Leaving a Legacy in Deering End of the Line for Northern Pass

SUMMER 2019

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to learn more and donate today. L I M E TABLE OF CONTENTS: SUMMER 2019, No. 298

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DEPARTMENTS 6 2 THE FORESTER’S PRISM Against All Odds FEATURE 3 THE WOODPILE Carey Cottage Revival; A Vision for The Rocks 6 The Capitalist Conservationist 5 IN THE FIELD Jon Dawson’s legacy by the numbers: 20 years and more than Annual Meeting Field Trips; Summer Events 40 projects to strategically protect more than 5,000 acres in Deering, Hillsborough and Henniker 10 THE FOREST CLASSROOM Studying Salamanders at McCabe Forest 12 ON OUR LAND ) Planting Chestnut Seeds at Tom Rush Forest; Creek Farm Partnerships 16 NATURE’S VIEW , N

A Rehabilitating Black Bears in New Hampshire G E E D

E

I 18 CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY R R

A Manchester’s Tower Hill Pond C

, D R 20 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT O L

Y

L The Forest Society’s Land Stewards I M E

,

E 22 PUBLIC POLICY UPDATES G A V Pulling the Plug on Northern Pass; Calculated Conservation A S

K C A

J 24 PROJECT IN PROGRESS

) Leaving a Legacy On our cover: T in Deering F Protecting Tuckaway Farm

E End of the Line

L for Northern Pass Protected through the efforts of Jon Dawson

M (see The Capitalist Conservationist, page 6), O R F

High Five Reservation in Deering is a special place E S I to all, including Jennifer Wright and her family. W

K SUMMER 2019 Wright fell in love with her fiancé at the reservation, C (

O and it’s also their son’s favorite spot. L

C forestsociety.org

( Photo: the Wright family. THE FORESTER’S PRISM

CHAIR Against All Odds Deanna Howard, Etna VICE CHAIR e won! There are no more many other interests, the Bill Tucker, Goffstown hearings, no more strategy Notch remains a natural SECRETARY Amy McLaughlin, Exeter Wsessions, no more next steps. attraction for citizens and TREASURER The New Hampshire Supreme Court has visitors alike. Andrew Smith, Twin Mountain definitively ruled that the Site Evaluation Similarly, the long PRESIDENT/FORESTER Jane A. Difley, Webster Committee (SEC) did its job thoroughly campaign to protect the BOARD OF TRUSTEES and according to law in denying Northern White Mountains (the Charlie Bridges, New Durham John Brighton, Hanover Pass a certificate of Site and Facility. Even reason the Forest Society Deb Buxton, Greenfield the Governor, a Northern Pass supporter, was founded in 1901) Bill Crangle, Plymouth Peter Fauver, North Conway agreed it was time to move on. took more than a decade. John Weeks, Stephen Froling, Hancock Drew Kellner, Brookline This is your victory, because it’s your a Lancaster native and Congressman from Andy Lietz, Rye New Hampshire. You stood up for the Massachusetts, worked creatively to pass Nancy Martland, Sugar Hill Karen Moran, Webster values that matter most in the Granite legislation that relied on commerce law Lorin Rydstrom, Hollis Janet Zeller, Concord State; you were an active participant in “to protect the headwaters of navigable STAFF defending our forests, conserved lands and streams” and the possibility of a White EXECUTIVE landscapes from an ill-conceived power Mountain National Forest became a reality. Jane A. Difley, president/forester Maria Stewart, executive assistant line that would have scarred 192 miles of In all three cases those who love FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION our beloved state. You and your neighbors New Hampshire and its rugged, scenic Michelle Morse, human resources manager stated clearly that Northern Pass was not mountains, forests and waters could not be Amy Nichols, finance specialist Tina Ripley, administrative assistant in the best interests of our communities or dissuaded. They stood up and stood their Denise Vaillancourt, vice president of finance Harriette Yazzie-Whitcomb, receptionist our environment. You worked tirelessly to ground, against all odds. MEMBERSHIP/DEVELOPMENT be heard, against all odds. We must remain vigilant. There will Linda Dammann, development associate Diane Forbes, senior director for development The moment is historic—on par with be other proposals for energy facilities. Susanne Kibler-Hacker, vice president for development other campaigns to keep New Hampshire, We remain alert and engaged. But for now Allan Krygeris, senior technology specialist Sara Krzyzaniak, data processor New Hampshire. In the 70s, the effort to we celebrate our success, the friendships Margaret Liszka, director of membership save Franconia Notch from a four-lane we’ve forged along the way and the beauty Ann McCoy, development manager Meredith Reed O’Donnell, foundation relations manager Interstate was precedent setting. As with of New Hampshire’s unspoiled forests. COMMUNICATIONS/OUTREACH PROGRAMS Northern Pass, there were many twists and David Anderson, senior director of education Andy Crowley, land steward program coordinator turns to the process that ended—after Carrie Deegan, community engagement and volunteer manager many years—with the road we now know Emily Lord, digital outreach manager Jack Savage, vice president of communications/outreach through the Notch. Thanks to the tenacity Ryan Smith, communications manager of the Forest Society, the Appalachian Jane Difley is the president/forester of the Society POLICY/RESERVATION STEWARDSHIP Will Abbott, vice president of policy/reservation stewardship Mountain Club, concerned citizens and for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Frank Allen, building and grounds assistant Nik Berube, maintenance assistant Rita Carroll, tree farm administrator Rebecca Darman, reservation stewardship and policy coordinator Mike Farrington, property management assistant Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Steven Junkin, field forester A nonprofit membership organization founded in 1901 to protect the state’s Matt Leahy, public policy manager most important landscapes and promote wise use of its renewable natural resources. Nigel Manley, director of North Country property Basic annual membership fee is $40 and includes a subscription to Forest Notes. Nathan Maser, property management assistant Carl Murphy, facilities manager Executive Editor: Jack Savage Gabe Roxby, field forester Editor: Ryan Smith Matt Scaccia, recreation manager Design & Production: The Secret Agency Amanda St. Jean, program assistant Printing: R.C. Brayshaw & Company, Inc. Wendy Weisiger, managing forester LAND PROTECTION Forest Notes is printed on elemental chlorine-free Sappi Flo paper with Abraham Ames, senior easement steward 10 percent post-consumer recycled content. Sappi Flo is made from pulp purchased from Jess Charpentier, land protection specialist suppliers who document sound environmental practices and sustainable forest management. Connie Colton, land protection and stewardship coordinator Permission is required for reproduction of any part of this magazine. Naomi Houle, easement stewardship manager Copyright 2019 SPNHF. US ISSN: 0015 7457. Brian Hotz, vice president of land conservation Tom Howe, senior director of land conservation 54 Portsmouth Street, Concord, N.H. 03301 | Phone: 603-224-9945 | Fax: 603-228-0423 Emily Landry, easement steward [email protected] | forestsociety.org Zach Pearo, easement steward The Forest Society proudly supports the following organizations: Stacie Powers, easement steward

Cosponsor Underwriter Member THE WOODPILE—NEWS NOT SO NEATLY STACKED

Carey Cottage Revival

In mid-June, the Forest Society announced that it has reached an agreement in prin- ciple with a local family foundation on a long-term lease of the Carey Cottage at Creek Farm in Portsmouth, N.H., subject to due diligence over the summer. Under the agreement, the foundation will provide funding for the renovation of the Carey Cottage and Chinburg Prop- erties will renovate the building, including the Music Room. “The key to saving the Carey Cottage has always been finding a partner with the The Carey Cottage as seen from Sagamore Creek. means to restore it, a proposed use that complements Creek Farm’s status as a con- The center will provide the space, tools, incorporating them into the project. These served space open to the public, and a and connections that nonprofits need to projects have successfully incorporated track record that suggests they can main- build strong organizations, thriving local residential and mixed-use components tain the building over time,” says Forest economies, and vibrant communities in and have been successfully managed over Society President/Forester Jane Difley. the region. Through incubator and acceler- the long term. “We’re delighted to consider the foundation ator services, workshops, events, and other “I want to thank the multiple other and Eric Chinburg [president of Chinburg programs, the center will help nonprofits individuals and entities who reached out Properties] as the team that can accom- become successful organizations. constructively and worked with us in good plish those goals.” “I’m looking forward to renovating the faith on ideas and other proposals for an The Carey Cottage will become the Carey Cottage and making it work for the appropriate re-use of the Carey Cottage,” headquarters of a newly created center community,” said Eric Chinburg. “We take says Jack Savage, vice president of commu- dedicated to fostering the growth and pride in our ability to repurpose unique nications/outreach at the Forest Society. success of nonprofit organizations. The buildings while maintaining public use of “We look forward to working with the building will also host other nonprofit the surroundings.” foundation and Chinburg as we continue organizations. Chinburg Properties is a land develop- the Forest Society’s mission to conserve “We had been looking for an appropri- ment, design, construction, and property Creek Farm and provide public access to ate place to house the center when we management firm headquartered in the Sagamore Creek waterfront.” became aware of the Carey Cottage,” said the Newmarket, N.H. For more than 20 years foundation’s principals. “In partnership the company has preserved numerous his- with Eric and the Forest Society, we think toric mills and schools in the Seacoast and Learn More we can use the Carey Cottage to advance central New Hampshire. Chinburg projects To learn more about Creek Farm D

