Our Mission

Our mission is to protect and preserve the open spaces of Exeter's historic gateway, the Fort Rock Farm, and the Squamscott River.

Save Fort Rock Farm Circle

We are a diverse cross-section of the community. We live near or next to Fort Rock Farm, throughout Exeter, and in neighboring towns. We are from many different professions, religions, and backgrounds. Some are relatively new to Exeter and some have called Exeter home for generations. All of us share a deep concern that the proposed development of Fort Rock Farm will irreparably and forever change this low-density historic gateway, and all of us are passionate about preventing such a mega-development in an area reserved for low density.

Our Circle grows as more people become aware of the facts that formed the genesis of our group. Particularly, we are concerned with the proposed development's:

  • High-density development in an area specifically set aside for low-density development;
  • Destruction of wetlands in an environmentally-sensitive marsh and river area;
  • Encroachment into the 300' river setback area by vast amounts of impervious surfaces;
  • Light pollution from Walmart-style industrial lighting;
  • Immense parking capacity that exceeds all that of downtown Exeter's;
  • Inconsistency with land uses in the surrounding neighborhood;
  • Flouting of zoning restrictions voted in by an overwhelming majority of Exeter residents;
  • Setting a dangerous precedent for future elimination of the Exeter Gateway.

What we share is a commitment to protect the land, the intent to preserve it for the benefit of the public through either purchase into conservancy or other sale within Low Density Residential zoning, and a desire to work with good will to find solutions that meet the objectives, if not the current positions, of all parties.

To achieve our mission, we will:

PRESERVE - We value the historic fields and wetlands of Fort Rock Farm and the surrounding environment as one of the few original landscapes remaining from when Exeter was founded. Further, we will support such preservation embodied in Exeter's laws (including zoning) as the expressed will of Exeter voters/citizens.

RESPECT - We will act with a compassionate concern for all parties involved. We will respect, and work to satisfy, their objectives -

  • The owners of Fort Rock Farm to sell their property;
  • The owners of abutting properties to maintain their property values, including avoiding losses due to unsafe increases in traffic or obstruction of views;
  • The potential buyer to find a place to expand within our community which is appropriate to the scale of their development plans;
  • The town to preserve the historic nature and environmental quality of Exeter, with the corresponding benefits.

FINANCE - We will raise the necessary funds privately BOTH to enable the owners - should they wish - to sell Fort Rock Farm into conservation for the benefit of the environment and our community for generations to come AND, should it go into conservancy, for a fund to maintain it in perpetuity.

INFORM - We will encourage all citizens of affected communities to Know the Facts as they emerge, and understand the impact of proposed development on Fort Rock Farm and its surroundings, including which laws would need to be bypassed. We will provide information and documentation to the public, government, and media.

INVITE - We invite all people who support these efforts to join in, in whatever way you can help.