What are you doing and when?
We will be doing a selective timber harvest for ecological management objectives on 140 acres of Stonehouse Forest, a property of over 1700 acres owned by SELT. Objectives include the enhancement of wildlife habitat, an increase in forest species diversity and tree growth, and improved overall forest health. These goals will benefit wildlife and improve the resiliency of the forest to the ongoing effects of climate change.

While there are always variables for start and finish dates (equipment needs, adverse weather, etc.), active harvesting is expected to begin in mid-January with completion slated by the end of March. Preparation will include posting closure signs and having a licensed forester mark the trees to be removed.

For all the latest updates and announcements concerning the harvest, please bookmark seltnh.org/shfharvest.

How did SELT develop its management objectives for Stonehouse Forest?
Objectives are driven by the Stonehouse Forest management plan, which was completed in early 2022. This management plan was written by natural resource professionals and approved by SELT’s conservation partners, including NH Fish and Game. The plan provides SELT with direction for all management activities regarding wildlife habitat, recreational uses, and conservation objectives for Stonehouse Forest.

What about forest regeneration?
Promoting regeneration means encouraging the growth of seedlings and saplings that are currently living close to the forest floor (also called the forest’s “understory”) and giving them the opportunity to become the next level in the forest canopy (the “overstory”). This selective cut will provide ideal conditions for this to happen by allowing more light to pass through and by making growing space more available for the next generation of trees.

Will Marsh Road be used for truck access to the harvest area?
Currently, there are no plans to use Marsh Road for this harvest. Instead, trucks will travel US 202/Route 9 and then use the Marison Trail (1 of 3 trails temporarily closed) for primary access to and from the job site.

Will you be making money from this cut?
Yes – this timber harvest will produce revenue. The revenue from the cut will compensate the loggers, our consulting foresters, and pay the NH timber tax to the Town of Barrington. SELT will receive revenue as well, which will be used to further our mission of saving, sharing, and stewarding the critical lands in our region. This wood will be of good value for the regional economy and, as we know, there is an ongoing need for building supplies and millwork. Finally, there is no economic quota for the cut; the ecological motivations are first and foremost and will guide the decisions on what to harvest or not.

Do other land trusts harvest timber on their conserved properties?
Yes. We are not the only ones and, in fact, selective forest harvests like this are a common way for conservation organizations to meet their land management objectives and keep their lands healthy and thriving.

How will this impact the recreational use of Stonehouse Forest?
Impacts will be temporary. As it stands now, from mid-January through March 2023, we will be temporarily closing the trails on the north end of Marsh Road, which include the Marison Trail, the Marison Trail West, and the Bog Trail. (See map). We will have plenty of signs indicating the trail closures. Please note, these trails are closed for the safety of the workers and the users. The Marison Trail parking area will also be temporarily closed in conjunction with trail closures.

How will the harvest impact users and neighbors?
You will probably hear the equipment if you’re in the general northern part of the property. The work hours will likely be varied, especially if weather becomes a variable. For example, weekends may be in play if a couple of weekdays are lost to a blizzard or other adverse weather events. Hours of operation will generally be between 6am and 5pm, although they may extend earlier or later for trucking. Trails closed will remain closed outside of daily operation hours.

How will the harvest affect local wildlife?
Some wildlife may be temporarily impacted, yes, but overall, this cut is designed to create a richer, more diverse, healthier habitat for wildlife and plants. Land management is always a balancing act and not every species may benefit, but the guiding principle of SELT’s ecological activities is to help as many native plants and wildlife flourish as possible. We do that by keeping the forest healthy and promoting regeneration so this beloved property can continue on as a thriving forest for generations to come.

What will this part of Stonehouse Forest look like after the harvest?
You’ll see stumps and some woody debris, which is good for the health of the understory and, generally speaking, is left there purposefully. Overall, it will still look like the forest you love, just thinned out in places, with noticeable gaps in the canopy, and more light coming through from overhead. You may also see small openings from 1/20th to a ½-acre in size which help promote the regeneration of desired tree species (such as oak and pine) in areas that were dominated by less desirable species and lower quality trees (such as beech or declining hemlock).