Malin Clyde wrote:

June 18, 2010 - Discussion Copied from Coverts Listserve Discussion Forum

Dear Coverts members;

            Does anyone have any experience with allowing ATV users on town conservation land? I am sure most of us that are involved with public land at some point will wind up in a heated and most often very passionate debate on this topic. The issue we are facing is this: on the one hand we have trails that are dry, most often, and heavy duty enough, they are logging roads, to handle ATV's. Although let me be clear at the onset here that they were not designed for ATV's, they were designed specifically for emergency fire and rescues apparatus and for present and future harvest.

As I was saying on one side of the argument we have a NH state registered riding club that is willing to police its riders, follow a set of predetermined rules and regulation, including staying out of wet lands and following mud season rules and help pay for and repair trails when the need arises. They day the do not follow this mandate they would loose the privilege of using the trails. On the other side are some environmentalist, and abutters who feel that ATV's have no place on conserved land, and are not willing to budge.

To complicate matters there are what we call the "Rogue Riders" which I am sure you are all familiar with. They do not belong to the club, and a fair number of them are young adults and they are abutters and have had over the year's free access to the property. Theses folks are a nuisance and the general source of a great deal of damage to the property prior to our ownership. We have slowed down much of their activity but not completely.

Since this is public land I am interested in serving "All" the law abiding responsible tax paying citizens. I also believe that if we encourage responsible club ridership, on designated trail and have separate trails for walkers and mountain bikers which we do, then just having lots of people using the property responsibly and sponsoring lots of education classes on such topics as: The importance of vernal pools, and habitat preservation and creation  that the use and abuse by the nuisance riders will be further diminished. Am I going down the wrong path? I am open to all comments and s uggestions....Thank you!

Best Regards,

John Diggins (JD)

Coverts Class 2007

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RESPONSES FROM OTHER COVERTS COOPERATORS ON LISTSERVE FORUM:

 

From Kathy Schillemat, Coverts Cooperator:

Is the conservation easement already in place or under development?  It may already state in the easement deed permitted and prohibited uses if it is already in place.  Otherwise,  those details can be hammered out in the process.

 

I would say that to exclude ATVs all together, especially when you have responsible riders would be unfair, considering that it is public land, and that there are separate trails for hikers, etc. 

 

As far as vernal pools and other habitat go, the trails should be constructed to bypass them so that they are protected.

 

I think that the issue boils down to education and stewardship.  Talk to abutters about the land and why it is valuable and they might buy in  and help.

 

From Francie Von Mertens, Peterborough ConCom / Coverts years back

 

About ATV use on conservation land:

 

It's a little known state law that all ATV/OHRV riders must get written permission to ride on any land including "public" town land, utility powerlines, etc. Each year, I believe.

 

If the land is designated conservation land, under stewardship of ConCom, it's questionable whether ATV use is appropriate. "Passive recreation" is usually what cons. lands serve. Peterborough has a stretch of rail trail managed by town (not ConCom) where ATV use is allowed after much debate on part of selectboard (it's their ultimate decision, not ConCom's / ConCom just advises), and much lobbying by an ATV club. Town to north of us on rail trail does not allow ATVs on trail, so there's not much of a run possible and few ATVs use the trail.

 

Do research on ATVs and you'll find a lot of accidents.  There's not much data on impacts on wildlife. I looked into it a few years back when the rail trail issue came up.  Town posted speed limits on the rail trail that are VERY sedate. That also might be a reason it's not used much.

 

From Gus Ruth, Coverts Cooperator

 

The problem is enforcing this.

 

 

From Jack Zeller, Coverts Cooperator

 

As a Coverts Member, this strikes home. I for many years prohibited use of ATV's on my land, because of the damage I thought they would do to the trails/wildlife and such. I allowed horse back riders and groups to feely use our trails. It soon became apparent that it was the horses that did the most damaging change, I have used ATV's on my farm as workhorses for years, and I did note, that when on an ATV just puttering along, you can get as close as fifteen yards to deer, coyotes, and even bear. Stop moving, shut them off, or dismount, and they are gone! You'll see so much more wildlife from a running snowmobile or ATV than you ever will afoot.  I say, allow responsible use, and crack down on irresponsible use. And if it is on land supported by public dollars, that is our obligation..

