Appendix A

Letters of Support

Submitted for the Nomination of the Ham Branch Watershed

in Easton, New Hampshire

to the New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program

2014

Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A

Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A

Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A

484 Paine Road Easton, NH 03580

April 30, 2014

Jacquie Colburn Rivers Coordinator NH Rivers Management and Protection Program NH Department of Environmental Services P.O. Box 95 Concord, NH 03302-0095

Re: Nomination to include Ham Branch within New Hampshire River Management and Protection Program

Dear Ms. Colburn:

We are residents of Easton, NH who enthusiastically support the nomination of the Ham Branch for inclusion within the New Hampshire River Management and Protection Program (NHRMPP). Through the trusts referenced below, we jointly own 160 acres in Easton, including important headwater streams that feed the Ham Branch.

Roy R. Stever 2000 Living Trust Dated 6/27/00 and the Deborah P. Stever 2000 Living Trust dated 6/27/00

In January 2014, we closed on the sale of an easement on roughly 115 acres under the Wetlands Reserve Program with the USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Under the terms of the program, and consistent with our interests as property owners, this easement protects both banks of Judd Brook, a principle tributary of the Ham Branch.

Judd Brook rises in the White Mountain National Forest on North Kinsman Mountain, flowing through our property, under easement, to the valley floor. This moderate sized stream supports a diversity of wildlife, including a growing population of native brook trout, on a slope that ranks among New Hampshire’s highest value habitat. We are interested in all efforts to conserve and protect this vital resource.

We are both members of Easton’s Conservation Commission and, therefore, very aware of the strong commitment to conservation throughout the Ham Branch watershed. We greatly appreciate your efforts in assisting all of us us as we seek the proper recognition, educational support and protection afforded through NHRMPP.

Respectfully submitted,

Roy R. Stever Deborah P. Stever

CC: Kris Pastoriza

Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A Ham Branch Watershed Nomination – Appendix A