Taking Action for Wildlife, Wildlife and Habitats of Ossipee NRI Addendum 2012

Photo By Jean Hansen

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Table of Contents

Section Page

Acknowledgement 3

What Was the Process? 4

About NH’s Wildlife Action Plan 4

NH Wildlife Habitat Land Cover, Map 5

Highest Ranked Wildlife By Ecological Condition, Map 6

General Landowner Management 7

Conservation Strategies for Local Communities 7 Types of Habitat Found in Ossipee: Peatlands 8-10 Marsh and Shrub Wetlands 10-11 Floodplain Forest 12-13 Grasslands 13-14 Pine Barrens 14-15 Rocky Ridges and Talus Slopes 15 High-Elevation Spruce-Fir Forests 15-16 Lowland Spruce-Fir 16-17 Northern Hardwood Conifer Forests 17- 18 Hemlock-Hardwood-Pine 18-19 Coastal Transitional Watersheds 19 Vernal Pools 19-21 Caves and Mines 21 Shrubland 22 Headwater Streams 23 Shorelines 24 24-25 Ponds 25

Focus Area with Featured Natural Resources (map) 26

Conservation Partners 27

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Acknowledgement

A sincere “thank you” to all who volunteered their invaluable time to develop this addendum Taking Action for Wildlife, Wildlife and Habitats of Ossipee NH in order to update the town’s Natural Resource Inventory (NRI). Your efforts will help guide the conservation of our natural resources for years to come.

Bob Gillette, Conservation Commission & Planning Board

Robert Pratt, Conservation Commission and Watershed Trust

Tim Nolin, Former Conservation Commission

Lynn Clarke, Taking Action for Wildlife Chair, NH Fish & Game Wildlife Steward & Conservation Commission

The Taking Action for Wildlife team from UNH Cooperative Extension and NH Fish & Game who helped guide us through the process of this update.

Thank you to our partners in conservation including our local constituents of Ossipee who help to preserve, protect and appreciate our beautiful natural surroundings.

The mountains are calling and I must go. John Muir

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What was the process? The Taking Action for Wildlife (TAFW) program is a collaboration between the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHF&G) and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension (UNHCE). The program assists communities and landowners in conserving wildlife habitats, especially for species of concern. It provides training and resources, such as the statewide Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) and habitat maps.

The Conservation Commission learned about the program and scheduled an introductory session with UNHCE for interested people. The TAFW committee that resulted continues to work on updating the NRI for the town of Ossipee as new data becomes available. This Taking Action for Wildlife document will be added to the current NRI as an addendum with final completion expected in 2013.

About New Hampshire’s Wildlife Action Plan The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department teamed with partners in the conservation community to create the state's first Wildlife Action Plan (WAP). The plan, which was mandated and funded by the federal government through the State Wildlife Grants program, provides New Hampshire decision-makers with important tools for restoring and maintaining critical habitats and populations of the state's species of conservation and management concern. The plan is a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy that examines the health of wildlife and prescribes specific actions to conserve wildlife and vital habitat before they become rarer and more costly to protect. The WAP is the most comprehensive wildlife assessment ever completed in New Hampshire.

This section describes the components of the WAP that are of use to the Ossipee NRI. It is important to note that the habitat features developed by the WAP and used in this study are predictive, and may not reflect actual on-the-ground features. The reason for this is that the modeling processes used in the WAP draw on many natural resource factors – soils, slope, solar aspect, vegetation, etc. – to identify those areas with high potential to harbor the types of habitats mapped. In most cases, the types of habitats mapped will actually be found in those locations; however, the exact extent and distribution of patches may not match existing field conditions. Only careful field reconnaissance can determine the actual location and extent of habitat types and features.

We are very fortunate here in Ossipee to have many high quality examples of many different habitat types, some of which are rare in the state, such as pine barrens habitats. We also have many conservation partners working to ensure our local habitat’s preservation. See the “Conservation Partners” section on page 27.

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Wildlife Habitat Land Cover Map

In the NH Wildlife Action Plan, 19 habitat types are identified statewide and all lands and waters correspond to one or more of the habitats described. These habitat types are displayed for each town on a Wildlife Habitat Land Cover map produced by the Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping process. This map can be used as an initial planning tool for habitat research, protection, or restoration, but for more definitive work, on the ground field assessments would be required.

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Ranked Wildlife Habitat by Ecological Condition Map

In the NH Wildlife Action Plan, the condition of wildlife habitats statewide was analyzed by ranking the biological, landscape, and human impact factors most affecting each habitat type. Biological factors include rare plant and animal species and overall biodiversity. Landscape factors include size of habitat and how close it is to other patches of that habitat. Human impact factors include density of roads around the habitat, dams, recreational use, and pollution. Different factors were chosen for each particular habitat as, for example: hiking trails may reduce the habitat quality in alpine areas but are far less damaging to hemlock-hardwood pine forests. Since the data was analyzed at a statewide scale, and incorporated many pieces of data in the condition filter, any given town may not have very much high-ranking habitat. This does not mean that the town does not have important habitat. This information was displayed for each town on a Ranked Wildlife Habitat by Ecological Condition Map.

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General Landowner Management Recommendations for All Habitats:  Consult a licensed New Hampshire forester before conducting a timber harvest on the property.  Understand and follow all laws pertaining to the harvesting of trees near wetlands and waterbodies.  Follow established Best Management Practices (BMPs).  Harvest timber near wetlands only when the soils are either frozen (winter) or very dry (summer).  Consider using conservation easements to permanently protect the natural resources of the land.  Control invasive species. The New England Wildflower Society (newfs.org), UNH Cooperative Extension (extension.unh.edu) and other organizations offer training in invasive species identification and control.  Report any sightings of reptiles and amphibians to the NH Fish and Game Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program online at wildlife.state.nh.us.  Obtain cost sharing and free technical assistance from Federal and state programs.

