Simon Berrio

I welcome attempts by the legislature to periodically examine the program. Same with any other tax credit or exemption. This bill is overcomplicated and will only have negative effects in New Hampshire’s landscape. The Current Use program preserves open land, supports recreational opportunities, and creates habitat for NH’s wildlife as mentioned on NH F&G’s page discussing the program. I do own a small parcel enrolled in Current Use. Despite it not being posted, I do not apply for the recreational discount. I’ve seen hunters in my game cameras recreating on my land and always hope they’re successful. This bill seeks to remove that opportunity from them. Furthermore, the municipal limitations proposed in Part II are arbitrary and attempt at a one size fits all solution when there is not one. Without trying to wrap my head around the bill’s language I’ll assume most of Coos County counts as “rural” with a 75% acreage cap. Referencing the most recent(2024) Current Use Report published by the NH DRA, it lists 43 municipalities and unincorporated places on the Coos tab of their Excel spreadsheet and 17 of 43 are over 75%. Here in Dalton, it shows 82% of our acreage enrolled in Current Use and this is owned by 237 owners. Roughly a quarter of Dalton’s population participates. Amusingly our northernmost town of Pittsburg is below 75% while our county seat of Lancaster is above. Please keep New Hampshire green instead of turning us into a concrete jungle and recommend an ITL vote.