R the center’s mission while preserving an are known for unique design aspects partnerships and programming, turn O L

Y historic building.” utilizing original materials and creatively to page 14. L I M E

) E G A P

S I

H Mark Your Calendars T (

; A T

N A unique exhibit of paintings by father- rural Nelson County, Va. Both of them experiment with different materials and A U

Q daughter artists Doug Richards and Laura are well grounded in their home states and styles of painting as their painting inter- N I C Aldridge will be on display at the Forest intrigued by their physical surroundings ests and skills continue to evolve. A L R

A Society’s Conservation Center from Sep- and the seemingly endless beauty of where All of the paintings on display are for K

) E tember 1–October 30, 2019. they reside. They both say that wherever sale with 20 percent of the sale price going G A P

E Both artists were born and raised in the they look, there is always another view to benefit the Forest Society’s conservation T I S Concord area. Doug currently lives in Bow ready to be interpreted and painted. They work. Visit forestsociety.org/events for O P P

O and Laura presently makes her home in are both primarily self-taught artists and more information. (

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(OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) EMILY LORD ANDY CROWLEY NICK WHITES (LEAVE NO TRACE) VICTOR CORDERO IN THE FIELD Summer 2019 Events

AUGUST 13 | 3:304:30 P.M. 118th Forest Society Annual Meeting Tree ID at the Merrimack Saturday, September 28, 2019 | Gunstock Mountain Recreation Area River Floodplain Six different half-day field trip choices beginning at various times and ending by 3:30 p.m. Concord, N.H. Business meeting and awards begin at 4 p.m. followed by a reception, dinner, and more! Join Linden Rayton, Forest Society flood- For more trip details and to register, visit forestsociety.org/2019-annual-meeting or turn to plain education coordinator, at the Merri- the back cover. mack River Conservation Area to explore Annual Meeting Trips the most common trees you see here and in your neighborhoods, along with some 11 A.M.3 P.M. | COST: $40 Bear Island Boat Excursion specialties you won’t see in a city park. To register, visit forestsociety.org/events. Join Jack Savage and Denise Vaillancourt of the Forest Society for this rare oppor-

tunity to visit Bear Island Forest Reservation on Lake Winnipesaukee. We’ll travel by AUGUST 14 | 67 P.M. boat from Cattle Landing in Meredith to explore Bear Island’s interior with a break Hawks and Owls: Eyes of the Wild for a BYO picnic lunch. This trip is weather dependent. Bretzfelder Park, Bethlehem, N.H.

123 P.M. | COST: FREE Join a naturalist from Squam Lakes Natural Morse Mountain Preserve Hike Science Center to peer into the raptor The trail loop at the Morse Preserve winds through fields and forests to reach world through an up-close experience spectacular views of the Belknap Range, Mount Major, and Lake Winnipesaukee with live hawks and owls. Compare the from atop 1,400-foot Pine Mountain surrounded by blueberry barrens. BYO picnic fascinating similarities and differences lunch to enjoy with the views. between hawks and owls to discover how O R

E they are perfectly suited to the habitat D R 123 P.M. | COST: $16 niche they each fill. O C

R Top of the Belknaps Chairlift and Hike The program is interactive and designed to engage O T

C and educate audience members of all ages. I This 2-mile round trip guided hike from the summit of Gunstock Mountain (2,244’) V

,

) Cost: Free.

E descends the white-blazed Saddle Trail then ascends the blue-blazed Belknap Range C A

R Trail to the fire tower at the summit of adjacent Belknap Mountain (2,382’). Enjoy T AUGUST 15 | 34:30 P.M.

O early fall foliage scenery and learn about recreation trails in the Belknaps. N

E Musseling on the Merrimack Meander V A

E 13 P.M. | COST: FREE L Concord, N.H. (

S

E Weeks Forest Hike Join Linden Rayton, floodplain education T I H Enjoy excellent hiking trails and early fall foliage season color on this forestry-themed coordinator, to cool off at the end of the W

K

C guided hike at the Weeks Woods in Gilford. Learn from NH foresters about timber

I day and discover all sorts of fun things. N

,

Y harvesting and forest structures that provide diverse habitat opportunities for wildlife. We will have nets and tubs to catch and release our E L

W findings. To register, visit forestsociety.org/events.

O P.M. R 13:30 | COST: $15 C

Y Fall Mushroom Identification AUGUST 21 | 67 P.M. D N A

Learn about mushroom lore and misconceptions from NH mushroom expert, Rick Fantastic Fungi Foray , D R Van de Poll. Learn about key identification characteristics, grouping mushrooms by Bretzfelder Park, Bethlehem, N.H. O L

Y colors, growth form, and substrates. Rick will share tips for collecting, identifying, L

I Join expert mycologist Rick Van de Poll for M

E and may bring samples of safe and common edible wild mushrooms. another North Country review of the ) T F

E incredible diversity of edible and poisonous L 13 P.M. | COST: $16 P

O mushrooms in the woods. This hour-long T Gunstock Aerial Chairlift Ride

M field foray will discover a number of fasci- O

R Relax. No hiking required! Enjoy a leisurely 15-minute chairlift ride to the summit

F nating fungal forms, including chaga,

E

S of Gunstock to reach views of Lake Winnipesaukee and beyond. Forest Society staff I polypores, and evanescent molds. W

K at the Gunstock Mountain summit will greet members and help to identify features

C Bring a basket, knife, hand lens, and your favorite O

L in the view.

C camera. Cost: Free.

, E G A P

E T I

S For a complete list of summer events, O P P O ( check out forestsociety.org/events.

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 5 It was a Jeep ride that brought Jon Dawson (right) and the Forest Society’s Brian Hotz together to realize a conservation vision.

The Capitalist S E L I F Y T E I

Conservationist C O S T S E Jon Dawson’s legacy by the numbers: R wenty years ago, Jon Dawson found himself doing O F ) something that was arguably uncharacteristic. As a E 20 years and more than 40 projects to G A P

sought-after money manager who carefully observes S I H

strategically protect more than 5,000 acres T T

the trends and cycles that drive the economy and ( E

who can rattle off economic statistics that mean the difference G in Deering, Hillsborough and Henniker A V A

