The Chester NROC program started with the Dealing with Growth in Chester presentation in April, 2004. Over the course of the next few months, Chester-NROC participants identified goals, and formed Action Groups to develop and implement specific actions to achieve their natural resources protection goals. These activities are described below.

• Education and Outreach Program for Town Boards and Citizens

• Revitalize the Strategic Land Protection Committee

• Develop an Open Space Plan

• Started to develop an educational outreach program for the Spring Hill Farm conservation area, together with the Spring Hill Farm Trustees, to help build support for land conservation efforts in Chester through public social events.

• Developed an outreach strategy focusing on successes with the Wason Pond Conservation Project, to build support for land conservation initiatives from municipal officials. The Wason Pond group developed a powerpoint presentation and handout materials. The presentation was made to the Selectboard requesting their support for and participation in the Wason Pond project.

• Attended the two-part NROC workshop Developing an Effective Education and Outreach campaign, and a subsequent follow-up meeting.

• NROC staff met with the Strategic Land Protection Committee to discuss setting goals and priorities, and to develop strategies for getting several new members on board.

• Developed a subcommittee to work with SNHPC on the Open Space Plan development.

• Contracted with Southern NH Planning Commission (SNHPC) to develop an Open Space Plan for Chester.