BY MATT HERSH

Members of the conservation commission are on a quest to preserve a 237-year-old farm in Salem.

“It is beautiful,” said George Jones, the commission’s chairman.  “It’s one of the prettiest things you see in Salem.”

Jones has been leading the efforts to purchase an 84.6 acre piece of land in North Salem known as the Duston Farm.

After the budget committee recently approved a citizen’s petition that will ask voters in March to raise up to $2 million for the purchase, Jones and other conservationists are one step closer to their goal.

Jones said he’s been eyeing the property for several years, but after developers have expressed interest in the land as well, he decided it was time to take action.

Part of the property has already been sold to developers, and a 15-lot subdivision has been approved by the planning board.

“We want to preserve the rest because we’re trying to maintain locations where wildlife can continue to exist,” he said.  “Losing this kind of land is devastating.”

The farm property encompasses forest, woodlands and wetlands, all home to dozens of animal and plant species.

Aside from the environmental concerns, Jones said the property represents a chance to save a piece of an almost forgotten era in Salem.

“We can preserve a piece of community history,” he said.

If the commission fails in saving this land, Jones said he fears that it will be sold off and further developed, placing more pressure on the school system and taxpayers.

But even if voters approve raising $2 million for the land, the purchase might not be straightforward.
Currently, the land is owned by the Whiteneck family, who were close friends of the Dustons and were involved with the farm for many years. 

They purchased the land several years ago after the Dustons grew old and had difficulty maintaining the farm.

The Whitenecks lease the land to farmers who use it for their crops.  Most recently, corn was grown on the property.

Bob Whiteneck, who helps manage the property, said he’s upset with Jones’ actions which have led to inaccuracies leaked to the media. Also, there isn’t a formal offer to buy the property yet.  Jones only approached the Whitenecks, who gave him the nod to look further into the purchase.

“Basically there’s no agreement,” he said.  “Jones jumped the gun.”

Whiteneck said he’s interested in preserving the land, but his family is in no rush to make a decision.

Though he would not cite a specific price he would want for the land, Whiteneck said $2 million would not be enough.

“We’ll consider (a price) if it’s fair market value,” he said.  “We’re not going to take 50 cents on the dollar for it – we can do better.”

At the Wednesday, Jan. 17, meeting of the budget committee, Jones said his committee had about $500,000 to put towards the purchase and several grant opportunities are available through the state.

The two original buildings on the land, a house and a barn, would likely be preserved even in the event of the land being sold.

“We would like to see that stay the same,” Whiteneck said.  “It’s part of town history and the place is like a museum.”

If the land becomes town property, Jones said there is a plan to turn the buildings into museums with help from the historical society.

Jones said the commission is working towards firming up an offer.

“I would be nice to preserve it,” Whiteneck said.  “We’re willing to hear it.”