CONCORD, N.H., April 2 -- International Paper and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) today announced the sale of 171,500 acres in Pittsburg, Clarksville, and Stewartstown, NH, known as the Connecticut Lakes property, for $32.7 million. The sale marks the transfer of ownership from International Paper to TPL of the largest unbroken tract of private forestland in New Hampshire. This purchase is a critical milestone in the partnership effort between TPL, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and The Nature Conservancy to permanently conserve the property. "This has been a tremendous collaborative effort involving government, private industry and conservation groups promoting the responsible stewardship of our natural resources," said Dave Lieser, region manager, IP's Forest Resources, Northern Operations. "It is a great compliment to International Paper and our Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI(SM)) efforts that organizations like The Trust for Public Land have an interest in working with us. We are pleased that this forestland will continue the legacy of sustaining the economic, conservation and recreational interests of the community." "If we let this treasure slip away, all New Hampshire would feel the loss. Preserving this land will save hundreds of jobs, protect environmentally sensitive areas, and guarantee that the people of New Hampshire will also be able to enjoy this special place," Gov. Jeanne Shaheen said.