between investment feast or famine, he was anything but strate- S K C

By Jack Savage gic about his end-of-year philanthropy. A J ) E

“A lot of my compensation in the 1990s was performance G A P

based,” Dawson explains. “I never had much idea until late E T I S

December what I was going to get, and then I’d call up my O P P O

accountant and he’d tell me the optimum amount to give away. (

6 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 I’d have my shoebox with all my solicitations, and if you were at the bottom of the shoebox, you were out of luck.” His wife Deborah suggested that there might be a more effec- tive way, and posed the question, What did Jon really want to accomplish with his philanthropic giving? “I said I wanted to preserve land in Deering, New Hampshire, and start a charter school,” he recalls. “So we focused our efforts on that.” Two decades later, Dawson has made it possible to conserve more than 5,000 acres in the Deering area, based on a vision of creating a conserved greenway between New Hampshire Audubon’s Deering Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vincent State Forest in neigh- boring Weare, and along Hedgehog Mountain in Hillsborough. The conservation made possible by Dawson included the Hedgehog Evolution of a Conservation Ethic Mountain Forest, now more than 1,000 acres. Dawson has a lifelong connection to Deering, thanks to the circa-1780 home that his family has enjoyed seasonally for seven decades. He grew up spending summers and autumns in the between buying a condo in Aspen, a cottage in Carmel two blocks house, exploring and hunting on the 240 acres that surrounds it. from the sea, or 87 acres here. I bought the land even though you “When I was growing up, this area was pretty remote. No elec- could leverage the condo or cottage with a mortgage. Needless to tricity,” he says. “These were the days before I-91 and it took six say it wasn’t the best economic decision I’ve made.” and a half hours to get here from our home in Connecticut. There In 1981, Dawson’s parents died tragically in a plane crash in were old blueberry bushes and apple trees, great ground cover for Africa, and as the only child, he inherited the Deering property. grouse. Woodcock were abundant. We hunted in my early years. He began improving it, fixing the house and barn, getting local “The thing I liked most was probably the penny I got for taking David Allen to rebuild the stone walls, putting in a pond, plant- the caterpillar cocoons out of the building, a penny per,” he ing thousands of daylilies from nearby Davis Brook Farm and an laughs. “I was always a capitalist.” orchard with apples, pears, and peaches. Even his less remote Connecticut childhood was rural, as his parents moved to a small farm outside of town after Jon recovered A Larger Conservation Vision from rheumatic fever, hoping the move would keep young Jon Dawson credits the proximity of New Hampshire Audubon’s out of strenuous school sports. Deering Preserve to his own property with his awareness of land “As a result of Rheumatic Fever, I had a murmur and damage conservation. His first involvement in helping protect land was to the heart valves, and they gave me a big speech after being with a tract that abutted the Audubon’s land. in bed for six weeks,” he recalls. “I had a very stern Hungarian “And then around the time Deborah was telling me to focus, doctor who said ‘we’re going to let you get up but you have to be I met Brian [Hotz, Forest Society vice president for land conser- really careful because this can come back in your early thirties vation] and we did the Wilkins-Campbell Forest with frontage and if it does it will kill you.’” on the Deering Reservoir,” Dawson says. Through the Tyrell “So my little eight-year-old brain tried to process that. I basically Foundation, named in honor of his uncle, Dawson funded S

E decided that if I’m going to die in my thirties, then I’d better pack the transaction that allowed the 215-acre property to become a L I F

Y a lot in between. So, it had the diametrically opposite effect permanently protected Forest Society Reservation. T E I

C and I wound up playing 23 seasons of contact sports, playing Seeking a partner to accomplish more, Dawson invited Hotz to O S

T football, hockey, and lacrosse.” go for a drive to look at land in Deering. S E R

O “My parents left a comfortable house close to the school and “I got Brian in my 1978 Jeep and we drove down a couple of F

) E other kids and moved about four miles away—they might as well Class 6 roads with the Jeep on about a 45-degree angle going over G A P

S moved to Mars in terms of having any social life,” he says. “On boulders and I told him—‘this is what we we’re going to do.’ I H T

( two sides of our property were watershed properties and they had At first he thought I was crazy,” Dawson recalls. “And he was

; E

G a big reservoir that had a lot of bass in it. We had sheep, and sheet white for about a week from the ride in the Jeep.” A V A

S chickens were probably the most profitable thing I ever did. This came at a time when the Forest Society was beginning to

K C

A It was a small farm.” think more strategically about land protection, wanting to be more J

) E

G As an adult, Dawson followed his father’s lead and expanded proactive and to think about broader landscapes. The timing was A P

E their Deering property by acquiring more land. right for a good match. T I S

O “In 1972, before Watergate, I was in the stock market and I “But the deal was that I would drive from then on,” Hotz jokes. P P O

( wanted to take my money out of the market and I had a choice “The vision was clear from the start,” says Dawson. “I said

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 7 we want to connect the Contoocook River with Vincent State building market got so hot, that there was an inefficiency because Forest, and we want to protect Hedgehog Mountain.” builders were so busy they weren’t land-banking. Then 2008 Hotz points out that the landscape that has been the target of happened, and after ‘08 we were the buyer of last resort and Dawson’s vision is worth conserving. “It’s stunning land,” values were down. Those two phases from late ‘90s to ‘08 and he says. “Ecologically it’s very rich, and diverse—shorefront to then ‘08 forward, each one of them was ideal for what we were farmland to timberland and everything in between.” trying to accomplish. Dawson was actively involved in what has turned out to be a 20-year conservation initiative. He approached landowners A Little Bit of Luck personally, and once flew to California to meet with a landowner Until now, Dawson has preferred not to be acknowledged to talk about the possibility of conserving their land. He easily as the moving force behind the Tyrell Foundation’s generous recalls the details of every transaction—number of acres, the cost donations. But now that he has largely achieved his conservation per acre, and the circumstances surrounding the project. In some vision (“We’re done,” he states.) he is more willing to step out cases, he acquired a property with a house, fixed up the house, from behind the curtain. then sold the house at a price that allowed the protection of the “I’m 75 years old,” Dawson says. “I’ve never found any benefit surrounding land at a bargain price. to getting recognized for giving money away. But I’d like to have Dawson says he wanted to do it in a way that wasn’t seriously some of it memorialized so future generations can understand damaging to the tax base and the long-term future of the town what we did.” and its revenue sources. Dawson recognizes that for all his talents in business, he has “So, for example, we didn’t protect land that was better suited, also been “More than sprinkled with good luck, like all people long-term, to development,” he says. Ed Cobbett, chair of the who are successful.” Lucky to be a white male in post-World War Conservation Commission at the time, played a central role. II America, lucky to get into Stanford Business School. He tried to Dawson also worked with other conservation groups on some enlist in the Navy during the Vietnam War, but ultimately was projects. turned away because of the aftereffects of his childhood disease. Dawson attributes some of the success to good timing. Instead, he got a job in New York in the investment business, “I learned in my business that things go in cycles,” Dawson then got his law degree at night. He started his own firm in 1981, says. There were two things that happened that really helped us. barely survived the crash in 1987 and then, in his own words, The first was that the real estate market got so hot, the home- “went on a tear for a lot of years.” Which is also what he did with land Forest Society Conservation Lands funded conservation in Deering. by the Tyrrell Foundation from 1999–2019 “I think what’s amazing to me is that you start out, you look at something, it Deering, Hillsborough, Henniker, Weare, NH seems crazy—I’m sure Brian thought I should be committed when I told him what I wanted to do,” Dawson says. “I think it’s a lesson—you can accomplish a lot if you’re long-term oriented and just keep at it and have integrity. “The great thing I love about the For- est Society is the integrity with which they do things. And that matters,” says Dawson, who praises Hotz highly for his work. “It matters not only in terms of what you think about yourself but when you’re trying to get other people to come to the table with you, you better have a good reputation. Each transaction enabled the next deal to be easier. It all just came together—it’s the persistence of over 20 years piece-by-piece picking away at it.”

Jack Savage is vice president for communica- Conservation Lands tions and outreach for the Forest Society. Forest Society Projects Funded by Tyrrell Foundation

8 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 The Forest Society thanks the following businesses for their generous support.

Summit Circle Partner (continued) Matching Gift Companies (continued) ($5,000 and up) Half Moon Enterprises CA, Inc. Matching Gifts Program BCM Environmental & Land Law, PLLC Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Event Builders, LLC Harvest Capital Management, Inc. Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, Inc. Meredith Village Savings Bank Lyme Timber Company Dell Employee Giving Program Merrimack County Savings Bank R. M. Piper, Inc. ExxonMobil Foundation Nathan Wechsler & Company The Music Mill FM Global Foundation Onepath Urban Tree Service/A Tree Health Company, Inc. Gartner, Inc. Whalen Public and Media Relations, LLC Colleague GE Foundation Goldman, Sachs & Co. Trustees’ Circle ($250 to $499) Google, Inc. ($2,500 to $4,999) Aesthetic Dental Center Graham Holdings Company CIT Birch Hill Summer Camp, Inc. Grove Street Fiduciary, Inc. Manypenny Murphy Architecture Bully Boy Distillers Hewlett Packard Company Foundation Northeast Delta Dental Cersosimo Lumber Co., Inc. The Home Depot Foundation Northland Forest Products, Inc. Frost Pond Carpentry Matching Gift Program The Secret Agency, LLC Fullers Sugarhouse Honeywell International, Inc. Granite Investment Advisors, Inc. IBM Corporation President/Forester’s Circle Granite State Natural Foods, Inc. Intel Corporation ($1,000 to $2,499) Great Brook Veterinary Clinic, LLC Jefferies, LLC Bronnenberg Trucking and Logging Kel-Log, Inc. John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. Freudenberg NOK Sealing Technologies Kozikowski Properties, LLC JPMorgan Chase Foundation Gunstock Mountain Resort Kluber Lubrication NA LP Lincoln Financial Group Foundation Lumbard & Kellner, LLC Limington Lumber Company Lumina Foundation for Education NEMO Equipment, Inc. Meadowsend Timberlands Limited Markem-Imaje Corporation New England Private Wealth Advisors, LLC Mulligan Land & Timber MassMutual NH Conservation Real Estate New England Biolabs, Inc. McKinsey & Company Peabody & Smith Realty, Inc. New England Wood Pellet, Inc. Medtronic Ransmeier & Spellman, P.C. Polly’s Pancake Parlor Merck Partnership for Giving Roche Realty Group, Inc. Sunset Park Campground Meredith Corporation Foundation Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, Inc. The Rossi Group, LLC Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Superior Nut Company, Inc. Whole Wealth Management Motorola Solutions The Mulburn Inn Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery MSD Capital Matching Gift Companies National Grid Steward The Norfolk & Dedham Group ($750 to $999) AARP Novartis Altus Engineering Aetna Foundation Oracle Corporation EOS Research, Ltd. Aetna Giving Campaign Pfizer Foundation TriPyramid Structures, Inc. Allegro MicroSystems, LLC Premier, Inc. American International Group, Inc. Riverstone Resources, LLC Partner Ameriprise Financial Employee SAP Software Solutions ($500 to $749) Gift Matching Program Seaboard International Forest Products, LLC Arcomm Communications Corporation Amica Companies Foundation Shell Oil Company Foundation Benthien Associates Autodesk Foundation Textron Matching Gift Program Capitol Craftsman, LLC Autodesk Foundation Employee Thomson Reuters Colonial Woodworking, Inc. Engagement Fund TriPyramid Structures, Inc Dodge Contracting Automatic Data Processing, Inc. UnitedHealth Group Durgin and Crowell Lumber Co., Inc. BAE Systems Employee Community Fund, Inc. UNUM Matching Gifts Program Fuller’s Sugarhouse, LLC Bank of America Verizon Foundation Gary’s Chimney Services Bose Corporation Waters Corporation