 

 

From Loranne Carey Block, Antrim

 

Hello John

 

We have been on both sides of this ATV question and understand your dilemma.  We own land with an old town road through it that was severely damaged by irresponsible riding although I do believe a great deal of it was from off road truck traffic. We did connect with a local club and that helped the situation a lot.

 

We also train sled dogs and now use ATVs for that.  Sharing many local ATV trails, we have found almost all of the riders to be considerate and friendly.  Since owning the ATVs we have found them very useful on the land. We see no damage with responsible riding.

 

Our land abuts property that has become conservation land and does not now allow any wheeled access so we can understand that as well. We had use of this property for years and in fact were instrumental in helping it to become conserved land. Losing the road through that area has cut off access to a whole network of trails that we once used for training the dogs and others used for general recreational riding.

 

I hope you do allow access for ATVs and look forward to hearing how it works out.

 

 

From Lou Lieto, Coverts Cooperator

 

John,

 

I am not responsible for any town conserved land but I do have some experience here and in other states that may be helpful.

 

We own some land that has some important connecting trails used be many snowmobile riders. It also has some places that were "fun" for snowmobilers to use as jumps much to their own danger and to the detriment of the terrain. We have found that the threat of losing access to the trails has proven to be a powerful incentive in the enlistment of the local snowmobile clubs to vigorously enforce the "stay on the trail" rule. With their vigilance (we are not riders) we have reduced the abuse to nearly zero. So rule #1, form good alliances with local clubs that support ATV usage.

 

Secondly, in other areas we have lived (with very little snowfall) trails were used by ATV's and "dirt bike" riders. Our experience with the dirt bike folks is that they are in it only for the thrill of the ride and observing wildlife is a non event for them. Quiet dirt bike is an oxymoron. Furthermore, they do extensive damage to the terrain. So I recommend that whatever arrangements you make should be specific to three or four wheeled ATV's and should exclude usage by two wheeled motor driven bikes.

 

Good luck!

 

 

From Anna Boudreau, Dover, Coverts Cooperator

 

In my experience with the conservation lands that our land trust monitors and towns, I'd have to agree with folks who suggest making good alliances with local user clubs, whether ATV, snowmobile or horse riding clubs.  Having mindful users on the ground does help diminish abuse on the trails. Educational workshops on the subject would be extremely helpful, however we do not currently have the staff and capacity to do that but I think it's an excellent idea!  It seems nothing will ever eliminate the 'rogue riders' completely but forming cooperative bonds with folks who have historically used the land in a mindful manner remains critical to your success.

 

 

From Gary Brundrett, Coverts Cooperator

 

I'd like to hear the ATV' Clubs side of the issue.  They seem to be trying considerate of the land.  We should work with others that want to enjoy the land.

 

 

From Francie von Mertens, Coverts Cooperator, Peterborough

 

I dug out an article I wrote in 2005 for the local paper when our town considered opening a section of the rail trail to recreational OHRVs.

 

ATV impacts, including environmental

 

An age-old quandary is how to balance an individual's freedom of action against the interests of the group. In this case, it's the individual's right is to ride a machine that has some bad habits relating to noise, operator safety, and environmental damage including wetlands, water and air quality, among others.

 

           ATV use is one of the most rapidly growing recreational activities in the state, with most of the increase coming from out-of-state operators. New Hampshire probably will remain the fastest growing state in the Northeast which means more people using less available open space - as a continuing long-term trend.

 

New Hampshire law states that annual written permission from a landowner must be obtained by an individual before an ATV (all terrain vehicle) or OHRV (off-highway recreational vehicle) is operated on any and all property other than the ATV operator's land. This includes town and state land and utility powerlines as well as private land.

 

           To have such a law suggests there is considerable concern about public health, safety, and welfare, the basis for enacting any law. It also is a legal restriction rarely followed and difficult to enforce.