Conservation Strategies for Local Communities for All Habitats:  Incorporate habitat conservation into local land use planning.  Protect unfragmented blocks of land.  Protect large forest blocks (500 -1,000 acres) for habitat for wide-ranging species.  Adopt sustainable forestry.  Educate landowners about protecting conservation areas of concern using conservation easements.  Restore and protect wetlands.  Control invasive species. The New England Wildflower Society (newfs.org), UNH Cooperative Extension (extension.unh.edu) and other organizations offer training in invasive species identification and control.  Report any sightings of reptiles and amphibians to the NH Fish and Game Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program online .  Obtain cost sharing and free technical assistance from Federal and state programs.

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Types of Wildlife Habitats Found in Ossipee

Information for the Wildlife Habitat section was obtained from Stewardship Series New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan brochures and the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan.

Primary Critical Species are wildlife having the greatest need of conservation. Other Associated Species are wildlife that are closely associated with that habitat. * state-threatened species, ** state-endangered, *** federally-threatened species

Habitat Description Acres in Ossipee % of Total Acres in type Ossipee HHP Hemlock hardwood- 38962.8 80.9 pine NHC Northern 992.3 2.0 hardwood- conifer LOWSF Lowland spruce- fir 682.4 1.4 HESF High elevation 26.3 .05 spruce- fir GRASS Grasslands 1535.5 3.2 PITCH Pine Barrens 1876.7 3.9 RRTALUS Rocky ridges and 49.5 .1 talus slopes FLOOD Flood plain forests 2373.9 4.9 MARSH Marsh and shrub 1445.0 3 wetlands PEAT Peatlands 1353.6 2.8

The town of Ossipee covers 48168.5 acres, 45078.8 of which are land acres.

Peatland (PEAT) -2.8% of total acres in Ossipee Description: Peatlands are wetland ecosystems that contain peat, a spongy, organic material formed by partially decayed wetland plants. They are associated with highly acidic or stagnant water that is low in oxygen and lacking in nutrients, creating growing conditions for a very distinct group of plants. The most common type of peat is made up of layers of Sphagnum moss which floats, and as it grows along the edges of ponds or slow-moving streams, it expands onto the surface of the water. As older plants die, new plants grow on top, thickening and strengthening the peat mat, which may eventually cover the entire pond. The peat mat also provides a surface on which other vegetation can grow.

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Peatland types include:  Bogs receive very little surface water flow and are among the most acidic peatlands. They are generally dominated by shrubs like leatherleaf and bog laurel.  Fens are peatlands associated with moving water, either along a river or lake, or with a stream that flows into or out of the peatland. Fens range from very acidic (where the plants resemble those found in bogs) to mildly acidic, and are dominated by a combination of sedges and shrubs.  Peat swamps are peatlands dominated by trees, with black spruce and larch swamps common in the northern part of the state, and red maple swamps more common in central and southern New Hampshire.

Peatlands add significantly to biodiversity. At least 550 different plants grow in peatlands in the state, many of them highly-specialized to their environment. Peatlands provide habitat for a unique collection of animals, including the ringed boghaunter, a rare dragonfly that breeds in open peatlands in southern New Hampshire. In the north, peat bogs are a favored habitat of bog lemmings and spruce grouse. Peatlands are important for carbon sequestration because plant and animal material take a very long time to decompose. This organic material contains carbon and other nutrients, storing it away and slowly releasing it into the atmosphere. Drainage and destruction of peatlands releases this carbon into the atmosphere quicker, increasing greenhouse gases today. Peatlands cover 1353.6 acres of Ossipee’s land total area found to be most common in the eastern parts of town. One of the most outstanding examples of a kettlehole bog (a type of peatland) in the state is Heath Pond Bog.

Conservation of these special habitats in Ossipee is vital to the continued existence of many rare plant and wildlife species such as the grass-pink orchid and the bog lemming.

Threats: The most challenging issues facing peatlands habitat are development, altered hydrology (amount and flow of water), non-point source pollutants such as road salt, lawn fertilizers, and pesticides, and unsustainable forestry practices. If harvesting occurs when soils are not completely frozen and the ground is not snow- covered, equipment can damage or destroy fragile peat soils. Additionally, if a peat swamp undergoes a particularly intensive harvest such as a clearcut, the loss of trees can alter the hydrology of the peatland. This can result in a higher water table, preventing trees from regenerating on the wetter soils and potentially altering the vegetation structure for decades. Non-point source pollutants, such as road salt, lawn fertilizers, and pesticides, threaten this habitat by altering the acidity and nutrients.

PEAT Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species Blanding's turtle** Ribbon snake Eastern towhee Ringed boghaunter dragonfly** Mink frog Rusty blackbird Northern bog lemming Spotted turtle* Palm warbler Spruce grouse

* state-threatened species ** state-endangered species

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PEAT Stewardship guidelines:

 Establish buffers (300 foot) undisturbed by human development or agriculture to protect water resources and habitat for many species.  Prevent changes in water flow and the level of the water table: o Do not dam streams flowing in or out of a peatland as it will change water level patterns and can lead to damage to the peat mat and changes in vegetation. o Do not excavate peatland communities to create open water areas for waterfowl. o Do not use heavy machinery on peatland soils to avoid negative impacts to plant and animal species or disruption of the wetland’s hydrology through rutting or soil compaction.  Avoid disturbance of peatland vegetation and soils: o Locate ATV and other off-highway recreation vehicles (OHRVs) trails at least 100 feet from any peatland. o Construct raised boardwalks for walking access to the public. o Avoid public access near rare plants, especially orchids. Collectors can decimate populations.  Limit timber harvesting to selection, thinning, or some other partial harvest, and restricted to periods of frozen ground and snow cover.