And many thanks to those businesses who give less than $250. The Forest Society…Where Conservation and Business Meet For information on business memberships, please contact Susanne Kibler-Hacker at 603-224-9945 or via email at [email protected]. THE FOREST CLASSROOM

Third grade students from Antrim Elementary School (left) peel back a cover board to search for red-backed salamanders (right) sheltering in the cool soil.

Students Investigate Red-Backed Salamanders at McCabe Forest By Carrie Deegan

f you’ve ever rolled over an old log This is exactly what 3rd grade students soil moisture, keeping the salamanders’ or tipped up a large rock in a New at Antrim Elementary School are doing on skin damp. IHampshire forest, you’ve probably the Forest Society’s McCabe Forest, which In May 2019, students, led by their encountered a red-backed salamander. In is less than a mile walk from their school. teacher Tom Morse and Harris Center a study at Hubbard Brook Experimental The students are participating in a regional educator Karen Rent, returned to the Forest in Woodstock, N.H., researchers citizen science effort called SPARCnet, research site where they paired up to collect found that red-backed salamanders were short for Salamander Population and Adap- data. One student would slowly raise a the area’s most abundant terrestrial verte- tation Research Collaboration Network. In cover board to examine what was beneath brate, and their total biomass equaled or fall 2018, the students, coordinated by the it, and another student would write down exceeded that of small mammals and Harris Center for Conservation Education what they observed before gently laying birds. Translation: there are lots and lots in Hancock, N.H., placed fifty 10” x 10” them back into place. Sometimes a student of them. The red-backed salamander’s rel- untreated cover boards on the forest found a red-backed salamander, and some- ative abundance, combined with the fact floor in a grid formation. Red-backed times other interesting critters. “Ants! that it maintains small, stable territories, salamanders utilize the undersides of these So many ants!” remarked one student. “A means that it is a particularly cooperative boards as they would a rock or rotting moth just flew out!” said another. The data animal to study. log habitat, which offer shelter and retain collected from the two study plots, which

10 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 contained 50 cover boards each, was var- own classes, they are also contributing to ied. On the first study plot, the students Not only do students get to use regional research. Plus, I really love giving observed grubs, slugs, spiders, and beetles, kids the opportunity to just look closely in addition to two red-backed salaman- the data in their own classes, in a really small space.” After wrapping ders. On the second plot, students found they are also contributing to up a day of field research, the students’ 12 salamanders. Rent asked the students observation skills were clearly on alert as why they thought the salamander abun- regional research. they spotted a red eft and a camouflaged dance was so much higher on the second wood frog on their hike out. “It’s so great plot. “I think it’s way damper over here,” to have the McCabe Forest within walking offered one girl, “and their skin needs to Once Morse’s students return to the distance of our school,” says Morse. “We stay moist and cool to breathe.” She was classroom, they’ll use their findings to are really lucky to have it.” For the Forest on the right track, as red-backed salaman- practice math concepts such as graphing Society, the feeling is definitely mutual. ders don’t have lungs and instead exhibit and fractions, comparing data collected Our organization benefits when commu- “cutaneous respiration,” exchanging oxy- from different study plots and during dif- nity members utilize our forests, especially gen directly through well-moistened skin, ferent seasons and weather conditions. when young New Hampshire residents learn explained Rent. Salamanders favor sites Over the years, Morse’s students will col- about biodiversity and forest dynamics. that stay cool and damp, and the amphib- lect more data, which they’ll also enter It’s a win-win for everyone, including the ians’ sensitivity to moisture variations is into the SPARCnet regional database. red-backed salamanders. one reason that scientists believe they may “This is one of the things I really love be good indicators of environmental about this project,” notes Rent. “Not only Carrie Deegan is volunteer and community change over the long term. do students get to use the data in their engagement manager for the Forest Society.

Can you transform a house into a forest? Yes! With Assets to Acres Your Gift of Developed Real Estate Can Help Protect New Hampshire’s Special Places

Most people know that the Forest Society accepts donations of conservation land and conservation easements–but did you know that the Forest Society also accepts gifts of other real estate? N E L

E Donations of houses, cottages, house lots and H T even woodlots that can be sold by the Forest Y M

A Society generate funds that will be used to

T T

E purchase important conservation lands and R B

, provide for the stewardship of our forest D R

O reservations and conservation easements. L

Y L I M E

For more information on converting ) T F

E your “asset” into conserved “acres,” L

M

O call Susanne Kibler-Hacker Ellen Kennelly donated this summer house in Dublin surrounded R F

, by 49 protected acres to the “Assets to Acres” program.

E at 603-224-9945 or visit G A P

E T I S forestsociety.org/A2A O P P O (

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 11 ON OUR LAND

Planting for the Future Volunteers Help Establish American Chestnut Seed Orchard

By Carrie Deegan

t’s not easy to find someone who remembers standing under the shade of Ia mature American chestnut tree any- more. My 95-year-old grandmother is even a few years too young for that privilege. The fungus causing chestnut blight (Cry- phonectria parasitica) was discovered affecting trees in New York City, in 1904, and by 1930 most of the chestnuts along the eastern seaboard were dead. Because the fungus does not attack the trees’ root sys- tems, chestnut saplings continue to sprout adventitiously in southern New Hampshire forests, pushing up over and over again from ancient root stock only to succumb to blight before they are old enough to flower and to produce seed. I still love to find these young trees, even knowing they are doomed. It is a sad reality for a tree that once numbered in the billions and was prized for its beauty, nutritious nuts, and Clockwise from above: Forest Society straight-grained, rot-resistant wood. Forester Gabe Roxby (left) adds soil amend- Today, a group of Forest Society volun- ments to planting beds while volunteers teers is working to change the fate of Greg Kreider of Lyndeborough (middle) and the American chestnut in New Hampshire. Dave Heuss of Concord (right) place stakes In partnership with the Vermont–New and tree shelters; volunteer Kay Hartnett Hampshire Chapter of The American of Deering pulls weeds around a chestnut Chestnut Foundation (TACF), the Forest seedling; sprouted chestnuts are ready for Society recently established a chestnut planting in the Tom Rush orchard. seed orchard at the Tom Rush Forest in Deering, N.H. On a sunny day in May, volunteers braved clouds of blackflies to Regional Science Coordinator Kendra trees should look and function like American pick stones, roots, and clods of grass from Collins as she plucked a few chestnuts, chestnuts, but are actually one-sixteenth an old field that was newly plowed and already sprouting small white roots, from a Chinese chestnut (on average), which will harrowed. “Preparing the site took longer bag of damp peat moss. Collins demon- hopefully confer some degree of resistance than expected, but the volunteers pulled strated to the group how to gently bury to chestnut blight. “To find out whether together and we got it done,” said Forest each nut and surround it with a tree shelter they are resistant,” said Collins, “we have Society Forester Gabe Roxby, who is coor- to keep mice, voles, and deer from making to grow them. There is no shortcut to that dinating the project. Once the planting a meal of the tender seedlings. step.” Eventually the Tom Rush orchard beds were level and smooth, volunteers The chestnuts are from four different will contain as many as 3,000 trees, each laid down weed-control fabric and trees in a four distinct breeding lines, and individually numbered and tagged, from amended the soil before setting off to were produced by TACF through several gen- twenty different breeding lines. When plant 600 chestnuts. “This is everyone’s erations of backcrossing between Chinese trees are approximately five years old, favorite part,” said TACF New England and American chestnuts. The resulting they’ll be “challenged”: directly inoculated

12 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 Consulting Foresters

The Forest Society encourages landowners to consult with a licensed forester before undertaking land management activities. The following are paid advertisers.

