New Hampshire Forests Protected for Future Generations
In a significant achievement, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests has wrapped up a long-term conservation endeavor. This endeavor focuses on safeguarding two interconnected forests in the northern region of the state, encompassing a total of 3,700 acres.
These forests will be thoughtfully managed to fulfill a range of goals, including safeguarding habitats, preserving their scenic allure, and providing opportunities for public recreation and education. They will continue to welcome hikers, hunters, anglers, and forest enthusiasts.
The first of these, the 2,670-acre Shelburne Valley Forest, extends from the Androscoggin River to the Mahoosuc Range ridgeline, an extension of the White Mountains that spans the New Hampshire-Maine border. It boasts an 84-mile trail, as well as opportunities for river fishing and boating. Within its boundaries, you’ll find diverse habitats, including cranberry bogs and red spruce swamps.
On the other hand, the 1,030-acre Bald Cap Peak Forest is a home to hiking trails. Its distinctive features include the rocky pine ledges of Bald Cap Peak, Middle Mountain, and the 300-foot cascades of Giant Falls. Furthermore, it shares 2.6 miles of its boundary with the Appalachian Trail, effectively linking the Mahoosucs with the White Mountain National Forest.
The completion of these conservation projects was officially announced on Monday.
These initiatives are driven by the mission to preserve working forests, ensuring a sustainable supply of forest products while also enriching outdoor recreational opportunities, safeguarding water quality, and connecting a variety of ecosystems to combat climate change. Jack Savage, the President of the Society, emphasized that these projects materialized thanks to a collaborative, multi-decade partnership involving local, state, and national organizations, such as The Conservation Fund and the town of Shelburne.