The Pond of Safety will continue to be a safe haven from development because of the Forest Legacy Program. The 10-acre pond forms the headwaters to the Upper Ammonoosuc River. The origin of the pond's name dates back to a small group of Patriots from the American Revolution who had been released by the British and sought refuge at the remote pond. The British had released them after they promised to not take up arms again. Instead of being labeled as deserters by the Americans, they fled to the pond, hoping to not be found.

Located in Randolph and Jefferson, New Hampshire, the Pond of Safety property provides the only link of protected land between the largest unit of the White Mountain National Forest and the smaller Kilkenny unit. The tract was protected forever on December 4, 2001, with the help of the USDA Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program. A State-held conservation easement was purchased from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and will keep the 10,192-acre property undeveloped. An adjacent 3,200-acre tract will become part of the White Mountain National Forest. TPL had purchased the land from Hancock Timber Resources Group until sufficient public and private funds could be acquired.

The Pond of Safety conservation easement was purchased using $2,109,000 of Forest Legacy Program funds, and $250,000 from New Hampshire's Land and Community Heritage Investment Program. The town of Randolph used $1,485,000 in private contributions, led by a fundraising effort by TPL, to purchase the property with the easement in place, creating the Randolph Community Forest.

"I am proud we could work with the local communities, the Federal government, and the Trust for Public Land to ensure that future generations will enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pond of Safety," commented New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen at the closing.

U.S. Representative Charlie Bass added, "I have been pleased to work with Senator (Judd) Gregg, State conservation groups, and local officials to obtain Federal funding to secure these key holdings near the scenic Pond of Safety."

      "The Pond of Safety project is an excellent example of how the Forest Legacy Program and the State can work directly with communities to protect recreational, ecological, and timber values that are so important to us all," said Philip Bryce, New Hampshire State Forester.

The property will continue to provide habitat for wildlife, but will also provide public recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Timber harvesting will continue on the property under a forest management plan approved by the State, which is a required part of every Forest Legacy Project.

The New Hampshire Forest Legacy Program protects important forests from conversion to nonforest uses and to ensures traditional uses can continue. These forests provide essential wildlife habitat, protect water quality, offer outstanding recreation opportunities, afford outstanding scenic views, are home to historic sites, and/or provide the opportunity to continue traditional forest uses. A Federal-State partnership allows landowners to keep their land private while ensuring it remains forest forever through the use of conservation easements.

Federal, State, local, and nonprofit partners were all critical to the successful creation of the Randolph Community Forest.