Calhoun & Corwin Forestry, LLC Realize what you value the most in your forest. Serving individual, municipal, state, non-government, and industry forest owners. 560 Windy Road, Peterborough, NH 03458 • 603-562-5620 Volunteer Dennis Sawyer of Deering checks each tree shelter to record which nuts have Email: [email protected] germinated during a summer workday. Meadowsend Consulting Company Jeremy Turner NHLPF #318 — Central/Southern NH Email: [email protected] Ryan Kilborn NHLPF #442 — Northern NH with blight fungus, and TACF science staff which is a good thing since the seedlings Email: [email protected] D

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G fungus, or are deemed to have low levels of around an email with photos when the P.O. Box 966, New London, NH 03257 A P

S 603-526-8686 I blight-resistance, will be removed from the seedlings emerge?” asked volunteer Walter H

T www.mtlforests.com (

orchard until only the strongest remain; Neuman. We promised him that we’d send ; N

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O the three thousand will show significant in our forests isn’t likely to happen in their L Email: [email protected]

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; die or be removed from the breeding pop- in making it possible for their grandchil- F&W Forestry Services Inc. N

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T eventually be re-established in New Hamp- enough for them. F

E Martin Forestry Consulting, LLC L shire’s forests. P Offering complete forest management services O T At the end of the planting day, the vol- Carrie Deegan is volunteer and community including timber sales, cruises, and appraisals and M wildlife habitat management. O

R unteers were exhausted but still smiling. engagement manager for the Forest Society. F

E P.O. Box 89, New Hampton, NH 03256 • 603-744-9484 S

I “I’m totally whupped,” said volunteer Len

W Email: [email protected] K Martin, “but I really enjoy being a part of C O L

C something like this and I can’t wait to see Learn More:

, E

G those little guys popping up out of the If you are interested in helping A P

E ground and growing.” A sense of ownership with orchard maintenance and future

T Licensed foresters should address inquiries I S about advertising to Jack Savage O and protectiveness for these chestnuts has planting days, contact Carrie Deegan P

P at 603-224-9945 O ( already developed among the volunteers, at [email protected]. or [email protected].

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 13 ON OUR LAND

Center for Wildlife’s Nature’s Natural Bug Brigade Program teamed up with the Forest Society to host a day of building bat houses and learning about the mainly nocturnal mammals.

New Programming and Partnerships in Portsmouth

By Naomi Houle

I have worked for the Forest Society for So you could say that salt water runs in my The Center for Wildlife based out of almost two years as a conservation ease- veins. In this position, I look forward to York, Maine, is one partnership that comes ment steward in the southeast region of utilizing my background in marine inter- to mind. Over the last year, they have New Hampshire where I am responsible tidal systems, specifically in the Great Bay, organized events with Forest Society for monitoring more than 180 conserva- and exploring Creek Farm’s shoreline staff at Creek Farm to share their wildlife tion easements and deed restrictions. along Sagamore Creek with progam par- knowledge through educational program- In April 2019, I was asked to take on the ticipants this summer. ming. In May, the Center for Wildlife’s role of Creek Farm’s part-time education Nature’s Natural Bug Brigade Program program coordinator while also retaining Creek Farm Partnerships introduced participants to bats local to the my position as manager of easement stew- Most programs the Forest Society hosts New England area. Attendees were also ardship. I was excited to take on this role at Creek Farm have been in partnership given the opportunity to build their own and to spend more time down in the with local organizations. The goal of these bat houses to take home. seacoast area. I am particularly excited events is to promote the work the Forest Other partners include professors from about this opportunity because in 2017 Society is doing in the Portsmouth area as the University of New Hampshire’s Shoals I graduated with a bachelor of science in well as strengthening our relationships with Marine Lab, who, in 2018, led guided marine, estuarine, and freshwater biology groups that are already doing incredible walks along Creek Farm’s shoreline. The from the University of New Hampshire. work there. professors talked about estuarine habitats

14 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 and even brought a small group out to their lab on Appledore Island off the coast of New Hampshire for a tour. Other groups such as the New Hamp- shire Audubon Association’s Seacoast Chapter and the nonprofit Gulls of Appledore have led various bird walks at Creek Farm, too.

Partnership with the Gundalow Company The Portsmouth-based Gundalow Com- pany is entering its third summer hosting their summer camps for kids at Creek Farm. We feel fortunate that this great camp has chosen Creek Farm as its home base for summer programming, and Gundalow Company camp director Gretchen Carlson couldn’t agree more. “Creek Farm is a hidden gem in Portsmouth and it allows us to run a play-based, nature-exploration camp right here in town on Sagamore Creek,” says Carlson. “Our program uses Creek Farm’s wide range of habitats, including the cobble beach, the saltwater pond, the marshes and creek, the mudflats, and the woodland walking trails. Campers are free to explore and learn in this beautiful, safe place.” The Forest Society also participates in other public events with the Gundalow Company such as this year’s First Annual Piscataqua RiverFest held at Strawberry Banke & Prescott Park on June 1. The Gun- dalow Company expanded their annual From top: Creek Farm Education Program Coordinator and Manager of Easement Stewardship Round Island Regatta to include collabo- Naomi Houle paddles Sagamore Creek during the Conservation Law Foundation and Forest Society’s cleanup day; a family explores Creek Farm’s waterfront lawn. rations with other Seacoast organizations this year and we were fortunate enough to join in the festivities! Be sure to look for natural spaces for kids to play and to Korabek Emerson lead morning and this event again in 2020! discover the outdoors. There is an open, evening sessions throughout the summer grassy area for games, trails and wooded on the property’s beautiful lawn. Groups Hosting Their Own Programs areas to explore, and access to Sagamore at Creek Farm Creek allows us to enjoy the water and learn What’s Next? A few other organizations host classes about the tidal creek.” Larney also says that We are excited to work with one of and events at Creek Farm as well. This sum- Creek Farm is a great spot to run her pro- our newest partners this summer, the mer marks the second year that Kathleen gram because it is so easy to get to and it is Portsmouth Paddle Company. Stay tuned Larney has led her Tinkergarten programs accessible. Even though it is so close to for future paddling outings! For upcoming at Creek Farm, which enable young children downtown Portsmouth it feels so secluded events and programs this summer at Creek and their parents to have semi-structured and away from everything and everyone. Farm, visit forestsociety.org/events. ) 3

X outdoor time exploring the natural world. It’s also really special in that it offers access (

D

R When asked why she enjoys performing her to both the woods and a tidal creek.” Naomi Houle is the Creek Farm education O L

Y classes at Creek Farm, Larney says “[the The Forest Society is also fortunate program coordinator and the easement stew- L I M

E property] offers so many different types of enough to have meditation leader Liz ardship manager for the Forest Society.