Marsh and Shrub Wetlands (MARSH)- 3% of total acres in Ossipee Description: Marsh and shrub wetlands account for 1,445 acres of Ossipee’s land cover. Marsh and shrub wetlands have a broad range of flooding patterns, sometimes controlled by the presence or departure of beavers, but mostly controlled by groundwater. Marshes and other wetlands are very important as food source for many wildlife species. These wetlands fit into three groups, identified by their vegetation:  Wet meadows are filled with sedges and grasses. Wet meadows may not be flooded all year, but they are wet for long periods during spring and summer.  Marshes contain plants that grow out of water, but whose roots are wet, such as cattails, pickerelweed, and water lilies.  Scrub-shrub wetlands are thickets of shrubs and young trees growing out of wet soils, and they often flood in the spring. Marsh and shrub wetlands filter pollutants, preventing them from getting into local streams, and help hold water to reduce flooding. Many wildlife species use marsh and shrub wetlands including common species like red-winged blackbirds, beavers, and painted turtles.

Threats: Development is a threat to these habitats mostly from driveways and roads that fragment wetlands or change the flow of water. The loss of upland habitat around a marsh or shrub wetland also increases the amount of pollution and sedimentation threatening the habitat. Another constant threat to marsh and shrub wetlands is invasive plants such as purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed that compete with native vegetation.

10 MARSH Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American black duck Northern harrier** American bittern Northern leopard frog American woodcock Osprey Blanding's turtle** Pied-billed grebe* Common moorhen Red-winged blackbird Eastern red bat Ringed boghaunter dragonfly** Great blue heron Rusty blackbird Green darner dragonfly Sedge wren** Least bittern Silver-haired bat Mink Spotted turtle* Muskrat Spring peeper New England cottontail** Virginia rail

* state-threatened species ** state-endangered species

Stewardship guidelines:  Maintain beaver dams and flowages and use beaver dam water control devices to maintain a consistent water level (important for protecting property or roads). Locate new roads and development where they are unlikely to be flooded by potential beaver dam sites.  Protect wetlands by conserving the surrounding uplands as well. A 300 foot buffer of upland un-impacted by development protects water resources and habitat for many species. However, to truly isolate the wetland from negative development impacts, this buffer may have to extend 1000 feet or more from the wetland edge.  Regenerate and promote growth of aspen and other hardwoods in small patches or strips along slow streams and rivers to enhance the food supply for beavers. Mallards and black ducks will benefit, as they nest on open ground around waterbodies.  Maintain habitat structures such as dead standing trees and overhanging vegetation in the water to provide cover for wildlife; keep downed logs as basking sites for turtles.  Leave and protect standing dead trees as habitat for heron and osprey nesting, as roosting sites for bats, and as cavity nesting sites for a variety of other birds and mammals.  Avoid using heavy machinery within wetland soils to avoid negative impacts on animals or disruption of the wetland’s flooding pattern.  Maintain open, sunny areas with little vegetation (or sandy areas) adjacent to or near marshes for turtle nesting.  Limit recreational access as even low levels of human disturbance can disrupt marsh wildlife. Where access is allowed, avoid trampling existing aquatic vegetation. ATVs should not be allowed in or around wetlands.  Avoid drawing down water levels in fall and winter where human-built dams are present, as this exposes dispersing and hibernating amphibians and reptiles to colder temperatures.

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Floodplain Forest(FLOOD) – 4.9% of total acres in Ossipee Description: Floodplain forests occur in valleys adjacent to river channels and are forests that are prone to periodic flooding. Ossipee includes 2373.9 acres floodplain forest habitat. Also referred to as riparian forests, they support diverse plant and animal life, protect and enhance water quality by filtering and sequestering pollution, and control erosion and sediment. Many wildlife species use these forests at some point in their life cycle. It would not be uncommon to find red-shouldered hawks, veery, or chestnut-sided warblers breeding in floodplain forests. Evidence of beaver, mink, or otter can usually be found along the water’s edge. Other wetlands, like swamps and vernal pools, can be found in floodplain forests and these areas are particularly important for Jefferson salamanders, northern leopard frogs, wood turtles, and state endangered Blanding's turtles. Since these species, like most wildlife, use a variety of habitats, not only is a floodplain forest important but the adjacent upland is also crucial for these species.

Threats: Floodplain forests with their rich soils have been converted to open farmland for centuries. Other human activities have threatened these habitats including residential and commercial development along rivers and the installation of dams which have altered the natural flooding regime. Floodplain habitats are particularly vulnerable to invasive plants because the frequent disturbances from flooding give aliens opportunities to establish, and because these species tend to thrive in the nutrient rich soils characteristic of floodplains.

FLOOD Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species Northern leopard frog American black duck Otter Baltimore oriole Red-bellied woodpecker Belted kingfisher Red-shouldered hawk Blue-gray gnatcatcher Silver-haired bat Cerulean warbler Wood turtle Eastern red bat Yellow-throated vireo Green heron Jefferson salamander

Stewardship guidelines:  Focus land conservation in areas rich in existing floodplain systems.  Consider removing or modifying dams that alter the natural flood regimes of rivers.  Reduce recreational trails and roads within floodplain forests to decrease barriers to vernal pools and prevent an avenue for invasive plants to enter floodplain forests.  Monitor healthy floodplain forests to prevent new infestations of invasive plants and consider controlling existing populations.

12  Regenerate existing floodplain species such as silver maple, balsam fir/sugar maple, or red maple in the forest management plan.  Avoid human development of floodplain forests. Building and construction of paved roads may separate wildlife populations, inhibit migration, create increased predation and promote collisions on roads. Paving areas of native floodplain forests lessens the water-storage capacity of the land, which can cause more frequent and catastrophic floods.

