Dear Friend of Conservation,

Please sign this petition to support funding the Belknap County Conservation District at $60,000 in 2026.

Time Sensitive. The first public meeting of the Delegation is set for December 2nd. Reaching out early is best since meeting dates are uncertain at this time.​

• County taxes on a $300,000 property contribute a 44 cent investment in Belknap’s natural resources.

• BCCD brings an average of $200,000 annually for natural resources projects in the County.

• For every $1 in County funding, BCCD generates $30 in projects and conservation-based technical support.

Working with landowners, land managers, and conservation partners, BCCD positive impacts include:

• Responding to over 220 requests annually for technical assistance and conservation advice

• Improving water quality, stream habitats, and reducing flood damage

• Assisting local farmers with fresh produce donations to food pantries and senior centers

• A farm equipment rental program for farmers and gardeners

• Conservation demonstration projects (Town forest plans, invasive plant removal, wetland protection)

•  Providing volunteer opportunities

Why we need your support:

• In 2025, County funding to BCCD was cut in half, to $25,000.

• In response, BCCD spent down existing grant funds and savings to continue services without disruption.

• Unless funding is restored in 2026, BCCD must drastically reduce services many depend upon.

• The Belknap County Commissioners will recommend to the County Delegation that BCCD be funded at the $60,000 level. Your support of the Commissioners’ recommendation to fund BCCD is vital.

County funding, which provides a critical foundation for BCCD program administration, has fallen 75% since 2015. We need funding levels reinstated to leverage grants and continue our services. We appreciate your sup-port in keeping Belknap County a special place.

Our thanks for your support,

Belknap County Board of Supervisors and Associates:

Jamie Irving, Seth Keller, Richard Demark, Ken Kettenring, Jan Hooper, and Ann W. Sprague