The High Priority Action Plan List

The Scenic Locales Committee was charged with identifying and prioritizing specific sites and areas for municipal action. Of the more than 200 sites that were named in public surveys and in the committee's own work, nine emerged as having the highest priority based on selection criteria and vulnerability. The list that follows gives specific suggestions for municipal action for their protection. Other methods could also be applied, depending on circumstances. The Appendices to this study offer a complete description of the inventory methods, the tabulation of responses, and a large but by no means complete description of references to methods of scenic protection, and to some organizations which can provide further information.

High-Priority Action List

Moose Mountain

Tighten the Forestry Zone conditions to limit density, limit development to downslope locations, minimize the visibility of structures from both nearby and distant locations, and to prevent spillage of artificial light to the surrounding area and night sky.

Maintain the wild, scenic and other special qualities of the east slope of Moose Mountain, and the land between it and Goose Pond.

Develop a system to monitor and enforce seasonal dwelling restrictions in the "F" Zone.

Goose Pond

Limit the amount of forest clearance that will be seen from the pond.

Coordinate with the town of Canaan, and with the Goose Pond Association, to protect views of the pond from Hanover's shoreline.

Develop a system to monitor and enforce seasonal dwelling restrictions in the "F" Zone.

Mink Brook Corridor

Mink Brook cuts a sinuous swath through Hanover that starts on the slopes of Moose Mountain, descends through the center of Etna, parallels Greensboro Road and ends at its confluence with the Connecticut River. The environs of the brook are protected by public ownership primarily at its lower end close to the river.

Since the brook functions as a linear scenic and environmental resource, it should be treated as a unit. A plan for the whole corridor would include data collection and mapping of current easements, owners, associated wetlands, water quality, and the sewer line; designation of site-by-site trail locations the length of the corridor, parking sites and public access to be requested by the Planning Board in the event of development applications; severe restriction of high-impact development within the watershed; and designation of advocates for implementation of the corridor plan on the Planning and Zoning Boards, and on the Conservation Commission. The Upper Valley Land Trust should be involved in planning and implementation.

King Road / Robert Frost Lane

Acquire land or a scenic easement to protect the views from the intersection of King Road and Robert Frost Lane across the fields to the west and southwest. Provide a small-vehicle pull-off for peaceful enjoyment of sunsets, celestial events, etc.

Ensure that the location of new structures, or growth of vegetation, does not encroach on the public's "use" of the view.

Etna Farm at Ruddsboro Road

Encourage continued agricultural use of farm land.

If and when owners are willing, be ready to acquire or place easements on the open land and surrounding woods.

Etna Village & Hanover Center

Conduct a planning study of Etna Village and Hanover Center. Consider the competing interests of the very special scenic village character of each versus the high (and increasing) volumes of traffic and the rate of development. Scenic viewsheds are critical in Hanover Center. Historic and scenic qualities of Etna Village should be protected. Current zoning requirements may need reconsideration.

Hanover Country Club Golf Course

Rezone to protect scenic qualities and open space.

Trescott Ascutney View

Encourage continued agricultural use of farm land.

If and when owners are willing, be ready to acquire or place easements on the open land and surrounding woods.

Protect the viewshed of Mt. Ascutney, as seen from Trescott Road near Etna, using easement, purchase or other means.

Hanover Water Company Land

Rezone as an "NP" district (Natural Preserve), or take other strong measures, at the earliest opportunity to ensure open space protection in a natural state.

Open Class VI roads to passive recreation where water quality will not be compromised.