The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) has announced that it will develop and maintain the state's first comprehensive inventory of crucial open space and historical resources that merit protection as the state continues to grow and change.

"The register will give us a picture of the current scope of community resources that people view as critically important for conservation and preservation," said LCHIP Executive Director Rachel Rouillard. She described the register as "a baseline assessment of the land and historic resource preservation needed to maintain the unique sense of place and quality of life" the state enjoys.

The 201 projects that were submitted to LCHIP for funding consideration in 2005 will serve as the cornerstone for building the register, Rouillard emphasized. The initial register may be found on the LCHIP website. Communities, non-profit organizations and state agencies are invited to submit summaries of projects they wish to have included on the register.

To be included in the register and to be considered for future grant funding, parties are invited to submit a Call for Projects Form to LCHIP postmarked no later than December 31, 2005 so they can be evaluated in January 2006. Up to 20 projects will go on to a full application phase in March, and awards will be announced in April.

LCHIP will update the inventory biannually. Places listed on the "New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Register" will be eligible to receive priority ranking from LCHIP. Those receiving this ranking will be eligible for consideration for LCHIP funding as it becomes available.

Since its inception, LCHIP has funded 112 projects in 89 communities statewide. A study commissioned by the NH Preservation Alliance revealed an impressive $13 return on every $1 invested by LCHIP in preservation projects.

The amount of LCHIP grant funding currently anticipated to be available in 2006 is approximately $750,000. To obtain the Call for Projects Form or for additional information please visit the LCHIP website or call the office at 603-224-4113.

The "New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Register" will be made public and will also be shared specifically with non-profit and private organizations, the New Hampshire legislature, the New Hampshire congressional delegation and state agencies. It will assist all parties in better understanding the pressures New Hampshire faces as the fastest growing state east of the Mississippi River by documenting the range of resources in need of protection at any point in time.