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Access Fund and Central New Hampshire Climbers’ Association (CNHCA) have announced the purchase of a key parcel of land in Thornton, New Hampshire, to provide access to the popular Merriam Woods crag.

Merriam Woods (sometimes known as Russell Crags) is one of the most recently developed crags in New Hampshire. Some have even compared it to the iconic Rumney in terms of its potential for high-quality climbing and its natural setting.

The acquisition encompasses five acres of land that abuts the White Mountain National Forest and Merriam Woods—conservation land owned and managed by the town of Woodstock, New Hampshire. Use of the area is only expected to increase, and with that increase comes the need to develop sustainable climbing infrastructure.

“We are excited to acquire this land and work to build a new parking lot,” says CNHCA President Jay Knower. “With the increasing popularity of Merriam Woods and the surrounding Russell Crags, this project will help alleviate potential issues caused by visitor use and foster good will among the community at large.”

Access to the crags around Woodstock has been a historical challenge. In the spring of 2023, discussions were underway between local climbers and the Woodstock Conservation Commission regarding the imperiled climbing access to Merriam Woods. One of the key concerns raised by local residents was the need for sufficient parking along the road to the crag.

Around the same time, Knower connected with the sellers. “We noticed that this piece of land was the only privately held parcel near Merriam Woods,” says Knower. “So we approached the owners about purchasing it, figuring that it wouldn’t hurt to ask.” The owners agreed to sell their property to CNHCA and were very supportive of the organization’s plans to build a small parking lot for climbers and other recreationists at a new trailhead. The lot will address landowner concerns and provide an avenue for sharing up-to-date information about proper use of these areas.

“Climbers from CNHCA and Access Fund spent a significant amount of time working with the town of Woodstock to keep climbing open and conserved at Merriam Woods,” says Brian Tickle, Access Fund’s national acquisitions director. “This acquisition is a reminder that sustainable climbing often requires infrastructure beyond just trails, staging areas, and fixed anchors, and it also serves as an example of climbers addressing the needs of neighboring landowners.”

Not an Access Fund Member? Either become one or consider donating to Access Fund here.

Nonprofit is gathering insight about homeownership sentiment

New Hampshire Housing is gathering data to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and sentiments of current and potential homebuyers.

The Homebuying Sentiment Survey, which launched Oct. 3, targets renters and those who currently do not own a home. The goal is to gather insights that will help shape effective programs and policies to support homeownership in New Hampshire, the nonprofit said in a press release.

New Hampshire Housing is partnering with NH Business Review, New Hampshire Magazine and Stay Work Play to promote the survey and ensure it reaches a broad audience of potential homebuyers. The survey seeks to assess the attitudes and challenges faced by both homebuyers and renters.

By gathering data on their experiences with the homebuying process, affordability perceptions and primary barriers, New Hampshire Housing aims to refine its homeownership programs to better meet the needs of residents and provide critical data to lenders and lawmakers on how best to serve their needs, the release said.

“We are at a critical juncture where housing affordability and availability have become top concerns for New Hampshire residents,” said Matthew Gallant, senior manager of business development of New Hampshire Housing, in a statement.

“This survey will provide valuable insights into the real challenges facing our first-time homebuyers and help us develop meaningful solutions to support them in achieving their dream of homeownership,” he said.

The survey has three objectives:

• Assess homeownership sentiment: Understand the attitudes of renters and potential homebuyers regarding the affordability and feasibility of purchasing a home.
• Identify barriers: Pinpoint key obstacles faced by homebuyers, including financial challenges, market availability, and downpayment concerns.
• Demographic insights: Collect demographic data to build a clearer picture of the diverse needs of homebuyers across New Hampshire

Participants who complete the survey will receive a $5 gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and input.

For more information or to participate visit NHHomeownership.org.

Firefighters extinguished a house fire in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Thursday night.

Manchester fire said they were called to a report of a building fire on Straw Road just before 8 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, they found a single-family home with extremely heavy fire coming from the entire left side of the building.

The fire had self-vented and was coming out the side and rear of the house about 35 feet above the roof, according to fire officials.

The house had an extremely steep and narrow driveway, which made it difficult for firefighters to access the building. One engine made it up the driveway and firefighters began attacking the blaze, first from the exterior and then by pushing into the building.

The roof was ultimately opened for ventilation, and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. All companies cleared the scene around 11 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials estimated the total damages at about $275,000.