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 15 NATURE’S VIEW

Orphan Bear Cubs Returned to Forest By Dave Anderson

lack bear expert and rehabilitator Ben Kilham knows firsthand as to Bhow bears are superbly adapted to living in New England’s forests. As the owner of Kilham Bear Center in Lyme, N.H., he has rehabilitated and released hundreds of injured and orphaned black bears from Vermont and New Hampshire since opening the center in 1993. Kilham notes that black bears rely on the availabil- ity of autumn foods—acorns, beechnuts, and apples—to fatten up before hibernat- ing through a long winter of scarcity. Following successive years of ample food availability, bears struggled to forage for red oak acorns and beechnuts in autumn 2018. The nuts were literally nonexistent, and apples were also scarce. The lack of Left: Since 1993, Ben Kilham has rehabilitated and released hundreds of black bears in forests food contributed to a widespread famine across New Hampshire. for many wildlife species, and a ripple effect has continued up the food chain in Right: Vermont veterinarian Walter Cottrell (middle) works with Vermont wildlife biologist 2019. Without these nutrition sources, Jaclyn Comeau (right) to attach ear tags and examine and monitor the health of the sedated nursing sows’ milk dried-up earlier in the bears slated to be released from the Kilham Bear Center. More than 60 yearling cubs were released in May, including 14 on Forest Society reservations. season during the time when mothers and cubs should be gaining weight, not losing it, before the winter. As a result, bears left said that approximately 80 percent of the All of the orphans caught during the their core territories travelling widely in adult sows harvested by hunters in 2018 fall and early winter spent the next few search of food, taking risks and encoun- had cubs that year. Concerned citizens months at Kilham’s facility. First-year bear tering hazards along the way. reported the orphan cubs, who were sub- cubs normally weigh between 35 and )

By January 2019, the autumn food sequently caught by Timmins and other 40 pounds, but they were arriving at the 2 X (

shortage had taken a toll on adult black wildlife agency personnel and then trans- facility 10 to 15 pounds underweight. N A G E

bears. Kilham had admitted 70 orphaned ferred to Kilham. Kilham’s goal was to fatten the bears and E D E bear cubs into his facility. Road kills Some willing landowners and volunteers prepare them for release come spring. I R R A

were the primary source of bear mortality assisted in live-trapping cubs under the over- In April 2019, Timmins reviewed a port- C ) E

resulting in orphaned cubs, while others sight of Timmins. One incident occurred on folio of larger and more remote Forest G A P S were killed by homeowners or law Thanksgiving Day at Carrie Deegan’s home Society reservations with a goal of releasing I H T enforcement as a result of entering homes, in New London, N.H. Deegan, the Forest 14 of the orphan cubs in areas of New ( ) 2 X garages, and chicken coops in search of Society’s volunteer and community Hampshire that aren’t typical release sites, ( N food. Some people asked, “If starvation is a engagement manager, spotted a young such as Coos County. The rest would be re- O S R E

normal part of the acorn crop famine, why bear, whose mother had been recently leased onto state-owned, public forestlands. D N rescue or interfere in a natural process?” struck and killed by a car on I-89, sheltering Over a couple days in mid-May, New A E V A

This might be true, but bears are not in a pine tree outside her dining room Hampshire and Vermont wildlife biologists D ) E adapted to crossing high-speed highways. window. Following Timmins’ instructions, went to work at Kilham’s facility sedating G A P

Other adult bears were killed during Deegan set a cage trap baited with dough- the cubs and attaching numbered tags, E T I S hunting season. New Hampshire Fish and nuts in her backyard and eventually caught correlated to their sex and their release date O P P O

Game Wildlife Biologist Andy Timmins and transported the cub to Kilham. and location, to the cubs’ ears. The cubs (

16 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 Left: Carrying a sedated, 50-plus-pound yearling bear to a cage lined with straw is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Dave Anderson to give a real bear hug. Right: After transporting the bears to a remote location, Dave Anderson removes a side panel from a crate and stands back to watch a fattened yearling bear hastily disperse into the surrounding forest.

were not radio-collared for future tracking during more typical years. this overwhelming public sentiment. It purposes. Walt Cottrell, a skillful Vermont As I watched some of the rehabilitated was also a rare opportunity for a few Forest veterinarian, performed a cursory exam cubs return to the forests, I wondered about Society staff to help release and repatriate listening to the bears’ hearts and adminis- potential conflicts with resident black bears. bears into new forest homes from which tering a shot of an anti-worm and -mite Kilham explained that “bears form relation- they would disperse. medication. After their check-up, the ships, and given time, they make friends.” “The Forest Society has been a tremen- groggy cubs, weighing up to 50 pounds I imagine some of the Class of 2019 might dous help and I feel great about the each, were moved into wooden crates or meet again one day and perhaps recognize partnership we formed. The success of aluminum dog kennels for transport. At the one another from their shared communal rehabilitating cubs includes the fact that undisclosed release sites, cubs were uncaged den at the Kilham’s facility. [the organization was] willing to help… and released into the expansive forests. After all the bears were released, Tim- If the Forest Society did not own large Kilham notes a cub’s most immediate mins noted that they would have been conserved properties, we wouldn't have priority after release is to feed on emerg- mortalities if it wasn’t for folks like the adequate release sites in parts of the state ing leaves and tender grasses and ferns, Deegans. “The cub in New London picked where these bears were first picked up.” In )

2 a salad bar diet normally augmented by the right yard when it visited the Deegan’s that sense, the success of this effort also X (

N leftover acorns or beechnuts, called “hard house,” he said. Timmins concedes that celebrates the protection of forest habitat A G E

E mast” by wildlife biologists. The nuts had the cubs died, the overall impact on over decades of conserving land statewide. D

E I remain palatable until they begin to sprout the statewide bear population would have These protected habitats give Kilham’s R R A

C in late May. “Spring is always a lean time been minimal. But, in light of the over- rehabilated bears the best possible chance

) E

G for bears trying to restock body fat they whelming public interest to help black to survive the early life trauma of having A P

S

I lost during their denning period,” says bears, it is important to save as many been orphaned as cubs. H T (

Timmins. “Bears leaving hibernation have orphans as possible. The response by New ; ) 2 X

( body weights depleted by thirty to fifty Hampshire Fish and Game to get orphan Naturalist Dave Anderson is senior director of

N

O percent of the body fat that sustains cubs to the Kilham Bear Center reflects education for the Forest Society. S R E

D them.” The situation is most difficult for N A nursing sows emerging from hibernation E Learn More V A

D with newborn cubs. Kilham and Timmins To see more photos and a video of the bear releases, visit forestsociety.org/

) E

G cited several juvenile and adult bears that bear-releases. A P

E they had recently handled while performing T

I For more information about the Kilham Bear Center, visit kilhambearcenter.org. S

O March den checks that were substantially P

P For details on bear incidents in New Hampshire, visit nhpr.org/post/update-nhs- O ( underweight compared to weights achieved bear-population.

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 17 CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY

Water for the Win: Protecting a Critical Piece of Land in Manchester By Kelly Cioe

anchester Water Works (MWW) and Mthe Forest Society worked together to perma- nently conserve 1,942 acres surrounding Tower Hill Pond in Candia and Hooksett. Thanks to multiple grants and private donors, the Forest Society acquired a con- servation easement on the land that MWW will continue to own and manage. The nearly 2,000 acres is part of the 8,000 acres MWW owns and manages to ensure clean drinking water to the City of Manchester and surrounding towns. “The Forest Society has long recognized that one of the ways that our work protecting forests connects to people’s everyday lives is by providing clean drinking water,” says The Manchester Water Works Project surrounding Tower Hill Pond in Auburn has received Jane Difley, president/forester for the Forest wide-ranging support from the local conservation commissions, through donations from Society. “We’re proud to have been selected generous donors, and grants from LCHIP, the Merrimack Conservation Partnership, and the to protect this important watershed.” Department of Environmental Services. The Tower Hill Pond conservation ease- ment conserves 10,624 feet of undeveloped Minutes from downtown Manchester, water quality for future generations.” shoreline and is critical to maintaining the land offers area residents numerous For historians, the property is home to D R O

the water quality of Tower Hill Pond. The recreational opportunities, including a old stone foundations from the Maple L Y L land includes intermittent and perennial six-mile trail system of fire roads used by Falls Brook mill. The site was utilized as I M E

streams, including Maple Falls Brook, and mountain bikers, hikers, dog walkers, early as 1796 (known at the time as Z T O

more than 70 vernal pools. The property and runners. There are also several state Steven’s Mill), with a natural waterfall H N A is nearly 80 percent forested; with two dom- designated snowmobile trails. The pond, with water flowing over stepped ledges to I R B inate forest communities of Appalachia- open to kayaking and fishing, is stocked power the mill. ) T F E oak-pine and hemlock-hardwood pine. with trout. The project was funded by grants from L M O

MWW has a professional forester who “Tower Hill Pond is an ideal setting the Department of Environmental Services’ R F oversees the management of the land for its for Manchester residents and visitors to Water Supply Land Protection Grant Pro- E G A forest resources, specifically to protect the participate in an array of four-season gram, Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund P S I H T water quality. outdoor recreation opportunities, while at Program, and the New Hampshire Land ( Z