 

           Noise is the number one complaint. Manufacturers can make quiet machines. But they don't. Noise and power are the two key selling points. Manufacturers also are designing some truly all-terrain vehicles, big, powerful, and capable of mastering any terrain -- which suggests a not-to-hidden message that keeping to designated trails is not the goal of off-road vehicles.

 

           Straying from a trail is where most environmental damage occurs - splashing through wetlands (strictly against the law, with serious fines), wheelies in an open field or gravel pit during bird, turtle and general wildlife nesting season, trail erosion that compromises water quality through sediment loading, soil disturbance that is the main path for invasive species to replace a natural mix, soil compaction that also upsets the natural mix. And so on.

 

Muddy trails create muddy runoff, and most aquatic life requires clear water for a successful life cycle. The temptation to stray from designated trails is strong, a fact that multiplies the muddy runoff. Yes, it's the minority of operators who do the damage, and ATV clubs try to corral the rogue riders (many trails have signs that say "Stay on the trail or stay home!"), but overpowered machines encourage even the mild-mannered to become rogue riders.

 

           Years back, Peterborough selectmen considered whether to allow ATV use on the Old Rail Trail by the recycling center. ATV advocates at the hearing presented a respectful, well organized argument for trail use, including that it promotes a family activity and provides access and enjoyment of the outdoors - both healthy lifestyles worth promoting. Implied was the counter that kids would stay indoors as couch-potato TV watchers if denied access by ATV to the outdoors. The same access that environmentalists appreciate so much - and should share with others.

 

           The talking points are widely circulated among ATV clubs that in turn are encouraged by the manufacturers, actively advocating that more land be opened to ATVs. Selectman Ross asked how many from the large group that showed up were from town. One hand went up.

 

           Family values and outdoor activity are admirable, but at what point does the noise, exhaust, landscape wear-and-tear, and scattering of wildlife by one person unduly interfere with a hunter's or horseback rider's or hiker's or dog walker's right to a quiet outing in an increasingly hectic, noisy, gas-powered world? And the natural world's functioning that needs to avoid regular disturbance?

 

           As for threats to the health, safety and welfare of the ATV operator, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 345,000 ATV-related doctor-treated injuries in 2003 (with a cost of an estimated $11.4 billion in medical, legal and work-loss expenses).

 

           Here's a quote from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: "In light of statistics that show an inordinate number of injuries and deaths resulting from the use of ATVs, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons considers ATVs to be a significant health risk." The Academy recommends against anyone under 16 operating an ATV, as well as for a licensing process similar to that required to drive a car.

 

           The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that between 1995 and 2005 ATV's killed 1,218 children under 16, accounting for 27% of all reported ATV-caused deaths.

 

           As for permanent hearing loss, ATVs measure well above the 90 decibel level that causes hearing loss when exposure is sustained over several years.

 

           If manufacturers are serious about promoting a safe family activity that does not interfere with other families' activities and minimizes environmental damage, they would design a quiet ATV with far less power. The temptation to splash through a wetland, throw a spray of dirt or mud by means of a skidding high-power turn, and escape pursuit by a put-out landowner or a law officer charged with enforcing the law - would be greatly diminished.

 

Francie Von Mertens is a land and trail steward for the Peterborough Conservation Commission, and is involved in land conservation work with groups including New Hampshire Audubon and the Harris Center.

 

 

From Emily Schmalzer, Coverts Cooperator, Brentwood

 

Francie, you are totally right.  Banning ORVs is a no-brainer from everybody's point of view.

 

I am amazed that anyone thinks that ATVs have less impact than horses.  We have both on our land there is no contest.  ATV's really dig up the dirt, especially in sensitive areas.  Most horseback riders are fairly careful in sensitive areas, if for no other reason than knowing how valuable and vulnerable their animals are.  Horses give back fertilizer, ATVs give back noise and air pollution. On our land, we welcome the horses and prohibit as best we can the ORV's.

