This "Letter to the Editors", which concerned the possibility of Hackett Hill development, appeared in The New Hampshire Sunday News, August 12, 2001. It was written by William Carter, P.O. Box 352, Epping, NH 03042.
"The city of Manchester already has full occupancy of its
Hackett Hill property. The tenants are educators.
The hill is occupied by the white-tailed deer which shed antlers there last winter, by the red-tailed hawk which roosts there now, by ovenbirds, and by a host of other wildlife. They have colonized a forest which has regenerated on land once cleared for agriculture. That forest and its occupants can teach us all much about the force and fragility of life in natural communities.
The city and the Nature Conservancy have taken steps to preserve rare growths of wild rhododendron, Atlantic white cedar and ancient black gum trees on parts of the land. The Economic Development Office's plan for commercial development of the rest, however, threatens these plant communities with runoff and wind exposure. It would also fragment the relatively large area of wildlife habitat, space needed by many species.
The building and pavement left on Hackett Hill by the University of New Hampshire provide a ready made facility for high-volume, low-risk environmental education. Manchester educates thousands of New Hampshire's children. They deserve to share this heritage. Hackett Hill is an environmental treasure within New Hampshire's biggest city, just a bus ride from downtown. The Development Office should continue to redevelop that downtown instead of subsidizing yet more sprawl, for uncertain benefits, and for certain loss."
Another "Letter to the Editor" appeared in The New Hampshire Sunday News, May 6, 2001. It was written by Judith Lindsey, 822 North Road, Candia,03034.
"Are you familiar with the Hackett Hill area of
Manchester? Or like me, was it just a name you had heard of but
hadn't actually experienced?
Fortunately, in the last month, through workshops sponsored by the Amoskeag Fishways and Audubon, I was able to walk this forested section in the northwestern part of Manchester.
What a delight! To discover the deer and racoon tracks in the snow! To feel the rough bark of a 200 plus year old tree. To be embraced in the atmosphere of nature's solitude.
I understand half of this area is slated to be developed in the near future. What effect wil this have on the wildlife that calls this protected area home? What damage will be inflicted on the diversity of towering trees and lush shrubbery that beautifully cover the hilly landscape? What destruction will result when nearby development cuts angular lots into this pristine area and creates pollution, litter and noise?
Hackett Hill now stands as a large, undivided tract of valuable forested land which offers rich opportunities to teach our citizens, students and children the wonder and benefits of the natural environment. One cannot create such a jewel. But one can protect it from further development."