Grasslands (GRASS) – 3.2% total acres in Ossipee Description: Extensive grasslands are defined as areas that are dominated by grasses, wildflowers, and sedges with little shrub or tree cover. In Ossipee, approximately 1,535.5 acres are classified as grasslands. Some examples include hayfields, pastures, and cropland (cornfields and other row crops). Grasslands in New Hampshire must be mowed to prevent them from becoming shrub lands or forests. These areas serve as primary breeding and nesting grounds for several bird species of conservation concern including the state endangered northern harrier, state threatened grasshopper sparrow, eastern meadowlark, horned lark and vesper sparrow. Large (>10 ha) grasslands are important because many grassland birds require large areas. Most of Ossipee’s larger grasslands occur across the southern parts of town, with smaller areas throughout.

Threats: Development and natural forest succession have reduced grassland habitat in the state. Grasslands require maintenance and must be mowed to prevent them from becoming shrublands or forests. Only 8% of NH grasslands are currently under conservation easements.

GRASS Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American bittern Grasshopper Smooth green snake sparrow* American kestrel Horned lark Turkey Black racer* Northern harrier** Upland sandpiper** Blanding's turtle ** Northern leopard Vesper sparrow frog Bobolink Purple martin Whip-poor-will Eastern hognose Savannah sparrow White-tailed deer snake**

Eastern Small rodents Wood turtle meadowlark (important as prey ** state-endangered species) species * state-threatened species

13 GRASS Stewardship guidelines:  Maintain fields by mowing in the fall at least once every three years to discourage trees and shrubs.  Mow marginal fields after August 1st, the end of grassland-breeding bird season. Mowing even later (August-October) allows late-flowering wildflowers such as aster and goldenrod to provide nectar for migrating butterflies.  Modify mowing techniques during breeding season (May through mid-July) o Raise mowing bar to six inches or more. o Avoid mowing after dark. o Use flushing bars on haying equipment o Delay mowing in wetter areas or in grasslands along rivers.  Burn fields, particularly in areas with poor soil, to improve soil nutrients, mimic historical disturbances to grassland habitats, and spread existing native grasses  Encourage warm-season grasses as an agricultural hay crop. Warm-season grasses are more difficult to establish, but for wildlife, they offer better nesting cover (growing as in bunches, with space between for movement and nests), a more dependable food source, and better winter cover. The NRCS and UNH Cooperative Extension can provide advice and possible cost-share funds to plant warm-season grasses and assist with other wildlife practices.  Focus land conservation on large grasslands (greater than 25 acres in size).

Pine Barrens (PITCH) – 3.9% of total acres in Ossipee Description: Pine barrens are among the most imperiled natural communities in the world and contribute significantly to the biological diversity of the northeast. They are also Ossipee’s most unique and rare habitat, with 1876.7 acres of land considered pine barren habitat (the largest of any town in the state). Pine barrens are dominated by pitch pine and scrub oak interspersed with pockets of grassy openings. The sandy, nutrient poor soils are typically situated along river banks and bluffs. Pine barrens plants are in constant flux, maintained by frequent disturbances such as lightning-caused wildfires. These communities support a suite of regionally and globally rare species including the federally and state endangered Karner blue butterfly, and other state endangered species such as the frosted elfin butterfly, persius duskywing and common nighthawk moths. Other more common species can be found in pine barrens including white-tailed deer, turkey, and eastern towhee.

Threats: Development, fragmentation, and altered natural disturbance regime threaten this habitat. Without disturbance, pine barrens will natural succeed to a more diverse forest type. As a result, conservation groups and agencies work to do habitat management and restoration in pine barrens, particularly using prescribed fire. The Ossipee Pine Barrens have been the subject of several important wildlife surveys and studies, collecting data on rare moths, butterflies and birds of these special habitats:

 “BugsBirds and Burning Issues” by John J. Kart  The Nature Conservancy – Ossipee Pine Barrens Initiative

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PITCH Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species Frosted elfin butterfly Broad-lined catophyrra (moth) Persius duskywing Eastern towhee (butterfly) Whip-poor-will Sleepy duskywing Pine pinion moth (butterfly) Black racer (snake) Wild indigo duskywing Eastern hognose snake Barrens xylotype (moth)

Stewardship guidelines: See The Nature Conservancy – Ossipee Pine Barrens Initiative

Rocky Ridges and Talus Slopes (RRTALUS) - <1.0% of total acres in Ossipee

Description: Rocky ridges and talus slopes are two related but distinct habitats. Talus slopes, comprised of loose or stable boulders and rocks, range from open, lichen covered talus "barrens" to closed-canopy forested talus communities. Rocky ridges generally occur on outcrops and bedrock ridges and summits below the alpine zone. There are 49.5 acres in Ossipee which are considered as this habitat system, 95.8% is currently protected. Talus slopes and rocky ridges provide crucial habitat for several rare wildlife species in New Hampshire, including bobcat, eastern small-footed bats, and state threatened peregrine falcon.

Threats : Due to the inaccessible nature of talus slopes, human impacts exist primarily on the rocky ridge portion of this habitat, though some trails and other impacts are found on talus.

RRTALUS Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species White Mountain arctic butterfly Black bear Timber rattlesnake Black racer Peregrine falcon Common nighthawk Bobcat

Stewardship guidelines: A conservation strategy to employ in these areas is to limit trails through rocky and talus slope areas.

High-Elevation Spruce-Fir Forests (HESF) - <1.0% of total acres in Ossipee Description: High-elevation spruce-fir forests can be found between 2,500 and 3,500 feet in elevation. Given Ossipee’s elevation, it isn’t surprising that only 26.3 acres of this habitat type are found in Ossipee, all of which are protected. Typical trees in this habitat include red spruce, balsam fir, and paper and yellow birches. The wildlife species that are found in this habitat include the state threatened American marten. Spruce grouse and Bicknell's thrush also use this habitat.

