The document discusses creating early successional forest habitat on a 150-acre town forest property to help the endangered New England cottontail rabbit. A forest management plan was developed that would harvest mature trees on 22 acres to encourage understory growth and create high-quality rabbit habitat. The town acquired the land to protect 700 acres of contiguous conservation area and will manage it to both support the local wildlife and generate funds for future stewardship through sustainable forestry practices.

1. Early successional habitat is characterized by a
dense growth of shrubs and saplings
Part I

2. Development and mature forests threaten this unique habitat.
Mature forests lack a thick, dense understory.

3. Without intervention, the New England cottontail could become a protected species under the
Endangered Species Act.

4. With the established goals of a
forest management plan and data
taken from models developed by
New Hampshire Fish and Game
Department, it was determined
that an early successional forest
habitat could be successfully
integrated into a town forest
located in the current range
occupied by the New England
cottontail.

5. Once slated to become a 36 lot
subdivision, the 150 acre parcel
was acquired by the town in 2004.
The property lies next to a large wetland
complex adjacent to 2 protected properties and
completes approximately 700 acres of
contiguous conservation area.

6. With internal stone walls and proximity to waterways, the property was most
likely cleared in the mid-1800’s for sheep pasture.
When the pastures were abandoned, trees grew in and the area became
forested again.

7. • 15 stolen/burned out cars were
removed.
• Many dumpster loads of trash
were hauled away.
• The property was a haven for
“monster trucks” attracted to
muddy areas.

8. Supervised by a licensed New
Hampshire Forester, the
harvest improved the
condition of the forest,
allowed the understory to
flourish and raised $55,000
for the future stewardship of
the property.
In a typical timber harvest, less than 20% of mature trees are removed.

9. Woods roads were improved Security gates installed
Before After
A portion of a sand pit on the property was graded,
sloped and seeded to make way for a field habitat.

10. In 2011, an 10 year
agreement was
signed with U.S.
Fish and Wildlife
Service to create a
total of 22 acres of
early successional
forest habitat and 1
acre of field habitat.

11. • In late fall of 2011, 22 acres of forest land will be
clear cut to begin the habitat restoration.
• In the spring of 2012, the sand pit restoration area
will be seeded with tall grasses.
• Installation of a pond levelers are planned to
mitigate beaver activity.
• Invasive species will be treated with herbicide.
Deborah Waters, Coverts „01