 

The Inuit trained their dogs without machines, and did it pretty well.  Why can't we do the same, especially now when it's more of a sport than a necessity in these parts?

 

If the wildlife doesn't skedaddle when approached by a motorized vehicle, there's no way it's because they're not frightened, it's surely because they're petrified.  And who's to claim that anyone has a right to see the animals?  I say, if you can't move quietly enough to see the animals when they're not petrified with fear, you don't deserve to see them.

 

The argument that if you don't give the honorable riders latitude, the dishonorable ones will take over, and convert the honorable ones is a slippery slope.  It really sounds like an NRA argument.

 

I suppose it is a no-brainer that riding a motor, especially one you can straddle, is lots of fun.   So are other activities that are good for you.  Why are the state and the do-gooders soft hearted on these public health issues?  Don't answer.  We know the answer.  We should just placate these ATV addicts with bumper car like amusement parks, and leave the woods alone.

 

 

From Lou Lieto, Coverts Cooperator

 

I don't mean to be faciscious but I feel the same way about snowmobiles. They may not cause as much environmental damage due to the season they are used in but straying from trails, chasing pregnant deer for fun, excessive noise, running up and down roads at high speed after every snowfall, a sense of entitlement and bushwacking on the property of others are all examples that come to mind. I never have set a cross country ski trail that wasn't destroyed by the first snowmobile that came along and went out of their way to ride on it.

 

 

From Bruce Hamel, Coverts Cooperator

 

There are bad apples in every bunch but there are lots of good ATV, Snowmobile, and Horse folks out there.  I ride all three and NEVER violate property owners ( public or private ).  I am a landowner myself and am sensitive to the issues at hand. Do we yet again punish the good folks for the few bad apples?

 

 

 

From Ron Vars, Coverts Cooperator, Hampton Falls

 

I will reserve the hyperbole and specious arguments and non-sequitors for another day. This is not a no-brainer.

 

For years we  allowed the use of ATV's on our managed property with very little impact.  Roads and trails all need maintanence, sometimes more than we like.  The most damage to the trails and tote roads were caused by local kids running unregistered off road trucks during mud season-sometmes bad things happen. 

 

I am unconvinced that there is any negative impact on the animals beyond a typical flight response, though there are plenty of times there is a corresponding curiosity response.  For what it is worth; I am very much in favor of seeing animals in a non-petrified state; they eat better and the meat is more tender.

 

Prohibition will not stop the outlaw, the same guy that tears up the trail is going to be the same one who tears down the prohibited sign then proceeds to tear up the trail.  We regulate speed and sobriety on the roads, yet these are routinely ignored and we still allow driving.

 

 I believe a prime consideration ought to be historical use of the property. If every time land gets conserved means a loss of its' historical use it will become more difficult in the future to convince the taxpayers this is a good idea.  Each property needs to have a case made for it individually with an eye to the grander scale of things.  One size fits all ought not apply.

 

 

From Jack Zeller, Coverts Cooperator

 

Actually you may want to contact the writer of this article, as there are many factual errors in it. In the first place, manufacturers DO and ARE making quiet machines. They are required to by law, just as the snow machines are. Our machines are extremely quiet, even when worked. If you hear 90 decibel extremely loud machines, then they are illegal, having modified exhaust on them, and ought to be reported. That is just one example. In addition, the argument that 'they kill children' , while true, is specious. Drowning kills far more, as do automobiles, and all other manner of activities including sports. Please.

Now, I do not own 'conservation easement'  land, but I own a lot of land that I am conserving. It is in current use. So, for the break all the folks in town give me, I try to be somewhat open to users as long as they do not misuse. I have had no trouble with ATV riders, (nor snowmobiles), and they have brought to my attention things that I would want to know. I have however, had to repair some awful erosion and gullies formed on trails used by horses. While to some, "banning ATV's is a no-brainer" , I would prefer all responsible property owners, as stewards, not to close their brains to any issue. You might miss something. In addition, to the operator that stated unequivocally that the animals that allow an ATV and rider to putt on by within yards 'are petrified', I am completely astonished that such an ignorant statement could pass as a fact by a coverts operator. To think that, is to have absolutely no knowledge of nature.. I do farm and forest work with a large ATV and have for years. I can pass by a herd of deer grazing in my field within thirty yards, and they barely look up before they go back to grazing. Running a large John Deere tractor with a 6 foot bush hog at 10 times the noise doesn't even get their attention. What WILL get their attention, is a large terribly loud and crashing skidder, logging in the woods. They flock to the scene for browsing.