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Threats: Conservation strategies for high-elevation spruce-fir forests include habitat protection (already complete in Ossipee) and examining potential wildlife habitat degradation from wind farm construction (a potential threat to this habitat type) as well as climate change and acid deposition.

HESF Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species Spruce Grouse American pipit Bay-Breast ed Warbler Moose Bicknell’s Thrush Three-toed woodpecker American Marten Migrating/wintering birds Canadian Lynx*** Northern Bog Lemming

Stewardship guidelines: Continued conservation efforts and support of alternatives to minimize industrial pollutants into the atmosphere.

Lowland Spruce-Fir ( LOWSF) -1.4% of total acres in Ossipee Description: This system is a mosaic of lowland spruce - fir forest and red spruce forest that occur on mineral soils and in wet areas. Ossipee contains 682.4 acres of lowland spruce-fir forest. These forests typically range from well or moderately well-drained upland forests to poorly or very poorly drained swamps. Statewide, threatened and endangered wildlife species occurring in this forest type include eastern small-footed bat, American marten, osprey, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and three-toed woodpecker.

Threats: Unsustainable timber harvesting practices and susceptibility to naturally- occurring outbreaks of spruce budworm are the biggest threats for this habitat type. Today’s even-aged, young spruce-fir forests may be setting the stage for large insect outbreaks as our spruce-fir forests mature in the future. In the meantime, without mature trees on which to feed, there are few low-level insect outbreaks to create snags and cavity trees for wildlife .

LOWSF Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American marten* Hoary bat American three-toed woodpecker* Bald eagle* Mink frog White-tailed deer Bay-breasted Moose Wood turtle warbler Northern bog Black-backed lemming woodpecker Northern goshawk Black bear Purple finch Canada lynx*** Rusty blackbird * state-threatened species Cape May warbler Spruce grouse ** state endangered Cooper's hawk ***federally threatened

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LOWSF Stewardship guidelines:  Manage for mature forest characteristics such as large trees (>18” diameter ) for snags and cavity trees (American marten require den trees >20” diameter) and closed canopies for spruce grouse, bay-breasted warbler, American marten, northern goshawk.  Retain a mature forest canopy with >50% closed tree canopy for American marten and Spruce grouse. Within the mature forest, maintain patchy openings for three-toed woodpeckers and snowshoe hare.  Maintain and manage existing deer wintering habitat.  Maintain late successional habitat as a conservation strategy.  Closely monitor for the spruce budworm as forest matures.

Northern Hardwood Conifer Forests (NHC) – 2% of total acres in Ossipee Description: This habitat type is typically found between 1,400 and 2,500 feet in elevation and is usually made up of hardwood trees such as American beech, sugar maple, yellow birch, and conifer trees such as eastern hemlock, white pine, and balsam fir. Ossipee has 992.3 acres of land considered to be northern hardwood-conifer forests. These forests provide habitat for many wildlife species including state threatened species such as bald eagles, which nest and roost near lakes and rivers, and peregrine falcons who nest on cliffs but hunt over the forest. Other typical species in this habitat include ruffed grouse, wood thrush, and northern long-eared bat. Development pressure is heavy within some parts of this habitat type. Timber harvesting is common in this habitat and if done sustainably produces the diversity of age classes and species which is beneficial to wildlife. Forestry also has increased this type of habitat by converting spruce-fir habitats to the more economically valuable northern hardwoods.

Threats: Some conservation strategies for northern hardwood conifer forests are incorporating the habitat into local conservation planning, protecting unfragmented blocks of land, and advocating for the adoption of sustainable forestry.

NHC Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American woodcock Flying squirrel Ribbon snake Black bear Gray fox Ruffed grouse Black-throated blue Hoary bat Silver-haired bat warbler Mink frog Smooth green snake Blue-spotted salamander Moose Turkey Bobcat Northern goshawk Veery Canada lynx*** Northern long-eared bat White-breasted nuthatch Canada warbler Ovenbird White-tailed deer Cooper’s hawk Pileated woodpecker Wood thrush Eastern pipistrelle Purple finch Wood turtle Eastern red bat Red-eyed vireo Eastern wood-pewee

* state-threatened species ** state endangered ***federally threatened

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NHC Stewardship guidelines:  Conserve large trees (>18” diameter) which are important for roosting bats, goshawk nests, and as existing and future snags and den trees.  Protect rocky cliffs which provide sunning areas for bobcat.  Provide a regenerating forest habitat in patches at least 2 acres in size.  Provide pockets of spruce, fir, pine or hemlock trees used as winter shelter by northern goshawk, great horned owl, red squirrel, porcupine, and white-tailed deer.  Provide habitat for migratory forest birds such as black-throated blue warbler, eastern wood peewee, and wood thrush by softening edges between habitats and limiting management activities during breeding season (April-August).

Hemlock-Hardwood-Pine(HHP) – 80.9% of total acres in Ossipee Description: Hemlock hardwood pine forests are a transitional forest, occurring between northern hardwood-conifer forests at higher elevations to the north and Appalachian oak-pine forests to the south and at lower elevations. Hemlock hardwood- pine forests are the most widely distributed forest type in New Hampshire, covering nearly 50% of the state and providing habitat for numerous wildlife species such as the cerulaean warbler, eastern pipistrelle, and bobcat. As in the state, this is the dominant habitat type in Ossipee, covering 38,962.8 acres. Many of the species that use hemlock- hardwood-pine forests require large blocks of unfragmented forest such as the northern goshawk and black bear.

Threats: Development and fragmentation is a significant threat to the continued existence of many species found in this habitat type. Some conservation strategies for hemlock-hardwood-pine forests are incorporating habitat conservation into local land use planning, protecting unfragmented blocks of land, and educating landowners.

