To everyone that is interested in Owls Head Cliff,
There is only two or three feet of snow on the ground, little black tubes are connecting all of the maple trees, it's still light at dinner time. And daylight savings time is about to start (tonight ! ). So its time to think about hiking, raptor watching, climbing and Owls Head Cliff in Benton.
Over the winter work has continued on the acquisition of the Owls Head Cliff property by the White Mountain National Forrest. Some people have expressed concern that the for sale signs are still in place. From Josh Kelly at the Trust for Public Land,
" Please do tell people that the project is still moving forward, that TPL had the house and garage removed and that we are working to clean up the other minor environmental issues once the snow starts to dissipate a bit. The Forest Service is still very interested in the property, however it is good for people to understand that they have an extensive process that must be gone through for new land acquisitions. The title is quite complex, but we should be able to work through any issues. The survey is well underway and should be completed this early spring. Time is the key element here and we are trying to work through the process with the Forest Service as fast as possible. "
I have no doubt that this wonderful and unique property, with it's easy access, large alpine bog and 800' cliff, will become public property in the not to distant future.
You may have heard some rumors or stories that are indirectly related to the property. This past winter has seen two tragedies that happened "a bit too close to home" for people interested in this project. Neither of these events have any direct bearing on the property or the acquisition process, I have included them only to update everyone and prevent any incorrect information from fueling any unnecessary rumors or stories.
On December 31, 2006 Tracey Camara, 33, died at home after a sudden illness. Tracey was the logger that had just completed extensive logging on portions of the Owls Head Cliff property. In July of 2006 he barely survived a major industrial accident on the property.
On February 1, 2006 an elderly resident of the neighboring town of Warren was murdered. Police have arrested and charged Benton resident Cary Indelicato for this murder. Mr. Indelicato lived in a property that abuts the Owls Head Cliff property.
Perhaps I will see some of you at the cliff as the weather improves. And as spring approaches a reminder is in order that Owls Head Cliff is a raptor nesting site and that these endangered birds have "first dibs" on use of the cliff.
Tom Richardson
Durham, NH