The March 2001 Town Meeting appropriated $50,000 to acquire conservation easements for Newington's most scenic and threatened properties. In order to bring that effort to fruition, the Selectmen appointed an eight member committee to educate property owners as to the benefits to be realized from conservation easements. It is hoped that such easements will benefit local property owners and will help to preserve Newington's scenic character.

The committee was also charged with negotiating the terms of acquisition with interested property owners. The program is strictly voluntary, that is to say, easements will be acquired solely from property owners who elect to participate.

The committee was comprised of two members from each of the following boards: Selectmen, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Historic District Commission. Marlon S. Frink was elected to chair the committee.

In October 2001, the Committee hosted an informational forum for interested property owners. An expert in conservation easements was the featured speaker. Many Newington residents attended.

The committee was disbanded in September 2002.