HHP Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American toad Eastern red bat Red squirrel American woodcock Eastern small-footed bat Ribbon snake Barred owl Eastern towhee Ruffed grouse Black bear Flying squirrel Silver-haired bat Black-throated green Fisher Six-spotted tiger beetle warbler Jefferson’s salamander Smooth green snake Blackburnian warbler Moose Spotted turtle* Blanding’s turtle** Northern goshawk Timber rattlesnake** Blue-spotted salamander Northern long-eared bat Veery Bobcat Pine elfin butterfly Whip-poor-will Broad-winged hawk Porcupine Wood nymph butterfly Canada warbler Purple finch White-tailed deer Cerulean warbler Red-breasted nuthatch Wild turkey Cooper’s hawk Red-shouldered hawk Wood thrush Eastern pipistrelle Wood turtle * state-threatened species ** state endangered

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HHP Stewardship guidelines:  Check hemlock trees regularly for hemlock woolly adelgid.  Conserve large trees (>18” diameter) which are important for roosting bats, goshawk nests, and as existing and future snags and den trees.  Protect rocky cliffs which provide sunning areas for bobcat.  Provide a variety of habitats including areas of young, regrowing forests with a mix of tree age classes and species and areas of mature forest.  Provide a regenerating forest habitat in patches at least 2 acres in size.

Coastal Transitional Watersheds (present but not mapped) Coastal transitional watersheds encompass watersheds with low elevation and some areas of moderate elevation between 800-1,700 ft. These watersheds include major tributaries to the Merrimack River and those watersheds dominated by large lakes and their tributaries in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The easternmost watersheds are primarily in , with the NH portions encompassing the acidic sandy outwash plains of the Ossipee and Little Ossipee headwaters. The health of this watershed is extremely important to tourism in the state, especially in the Lakes Region. Fishing and wildlife viewing in and around the lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams is an important contribution to the state's economy. The largest stratified drift aquifer in the state is also located in Ossipee, a vital contributor for clean drinking water. Associated wildlife species are the American eel, Atlantic salmon, bridle shiner, burbot, brook trout ,lake trout, lake whitefish, rainbow smelt , round whitefish , slimy sculpin , Sunapee trout and the tessellated darter. Water quality and best management practices are priority for many local and state agencies. Here in Ossipee our partners in watershed management include the Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC), NH DES, NH Lakes Association, The Ossipee Lake Alliance and Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG). See The OssipeeWatershed Natural Resource Planning Guide.

Vernal Pools (present but not mapped)Vernal pools are wetland depressions characterized by small size, physical isolation from other wetlands, and periods of flooding in the spring and drying by summer’s end. The annual drying cycle of vernal pools makes them different from other wetlands and plays a key role in determining which wildlife species uses which pools as habitat. Fish are top predators in wetlands, but they can’t survive in pools that dry out. As a result, vernal pools provide key breeding habitat for amphibians whose tadpoles and larvae are especially vulnerable to fish predation Some species are vernal pool-dependant and the loss of this habitat can result in local extinction of these species such as the fairy shrimp, wood frog, spotted salamander, blue-spotted salamander, Jefferson salamander, and the state endangered marbled salamander.

Threats: Many amphibians breed in the pools where they hatched, returning to the same pool every year. The loss of vernal pool habitat due to development is therefore a huge threat. Indirect impacts of development such as changes in water flow, changes to

19 the water table, increased pollution, and the removal of forested canopy near pools can combine to degrade or destroy the habitat value of nearby vernal pools.

The surrounding habitat is also just as important as the vernal pool itself. Most of the wildlife species that use vernal pools also spend a great deal of time in the surrounding habitat, usually within 600 yards of the wetland.

Many amphibians in New Hampshire migrate to their breeding pools in the spring along discrete migration routes. Roads may cut across these routes, and vehicle traffic can kill migrating amphibians. Juvenile amphibians face similar threats during their dispersal from the pools where they hatched.

Although many vernal pools meet the state regulatory definition of a wetland, some pools either don’t meet the definition (for example, no vegetation) or are overlooked during wetlands’ mapping due to their small size and isolation.

Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American toad Green frog Fowler's toad Snapping turtle Pickerel frog Damselflies & Dragonflies Blanding's turtle** Jefferson salamander Giant water bug Spring peeper Red-spotted newt Easter garter snake Blue-spotted salamander Marbled salamander** Gray tree frog Spotted turtle* Ribbon snake Fairy shrimp Bull frog Northern leopard frog Wood frog *state-threatened species Wood turtle **state-endangered species

Stewardship guidelines: Some of the conservation strategies for vernal pools include habitat protection and supporting regulations that do not allow dredging and filling of vernal pools. Creating a model for vernal pools is very difficult because they can be found within so many other habitat types and because of the flooding and drying cycle it is not uncommon for vernal pools to be over looked during certain seasons or during drier years. Due to this challenge they were not mapped as part of the Wildlife Action Plan, but you can identify vernal pools on your property and in your town.  Work with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to identify and map the vernal pools on your land or in your town.  Focus conservation efforts on areas containing a variety of wetlands such as vernal pools and others that hold water all year long. Keep in mind: o Isolated pools (without inlet or outlet) are less likely to have fish. o Small pools can have just as many (or more) breeding amphibians as larger wetlands—size isn’t a good measure of habitat value. o Most amphibians require wetlands that hold water at least four months.

