In 1991, Neil and Beverlee Donavan of Springfield protected 79 acres of land on Messer Hill Road, including 430 feet of road frontage. The easement helps preserve natural forestland and is important to the Little Lake Sunapee watershed. This easement prohibits subdivision. The property abuts other protected lands, which are protected by easements held by Ausbon Sargent, the New England Forestry Foundation and the Parkhurst/Sjostrom conservation easement. Together these three properties total 251.44 acres of undeveloped forest, allowing public access for hiking, while protecting the wildlife habitat, watershed, and rural character of the area.

The Donavan’s sold their property to Tom & Clara Butler in October 2001.

The Town of Springfield Conservation Commission holds an executory interest in the conservation easement.