many partners."

The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, headquartered in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, will administer the land. Project Leader Beth Goettel considers the area an important addition to the Conte Refuge, whose mission is to protect wildlife and plant diversity in the Connecticut River watershed. She explained, "This transaction ensures protection of a rich array of uncommon wildlife habitats including black spruce-larch wetlands, fens and bogs. The ecological significance is evident from a 1997 Audubon study that found 120 species of nesting birds, including rare spruce grouse, black-backed woodpeckers and palm warblers. We appreciate all the hard work from Hancock Timber, Senator Gregg and Audubon that made this possible."

Public access to the Conte Refuge parcels will be via the new rail-to-trail system near Wambeck Junction, administered by the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails. The Refuge tracts are well marked with orange carsonite posts and tree blazes. Additional information about the Conte Refuge can be obtained by contacting the headquarters at 413-863-0209. Those wishing to find out more about Audubon's Pondicherry Refuge should call 603-224-9909.