Norwich property

[Erika Dade]

Hi UVRF,

In 2001, UVRF (formerly Dresden Rowing Club) purchased 2.66 acres on the river in Norwich across from Wilson's Landing, hoping that it might offer a home for our club. Unfortunately it did not pan out for a number of reasons.  It is in a floodplain and increasingly susceptible to flooding events. The cost of required improvements to the railroad crossing turned out to be prohibitive. Jump forward 25 years, and there is no way the site could handle the volume of cars and activity resulting from UVRF's successful growth in membership and programs. It was a thoughtful plan at the time, but not sufficient for our needs now.

The UVRF Board voted to sell the land last Fall. We closed in December on the sale at the latest valuation, recorded in 2025 during the Norwich town-wide professional reappraisal. The buyer is Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center, who have actually been farming 3/4 of an acre on this parcel for years. Cedar Circle will work with Upper Valley Land Trust to place the land in conservation for agricultural use and floodplain protection. The cost of the transaction was minimized because the real estate attorney offered to do some of the work pro bono (because the sale was from a non-profit to a non-profit). Net proceeds from the sale have been placed in a capital reserve fund for the day we do find a long term home.

Just wanted to keep you in the loop. Enjoy the snow!

Erika

President, Upper Valley Rowing Foundation