20 o Pools that hold water for four to 11 months (including permanent wetlands) help protect against complete reproductive failures in more seasonal pools during dry years. o Pools that hold water less than four months can still serve as foraging sites, as wood frog breeding sites, as habitat for insects and crustaceans, and as stepping stones for amphibians migrating to new habitats. o Clusters of vernal pools may be more productive for wildlife than single, isolated pools.  Avoid creating ruts and skid roads that collect or change the flow of water. Through runoff, these disturbances can influence the timing of wet/dry periods in a vernal pool, altering the species that can breed there.  Do not run heavy machinery through vernal pool basins (wet or dry).  Avoid clearcuts in or around vernal pools.  Retain ground cover (logs, surface stones, deep leaf-litter) as cover for amphibians, and maintain a moist environment on the forest floor by retaining patches of canopy shade in upland areas within 300 feet of a pool, and in corridors between vernal pools.  Keep development, roads, and driveways at least 300 yards away from vernal pools (and other wetlands).  Consider passing zoning ordinances that promote development to help preserve natural lands and and/or wetlands.

Caves and Mines (present but not mapped) Caves and mines are distinguished from all other New Hampshire habitats by being located below ground. Cave and mine habitat does not represent an ecosystem, but rather an abiotic (non-living) habitat type. Most of our caves are abandoned mines; these historical locations of New Hampshire's prospecting era now provide an integral part of wildlife habitat in the state. Caves and mines are extremely important for six of New Hampshire's nine bat species, such as the state endangered small-footed bat. They use caves and mines as a place to overwinter. Historic mining data suggest that there could be additional sites that have not yet been identified as bat hibernacula.

Threats: The most challenging issues facing cave and mine habitat are recreational activities such as spelunking and geocaching, which significantly disturb the bats, reducing their energy reserves during hibernation. Another more recent threat is White Nose Syndrome (WNS) that has recently been affecting bats in states throughout the Eastern seaboard and Midwest states.

Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species Northern Myotis Eastern Small-Footed Bat Myotis sodalis Eastern Pipistrelle

Stewardship guidelines: A more thorough field study should be done in order to determine possible bat hibernaculums in Ossipee. Recently a local bat survey was performed These gates are steel-welded structures installed at the entrance to a mine or cave that restrict human access while producing minimal impact on air flow and flight behavior of bats. Because many caves and mines are found in remote locations, bat gates have been described

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Shrublands (present but not mapped) Shrubland habitats contain thickets of shrubs and young trees mixed with scattered grasses and wildflowers. Typical plants include dogwood, alder, Viburnum, pincherry, and many other species. Shrubland habitats are almost always temporary, existing on the land for a relatively short period of time. Old fields, shrublands, and young forests, often called early-successional habitats, are becoming increasingly uncommon in our state. Most large shrublands in New Hampshire are found in old fields and pastures, powerline corridors, gravel pits, and in recent clearcuts.

Impenetrable and dense, shrublands are often ignored and undervalued by people. For some species of wildlife, such as New England cottontail rabbits, American woodcock, and ruffed grouse, shrublands provide the best possible cover. The shrubs and young trees growing in these areas also provide an abundance of berries and fruit, eaten by many different birds and mammals.

Shrublands exist in patches throughout the state, but most are difficult to recognize and map using traditional satellite imagery. Communities that map their shrublands can send their data to New Hampshire Fish & Game to contribute to statewide habitat data.

Threats: Land-use change, human development, fewer large beaver impoundments, and fire suppression have led to a decline in shrubland habitat. The late 1800s and early 1900s saw a widespread abandonment of farmlands. By the latter part of the 20th century, most of these abandoned fields reverted to forests, and the wildlife associated with shrublands declined. Twenty-two of our forty shrubland bird species show population declines.

Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American bittern Eastern towhee Smooth green snake American woodcock Golden-winged warbler Timber rattlesnake** Black bear Moose Whip-poor-will Black racer (snake)* New England cottontail** Whitetail deer Bobcat Northern harrier** Wood turtle Canada lynx*** Non-breeding (migratory) Eastern box turtle birds * state-threatened species Eastern hognose Purple finch ** state-endangered species snake** Ruffed grouse *** state-endangered , federally threatened

Stewardship guidelines:  Maintain existing habitat by: o Allowing for the natural abandonment of beaver dams o Conserving larger patches (>5 acres) o Mowing or brush-hogging different sections every 3-5 years o Controlling invasive shrubs such as multiflora rose and common buckhorn  Create new early-successional habitat located near existing thickets, such as on the edges of powerline corridors or near shrub wetlands and allow shrub borders to be at least 20 feet wide to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

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Headwater streams are small streams and wetlands at the highest end of a watershed. Some are so small that they don’t show up on maps. If a river network is the circulatory system of the landscape, headwater streams are the small capillaries that fan into the larger veins and arteries.

Headwater streams can start as small forested wetlands, beaver impoundments, or cascading mountain streams, varying according to the topography and geology of the surrounding landscape. Topography and geology influence the speed of water flow, the river bottom material, the plants growing around the streams, whether the stream sometimes or always contains water, and which wildlife species live in or use the stream. Types of headwater streams

 Mountain streams tend to have large rocks, steep grades, and flash floods. Stream salamanders, brook trout, and certain aquatic invertebrates are well adapted to these dynamic habitats.  Valley streams These streams flow through broad, flat valleys. They tend to be slow-moving and surrounded by wetland plants and shrubs. Beaver activity creates a patchwork of wetlands around the streams, including shrub swamps, wet meadows, and ponds. Wildlife are drawn to these areas including ducks, geese, turtles, amphibians, and fish.  Spring-fed brooks These small streams flow through glacially deposited sand and gravel and originate from natural springs. Their year-round supply of cool water provides a stable environment for brook trout, particularly during hot weather.  Warm rocky streams The riffles and pools of these rocky brooks are reminiscent of mountain or brook-fed streams, but they are too warm to support cold-water fish. They often flow between beaver ponds in hilly terrain, serving as corridors and hunting grounds for mink, northern water snake, and other wildlife.  Threats: Human impact poses the greatest threat to headwater stream habit. Timber harvesting, the use of fertilizers, road salt & stormwater run off can have an adverse effect on the immediate habitat as well as down stream.