 

I am not fond of lots of ATV's using my land. I am not fond of lots of hikers, either. But please people, whether you ban, allow, or partially allow for any use, use sound reasoning to do so. Anything else, and you will sour the public pulse that does support current use and conservation with public dollars. Just my two cents. Jack Zeller Coverts Operator.

 

 

Malin Clyde wrote:

2010-6-16

Coverts Cooperators & Friends,
Do you want a volunteer project that’s a walk in the park (or a beach)?  NH Fish & Game needs help THIS SATURDAY to help monitor nesting piping plovers at beaches in the Seacoast!  See the information, below. 

As always, this announcement is available anytime online at:  Volunteers Working for Wildlife.

Cheers!

Malin

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

 

**Piping Plover Volunteers Needed THIS SATURDAY**

Volunteers are needed to monitor endangered piping plovers this Saturday, June 19 at two beaches in the Seacoast.  There is one pair of birds at Seabrook Beach with 2 chicks and 2 pairs of birds incubating nests at Hampton Beach State Park.  Volunteers would need to get a head count to make sure all the birds are still there and then spend some time on the beach talking to people and making sure nobody steps on the chicks at Seabrook or is walking through the fenced off areas at Hampton. If you can help, please contact NH Fish & Game Plover Monitor Heather Kleczek at 793-2225 or hkleczek@yahoo.com.

Help Write for Forest Society Guide!
Thanks to those of you who have already signed up to help with a Forest Society Reservation near you!  Click here for a description of the project and find out how to sign up!  We still need writers willing to visit and write about the reservations in the following towns:

• Antrim
• Bethlehem
• Concord
• Cornish/Plainfield
• Deering
• Dublin
• Effingham/Freedom
• Gilmanton
• Hillsborough
• Jaffrey/Dublin
• Londonderry
• Milton
• Rochester
• Stoddard
• Surry

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

 

Tour on the History of the Rocks Estate

June 19th and June 26, 10:30 a.m., Bethlehem

Visitors to The Rocks Estate will be allowed a rare glimpse into a piece of the property’s history during two guided tours in June.  Click here for complete information and registration information

 

Loons in New Hampshire

Sunday, June 27, 7:00 p.m., Andover

Hear Loon Preservation Committee director and biologist Harry Vogel talk about this iconic symbol of New Hampshire’s wild lakes.  The talk will take place at Bluewater Farm on Bradley Lake in Andover, and is sponsored by the Andover Conservation Commission.  For more information, contact Coverts Volunteer Mary Ann Broshek at mabandsadie@gmail.com

 

NH Tree Farm Landowner Education Series

Thursday Evenings, May – Sept., Pines Community Center, Northfield

Join the NH Tree Farm Program for a series of programs focusing on the cornerstone themes of sustainable Tree Farm management: wood, water, wildlife and recreation!

• June 24 – Vernal Pools & Wetland Wildlife
• July 22 – Building Trails
• August 26 – How Do Your Logs Saw Out (Where is the Value)?
• September 23 – Social Behavior of Black Bears with Ben Kilham

Contact Rita Carroll, Tree Farm Administrator at 603-224-9945 x331, or email at rcarroll@forestsociety.org

 

 

Malin Clyde wrote:

Cancellation - Northwood Walk, June 12

With only a few people able to make it, we've decided to cancel the Coverts Gathering in Northwood this Saturday, June 12.  June may be just too busy a time of year.  

