Access Fund, Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, and Friends of the Ledges are pleased to announce the successful acquisition of nine acres of land critical for access to Cathedral Ledge and Whitehorse Ledge in the Mount Washington Valley. This acquisition was a collaborative effort among the three organizations, and is a significant step towards protecting the forest lands below the two iconic ledges.

Photo courtesy of Mike Morin

Thanks to the generosity and foresight of the land’s previous owner, Jim Ansara of Essex, Massachusetts, the property has remained open to public use and retained its natural character from the time he purchased it in 1997. Jim graciously donated the property to the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust to ensure that the property retains its natural values in perpetuity.

“I spent many years living part time in the North Conway community living on Bow Lane at the foot of Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledge. I had great enjoyment with my friends and family hiking, climbing, and running on the cliffs and trails, and I wanted to see that future generations of climbers, hikers, and those who love the outdoors have the opportunity to enjoy the park and the cliffs to the same extent we have,” says Ansara.

Upper Saco Valley Land Trust has taken ownership of the property, and Access Fund will hold a permanent conservation and recreation easement on the property as an added layer of protection to ensure long-term access and support conservation of the property.

“The land between the ledges is an important access and conservation priority for Access Fund,” says Mike Morin, Access Fund’s Northeast Regional Director. “This acquisition not only secures long-term access to the Bryce Path and Bryce Link trail, used by climbers descending from Whitehorse Ledge, but it also preserves several quality boulders that reside on the property.”

The land between the ledges has long held a special place in the hearts of climbers in the Mount Washington Valley community. In 2015, Friends of the Ledges formed to preserve the unique character of climbing areas in the eastern White Mountains and serve as a liaison between the climbing community and land managers. Since that time, the group has been working to promote volunteer stewardship of local climbing areas and also to ensure their ongoing public access.

“The forested lands between Cathedral and Whitehorse are essential to the experience of these historic and spectacular cliffs,” says Sarah Garlick, Friends of the Ledges President. “Cathedral Ledge, Whitehorse Ledge, and Echo Lake make up one of the natural gems of New Hampshire—and really all of New England. Losing access to the Bryce Path or seeing development right in the heart of this special area would be a major blow, not only to the climbing community, but also to mountain bikers, hikers, and local residents.”

With a strong commitment to conservation, Friends of the Ledges has stepped up as volunteer land steward for the newly acquired property, in partnership with the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, putting long-term care solidly in the hands of two local organizations deeply rooted in the region.

“Many residents and visitors have probably crossed this land not realizing that they were on private property,” notes William Abbott, Upper Saco Valley Land Trust Executive Director. That’s because the land is nearly surrounded by the Echo Lake State Park. Because of this partnership, those same visitors and residents can now rest assured, that public access has been secured in perpetuity. Partnerships such as this are an important component of the conservation strategy. Access Fund and Friends of the Ledges will help ensure we will have a dedicated group of volunteers to call upon when stewardship needs arise.”

This is the first collaborative project between Access Fund and Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, two nationally accredited land trusts. This project marks a continued partnership between Access Fund and Friends of the Ledges, which worked together to reopen Band M Ledge in Madison, New Hampshire to climbing last year.