While clean drinking water was a major the same time providing clean drinking and Community Heritage Investment Pro- T O impetus for the project, the land also offers water,” says Mayor Joyce Craig, City of gram. Additional, funding was provided by H N A I R

significant wildlife habitat, including at Manchester. “I commend the partnership the Merrimack Conservation Partnership B ) E

least a dozen rare or threatened plants and between the Society for the Protection of and numerous private individuals. G A P animal species designated by the New New Hampshire Forests and the Manches- In 2007, MWW and the Forest Society E T I S

Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau. The list ter Water Works in preserving this natural jointly conserved 460 acres featuring O P P O includes common loons, a kettle bog, a dry resource by guaranteeing the land will not approximately four miles of frontage ( Appalachian oak forest, and other plants. be developed and protecting the pristine along Lake Massabesic in Auburn, includ-

18 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 Left: Minutes from the City of Manchester and boasting a six-mile trail system, Tower Hill Pond offers area residents numerous recreational opportunities. Right: (left to right) John O’Neil, forester/watershed and property manager for Manchester Water Works; William R. Trombly Jr., president, board of water commissioners; Mayor Joyce Craig, City of Manchester; Jane Difley, Forest Society president/forester; and Brian Hotz, Forest Society vice president for land conservation.

ing Battery Point, the “crown jewel” of Tower Hill Pond Easement the shorefront. Other Manchester Water Works Land Conservation and Public Lands “The NH Department of Environmen- tal Services (NHDES) encourages all water systems to work with partners in the land conservation community to improve the protection of their sources,” states Sarah Pillsbury, Administrator of the NHDES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau. “On a statewide level, three-quarters of D R O

L our high-priority water supply lands are

Y L I unprotected. The Tower Hill Pond project M E

,

Z is a great example of water suppliers and T O

H the land conservation community working

N A

I together to protect water supply sources for R B

) the future and NHDES looks forward to T F E L

supporting other similar projects.” M O

R “We are very excited to partner again F

, E with the Forest Society to now conserve G A P the land around Tower Hill Pond for future S I H T

( generations to enjoy,” states John O’Neil,

; Z

T forester and property manager for MWW. O H “It is one of my favorite forests to visit in N A I R

B my workday and also during my free time

) E

G with my family. I am truly grateful to A P

E see this property saved from any possible T I S

O future development and that it may P P O

( remain forever a forested landscape.”

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 19 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

From left: Gap Mountain Land Steward Hiel Lindquist takes a break during Monadnock Trails Week last summer; Land Steward Program Coordinator Andy Crowley patrols a section of trail. A Passion for Land, A Passion for Stewardship: Forest Society Land Stewards By Andy Crowley

rom dusty desert paths to steep than 300 volunteers to maintain the Forest Stewards play a critical role in monitor- Himalayan passes to rugged and wet Society’s 185 reservations. Every spring, ing our land on foot and in keeping our FNew England treadway, I have hiked the Forest Society inducts nearly 25 Reservation Stewardship staff informed of many trails. Over the years, I have covered new volunteers into the program. Some any issues. If a tree falls across a trail or a many miles, but never have I hiked a trail stewards commit to the minimum of bog bridge needs fixing, the stewards let us that maintains itself. Where there are monitoring their assigned reservation four know. With more than 55,000 acres of trees, there are blowdowns; where there is times a year. Others, like Hiel Lindquist, forestland to cover, our staff could never rain, there is erosion; and where there are who monitors the trails on the heavily cover the ground our stewards can. If it people, there are visitor-created impacts. trafficked Gap Mountain Reservation in wasn’t for their tireless work, recreation How then do these trails, woods roads, Troy, may visit the property four times a opportunities on Forest Society land and parking areas endure over time? There month. Land stewards have a keen insight would not be what they are today. is a long and complicated answer to that on the communities and individuals who In addition to monitoring for vandalism question, but the short version is free recreate on our reservations. They are in and conducting basic trail maintenance, labor. Volunteers do the bulk of the work tune with the needs of the users as well as stewards are the Forest Society’s ambassa- to maintain trails across the country, and the needs of the land in order to keep the dors to myriad hikers, paddlers, and dog here at the Forest Society, we have our trails functional. If it wasn’t for the effort walkers. These face-to-face interactions go own dedicated community of volunteers Hiel puts into maintaining his trails, Gap way beyond what our website, newsletters, that we call land stewards. Mountain could one day look like the and various social media platforms can Since 1993, the Land Steward Program heavily eroded and over-used paths of its deliver. If you hike to the top of Eagle Cliff has recruited, trained, and mobilized more neighbor, Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey. to watch the sunset over Squam Lake this

20 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 summer, you might have run into land Sign up for steward Bob Holdsworth educating hikers about packing out their trash or staying on trail. A Leave No Trace master educator, Forest Explorer Bob uses his soft communication skills to encourage visitors to treat the land with The Forest Society’s new outdoor recreation respect and leave the area better than they and activity e-newsletter. found it. If you see one of our community con- servationists while on a walk in the woods, don’t fret, they’re not there to be the party police. Instead, take a moment to thank these volunteers for the work they do. Our stewards speak for the countless trees on our reservations, and they’ve got a lot to say.

Andy Crowley is the land steward program coordinator for the Forest Society.

Learn More Visit forestsociety.org/land-steward-program for more information about volunteer Visit forestsociety.org to sign up. opportunities.

TOGETHER WE Explore The perfect trail, a mighty challenge and a good story. New Hampshire PBS has something just waiting for you to discover. H T I M S

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, D R O L

Y L I M E

) T F E L

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S CELEBRATING 60 YEARS O P P O ( Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 21 PUBLIC POLICY UPDATES

NH Supreme Court Denies Northern Pass: With No Path Forward, Eversource Pulls Plug

By Jack Savage

n July 19, the New Hampshire “This legal victory is a win for everyone including testimony from 154 witnesses and Supreme Court issued a written in New Hampshire and beyond that treas- over 2,000 exhibits presented by the parties, Odecision that unanimously upheld ures New Hampshire’s superior landscape including 160 intervenors, conducted seven the Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) deci- and outdoor recreation,” said Amy Manzelli, site visits, and held 70 days of adjudicative sion to deny a permit for the proposed BCM Environmental & Land Law, who hearings. Our review is limited to determining Northern Pass transmission line. A week represented the Forest Society at the SEC whether the Subcommittee’s findings are later, and with no pathway forward, Ever- and the Supreme Court. supported by competent evidence in the record source announced it would no longer pursue “We have reviewed the record and con- and are not 31 erroneous as a matter of law. the project. clude that the Subcommittee’s findings are In doing so, we defer to the Subcommittee’s The Court strongly affirmed the SEC’s supported by competent evidence and are resolution of conflicts in the testimony and its decision, finding that the SEC fully com- not erroneous as a matter of law. Accord- determination of the credibility of witnesses plied with the law and with SEC rules to ingly, we hold that the petitioners have and the weight to be given evidence. We reit- administer the law. It would not appear not sustained their burden on appeal to erate that it is not our task to reweigh the that there is any realistic path forward for show that the Subcommittee’s order was evidence or to determine whether we would Northern Pass. unreasonable or unlawful,” concluded the have credited one expert over another. We have “We applaud the decision by the Supreme Court. The decision was written by reviewed the record and conclude that the Supreme Court. We took on Northern Pass Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Mar- Subcommittee’s findings are supported by because we saw the proposed overhead coni, with the other four justices concurring. competent evidence and are not erroneous as a line as a direct threat to conserved lands In its written decision to affirm the SEC matter of law. Accordingly, we hold that the in the state, including three of our Forest ruling and deny the appeal, the Supreme petitioners have not sustained their burden on Reservations and dozens of conservation Court rejected Eversource's arguments one appeal to show that the Subcommittee’s order easements,” said Jane Difley, president/ by one, reaching the following conclusion: was unreasonable or unlawful. forester of the Forest Society. “We felt priv- “The legislature has delegated broad ileged to stand with the thousands of authority to the Committee to consider the Jack Savage is vice president of communications individuals, dozens of communities and ‘potential significant impacts and benefits of and outreach for the Forest Society. partner organizations who expressed a project,’ and to make findings on various appreciation for what we believe makes objectives before ultimately determining New Hampshire special. We want to thank whether to grant an application.” Appeal of Learn More all of those who invested a significant Allen, 170 N.H. at 762 (quoting RSA 162- For a link to the full Supreme Court portion of their lives over the past nine H:16, IV). In this case, the Subcommittee decision and other resources regarding years in hopes of this outcome.” considered and weighed extensive evidence Northern Pass, visit forestsociety.org.