Primary Critical Species in Ossipee, NH Other Associated Species American eel Dusky salamander Northern water snake Bridle shiner* Eastern brook trout Raccoon Caddisflies Ebony jewelwing Redfin pickerel white sucker Fishing spider Riffle snaketail Little brown bat Two-lined salamander Stoneflies Banded sunfish Louisiana waterthrush Swamp darter Blanding’s turtle** Mayflies * state-threatened species Craneflies Mink ** state-endangered species Cusk Northern long-eared bat *** federally threatened

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Shorelines of lakes, ponds, and rivers are valuable real estate in New Hampshire, but their importance as wildlife habitat is also significant. The qualities that make shorelines attractive to wildlife may be very different from what makes them attractive for boating and swimming.

Shorelines with extensive, mature forests along the shore are critical yet rare habitats in New Hampshire. High quality shorelines are usually found in places undisturbed by buildings, roads, docks, lawns, or heavy recreational activity. At the water’s edge, native aquatic vegetation (plants growing in or under the water), submerged rocks and boulders, and dead trees that have fallen in the water are all features of high quality shoreline habitat. These habitat features become less common as housing density increases around lakes, ponds or rivers.

In Ossipee, the shoreline habitats of the various waterbodies are diverse, thus, providing adequate food, water, shelter and space for a wide variety of wildlife.

Ossipee Lake Route 16, the main thoroughfare through the Ossipee region to the White Mountains, runs directly above one of the area’s most sensitive and crucial natural resources: the Ossipee Aquifer, which is New Hampshire’s largest stratified drift aquifer. Ossipee Lake, is a natural lake with approximately 3,091 acres located along the border with Freedom. It has a maximum sounded depth of 58 feet, but averages 35 feet in depth. Its bottom is 50% sand, 35 % muck, and 15% rock. There are 600 acres of shoals at the southeast end, Situated 406 feet above sea level. The Natural Resource Inventory Planning Guide for The Ossipee Watershed Ossipee Watershed Coalition,Produced in Partnership with The Green Mountain Conservation Group, Effingham, NH; 2007. 260 p.

Threats: To date, limited development has occurred in this rural area, but projected increased development, and lack of natural resource based on land use planning raises the risk of harmful impacts to our shared natural resources. Increased population, residential and commercial development, and expanded recreational use of the area’s natural resources make it necessary to educate residents, businesses, municipalities and visitors about watershed protection

Ossipee Lake contains smelt, sunfish, white perch, cusk, lake trout, brown trout, shiners, small mouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch.

The Ossipee Conservation Commission has partnered with Green Mountain Conservation Group(GMCG) for over a decade supporting water quality testing, educational outreach programs and sharing Best Management Practices (BMP’s) with local officials and constituents.

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For the past several years the OCC has also been responsible for writing the grant for the NH Lakes’ Lake Host Program, along with matching funds from the town. The Lake Hosts provide the public with educational outreach at Paquwaket Trail and Pine River boat ramps about exotic aquatic invasive species that are currently threatening the lake.

The Conservation Commission will continue to partner with local conservation partners in future efforts to protect the waters draining into and departing Ossipee Lake and to inform local land owners on ways to minimize their impact in the watershed while enjoying the beautiful natural resources.

For more detailed information pertaining specifically to our watershed please read The Natural Resource Inventory Planning Guide for The Ossipee Watershed Ossipee Watershed Coalition,Produced in Partnership with The Green Mountain Conservation Group, Effingham, NH; 2007.

Ponds Archers Pond, Bean Pond, Black Pond, Conner Pond, Dan Hole Pond (partial), Duncan Lake, Garland Pond, Heath Pond, Lily Pond, Little Dan Hole Pond, Lost Pond, Moody Pond, Lake Ossipee (partial), , Snake Pond, Upper & Lower Beech Ponds, White Pond

Threats: Water concerns are critical to residents of the Ossipee Watershed because both the quantity and quality of currently abundant sources fuel vital drinking water supplies and a tourist-based economy. Increased population, rapid residential and commercial development and expanded recreational use have put pressure and stress on the Watershed's water resources. As storm water from rain and melting snow travels across farms, fields, forestland, parking lots, highways and backyards, it picks up pollutants, eventually depositing them in surface waters, soils and groundwater. Thus, activities on the land, human and non-human, can impact the quality of our lakes, rivers and drinking water.

Focus Areas with Featured Natural Resources in Ossipee

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The OCC TAFW Committee, while working on this document, mapped out five focus areas in Ossipee that have significant natural resources already being protected by various conservation partners. The town of Ossipee can use this information to begin discussions about prioritizing future potential land protection efforts and providing management advice for landowners. Since wildlife species do not understand political boundaries, Ossipee will also look at the location of highest ranked habitats and collaborate with adjacent towns in those areas.

Conservation Partners

Lovell River Conservation Area

26 Thurley Mountain, Dan Hole Pond Watershed Trust

Chocorua Forest Lands

Gulf Brook, Dan Hole Pond Watershed Trust

West Ossipee Floodplain Conservation Area

Ossipee Pine Barrens, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Bearcamp Woodlands, New England Forestry Foundation

Heath Pond Bog Conservation Area

Heath Pond Bog, Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED)

Ossipee Lake Natural Area, Departmentof Resources and Economic Development (DRED)

Ossipee Lake Watershed, Green Mountain Conservation Group( GMCG)

Ossipee Lake Alliance (OLA)

Long Sands, Long Sands Association

Garland Pond Conservation Area

Garland Pond, NH Fish and Game

Pine River Conservation Area

Thisell Smith Memorial Forest, New England Forestry Foundation

Window on the Ossipees, Dan Hole Pond Watershed Trust

Sumner Brook Fish Hatchery & Stimson Forest, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF)

Ossipee Town Forest

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