Owen Grumbling interviewed by Journal Tribune on Wells Conservation Commission seeking funds to purchase two parcels of land

Owen Grumbling, Ph.D., professor in the Environmental Studies Department and Wells Conservation Commission Chairman, was quoted in a May 29-30, 2010 Journal Tribune story on the Wells Conservation Commission seeking funds to purchase two parcels of land in the town of Wells. These two parcels of land would total more than 400 acres of largely undeveloped land, if the town can reach an agreement with the landowners.

Grumbling said in his interview that many varieties of plants and wildlife, including moose, deer and fisher cats, inhabit what is referred to as the Tilton property in Wells, the first of two properties the Commission is looking to purchase.  This parcel of land has more than 50 feet of frontage on the Merriland River, which is a Class I brook trout fishery, and  is also full of peat which makes for an acidic environment where black spruces thrive.

The second parcel of land is referred to as the Granite State land, and Grumbling hopes voters will give the go-ahead for the town to negotiate for both parcels.  What makes the Granite State land special is that it is home to endangered species like the New England cottontail rabbit and threatened species like the spotted turtle, according to Grumbling.  He said grants and other sources of funding may be available to help keep the land in top shape for the rabbits.