Calculated Conservation Finding the Middle Ground Between Conservation and Development

By Matt Leahy

The case for conservation’s community- cluded land conservation has a positive omy saw a return of eleven dollars in nat- wide benefits is compelling. Consider a effect on local economies. The report ural goods and services. 2019 study of New England cities and echos a similar assessment the Trust for Other research that makes the case for towns, led by scientists at Harvard Forest, Public Land released in 2014, which conservation include a 2014 American Amherst College, the Highstead Founda- showed that for every dollar invested in Waterworks Association study on how the tion, and Boston University, that con- land conservation, New Hampshire’s econ- protection of forested watersheds leads to

22 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 higher drinking water quality and lower municipal costs to treat that drinking water supply. In 2018, the Northern Forest Center, the University of New Hampshire Coopera- tive Extension, and the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions conducted a massive, multi-year inventory of New Hampshire town-owned land. The study determined that town and cities own more than 180,000 acres of undeveloped forests, fields, and wetlands that generate about $146 million a year from recreation and forestry industries. Given the depth of these kind of stud- ies, it would be reasonable to presume that across-the-board support exists in our state for land conservation. Yet, that is not the case. In fact, some people contend the impact is just the opposite. For example, opposition testimony presented in the New Hampshire Senate this year on The Samuel A. Tamposi Water Supply Reserve is a 1,400-acre town-owned forest with Senate Bill 74, legislation to increase the extensive wetlands and trails in Barrington. The property is being managed by the town New Hampshire Land and Community for drinking water protection and forestry and wildlife resources. Heritage Investment Program’s dedicated fee, claimed that housing prices increase call for a vaguely defined approach to to find better and more sustainable when land is no longer available for de- balancing housing development and approaches to land development. Unfor- velopment. The bill was actually amended conservation could be interpreted as a call tunately, budget cuts in 2009 eliminated to include a study committee tasked with for statutory limits on these activities. the program’s funds, and in 2011 the examining the economic impact of land Perhaps a constructive first step for the Legislature repealed it entirely. In the conservation on housing prices. The over- SB 74 study committee would be to refo- process, we lost a venue for proactive, all goal of this legislative study will be to cuse its purpose by initiating a gathering community-building dialogue. develop a strategy that balances the need of all those interested stakeholder groups. Despite its genesis, the SB 74 study for responsible housing with the need for This is actually not a new idea: In 2008, committee potentially presents a new responsible land conservation. Its specific the Legislature established the Housing opening for a thoughtful conversation, duties include analyzing the impact of and Conservation Planning Program in which the Forest Society intends to par- land conservation on a municipality’s (HCPP), which provided matching grants ticipate. After all, a vibrant town or city property valuation per pupil as well as to towns and cities looking to hire techni- has both a robust economy and a healthy investigating the impact of conservation cal assistance related to planning for local environment. Far from being an obstacle, and housing on local property taxation. housing and conservation needs. Long- land conservation, as the aforementioned SB 74 does not explain the term “respon- term planning included growth and studies demonstrate, is a catalyst to sible” but the implication behind the development that encouraged a balanced achieving both of those outcomes. amended bill seems to be that the devel- housing stock, including higher density opment of housing, especially affordable and workforce housing opportunities. Matt Leahy is public policy manager for the workforce housing, and the long-term pro- The program also promoted the reuse of Forest Society. tection of our state’s important natural existing buildings, including historic prop- areas are in conflict. Setting these two erties, while protecting the municipalities’ Learn More important goals against each other under- natural resources through more efficient Read more about the 2019 town and mines a long-established practice in New and compact development. city conservation land study at https://

D harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/news/ R Hampshire of collaboration among stake- One of the prime benefits of the HCPP O L

study-land-conservation-boosts-local-

Y holders and a shared commitment to was to create a forum where developers L I economies. M

E problem solving. At worst, the legislation’s and conservationists could work together

Summer 2019 FOREST NOTES | 23 PROJECT IN PROGRESS

Inset: Dorn Cox and his father, Chuck Cox (left), pose for a photo on their family’s 200-plus-acre Tuckaway Farm this spring. Above: Important agricultural land that Tuckaway Farm has relied on for over 50 years. Protecting a Family Farm in Lee

his summer, the Forest Society is working together with Dorn and Sarah Cox of Tuckaway Farm and their Tparents, Chuck and Laurel Cox, to buy a conservation easement on a 36-acre property adjacent to the farm that the family purchased earlier this spring. Nestled in the northeast corner of Lee, N.H., the 200-plus- acre Tuckaway Farm is subject to an existing conservation easement held by the Town of Lee and is located directly across the Oyster River from the Forest Society’s 192-acre Powder Major’s Forest. The three-generation family farm is “tucked away” along the river and is located just 2 miles from Durham center and the University of New Hampshire. The Cox family have farmed the newly acquired 36 acres of land for nearly 50 years and it’s an important component to their operations, so much so that they bought the land and the abutting house when it went on the market last winter. The old historic home Protecting 4,000 feet of frontage on Oyster River would help conserve on the property, which will be excluded from the proposed important wildlife habitat and public drinking water. easement, will become a farming education center. “The land

24 | FOREST NOTES Summer 2019 is highly productive farmland, a critical linkage in existing conservation land and ecologically rich,” says Brian Hotz, Forest Society vice president for land conservation. The Cox family have farmed organi- cally for more than 50 years, growing vegetables, fruits, hay, mushrooms, and grains, and have produced livestock and poultry. They currently operate a Com- munity Supported Agriculture program and a bread club and they also sell to area restaurants, markets, and school districts. The property itself is valuable farmland with excellent agricultural soils. Its wildlife habitat value is enhanced by the fact that it has over 4,000 feet of frontage on the Oyster River, which is a drinking water source for the city of Durham and the University of New Hampshire. The river corridor provides critical and diverse habi- tat for many freshwater and anadromous fish species that depend on the habitat connectivity provided by the river and undeveloped surrounding areas. The Forest Society is looking to raise $292,000 dollars to purchase the easement and cover the project and stewardship expenses. To date we have raised $107,000, but we still need to raise the remaining $188,000. Your contribution will help us to protect this critical link of farmland in southeast New Hampshire. To donate, visit forestsociety.org/tuckawayfarm or mail in the form below.

YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT THE FOREST SOCIETY’S WORK AT TUCKAWAY FARM Name:

Address: Town/City: State: Zip:

Telephone: Email:

Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution for $______

VISA MasterCard Number: ______Exp. date: ______Security code: ______

Please mail the completed form to: Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Tuckaway Farm Appeal )

3 54 Portsmouth Street, Concord, NH 03301 X (

Z

T Or donate online at forestsociety.org/tuckawayfarm.

O Thank you H For more information, call Susanne Kibler-Hacker at 603-224-9945 N A I

R or email [email protected]. for your help! B TF198FN/4104T064 SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION Nonprofit OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FORESTS Organization US Postage Paid 54 Portsmouth Street Manchester, NH Concord, NH 03301-5400 Permit No. 0494 Address Service Requested

It’s Time for Early-Bird Registration SUCCESS AND SUCCESSION: 118TH ANNUAL MEETING • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 • GILFORD E W O H

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M O R F ( The 2019 Forest Society Annual Meeting at Gunstock Mountain Resort will celebrate retiring President/Forester Jane Difley’s 23-year career.

LOCATION: Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249 FIELD TRIPS (Choose from six different half-day field trips) • Bear Island Boat Excursion, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Cost: $40 • Evelyn H. & Albert D. Morse Preserve Hike, 12–3 p.m., Cost: Free REGISTRATION DEADLINE: • Hike from Gunstock to Belknap Mountain SEPTEMBER 16 and Back With Scenic Chairlift Ride, 12–3 p.m., Cost: $16 (payable to Gunstock on day of event) Sponsored by • Weeks Forest Hike, 1–3 p.m., Cost: Free • Fall Mushroom Identification, 1–3:30 p.m., Cost: $15 • Gunstock Aerial Chairlift Ride, 1–3 p.m., Cost: $16 (payable to Gunstock on day of event) MEETING SCHEDULE 3:30 p.m. – Registration 4:00 p.m. – Business Meeting and Awards 5:00 p.m. – Reception (cash bar) 6:00 p.m. – Dinner 7:00 p.m. – Program COST: Early-bird price is $65 per person prior to August 30. Regular price is $75 per person. Final registration deadline is Monday, September 16. Pre-registration is required. There will be no on-site registration. Please register early as space is limited. For more information and to register, please visit forestsociety.org/2019-annual-meeting or contact Linda Dammann at 603-224-9945 x325 or [email protected]. Turn to page 5 for field trip details.