I've spoken with Carl Wallman, our host and the founder of the Northwood Area Land Management Colloaborative.  We are looking forward to rescheduling the walk for the fall, so we hope you'll be able to attend then.  The work they are doing among neighboring landowners is very exciting, and worth a visit!  Read more about NALMC here. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Malin Clyde wrote:

2010-06-02

Dear Coverts Volunteers & Friends,

 

I have two other workshops that will be of interest to many of you – both sponsored by the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire.  Thank you, Karin Rubin (CC05), for passing along the information! 

 

Cheers,

Malin

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WORKSHOPS

 

Post-Harvest Tour of Ahl Memorial Forest

Saturday, June 12  ·  9-11 am  ·  Kingston
What does good forestry look like?  Come see at this guided tour of our recently-harvested property!  Consulting forester Charlie Moreno of Moreno Forestry Associates will highlight our various management goals and practices, showcase results, and answer your questions.  This field trip is free and open to the public, but registration is required -- please call 603-778-6088 or info@seltnh.org.  Directions and more details will be provided to registrants.

 

Trail Planning & Assessment Workshop: Good Trails that Last 

Friday, June 25  ·  1-4 pm  ·  Newfields
(co-sponsored by Southeast Land Trust of NH & Appalachian Mountain Club)
Are you responsible for any recreational trails – particularly ones accessible to the public?  Good trail design is critical to sustainable trails and resource protection, but a tough art to learn from books.  At this workshop, experienced professional trail managers from the Appalachian Mountain Club will walk you through the process of planning new and assessing existing trails.  This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required -- please call 603-778-6088 or info@seltnh.org.  Directions and more details will be provided to registrants.

 

Computer Mapping Workshops

Also two upcoming computer mapping workshops that are very useful for landowners and conservation advocates alike:  Follow the link here for more GIS and GPS workshops from UNH Cooperative Extension.

 

Google Puts the “G” in GPS – June 23, Concord

For workshop information click here; for a flyer, click here;  to register click here

 

Trail Mapping with GPS – June 24, Concord

For workshop information, click here;  for a flyer click here;  to register click here

 

 

RECENT NEWS

 

• New WAP Maps and Data Now Available
• New Natural Communities website
• NH Coverts Project Seeking New Cooperators
• State of NH Birds Report Released            

 

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Malin Clyde wrote:

2010-06-01

Dear Coverts Cooperators,

We had a wonderful workshop in Campton on Saturday, with nearly 30 people walking the woods and hearing from landowners David Peeler (CC08), his wife Paula Woodward, and their forester, Tracy Burns.  It was great fun -- click here to read more about it! And if you missed Campton, you can still sign up for our next gathering:

Coverts Gathering:  Harmony Hill Farm, June 12, Northwood (property of Carl Wallman, CC 05). We’ll be learning about Carl’s work creating the Northwood Area Land Management Collaborative.  Anyone interested – volunteers, family, friends, conservation advocates, and members of the public are welcome!  Click here for a description of the event, directions and registration information.

As always, this announcement is available anytime online at:  Volunteers Working for Wildlife.

Cheers!

Malin

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Forest Society Online Writers – Check for Your Town!
Thanks to Eric Jones (CC2000), Jenny Tuthill (CC09), and Marthy Twombly (CC 09) for signing up to help with the Forest Society’s new online guide to reservations!  We still need volunteers to help – click here to learn what’s required and how to sign up.  The project deadline is June 30th.  And remember, the hours you help on any conservation-related project do count towards your 40 hours of Coverts Project volunteering!  Towns with Reservations in need of write-ups include:

Alton, Antrim, Bethlehem, Concord, Cornish/Plainfield, Deering, Dublin, Effingham/Freedom, Gilmanton, Hillsborough, Jaffrey, Londonderry, Milford/Hollis, Milton, New Durham, Newfields, Rochester, Stoddard, Stoddard/Windsor, Surry   

If you live near any of these towns and you enjoy getting outside (and writing a little), please sign up to help today!  Click here to learn more. 

\

Volunteer Work Day – Sheiling Forest, Peterborough  - NEW

Saturday, June 12, 2010, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM  

If you enjoy walking the trails at Shieling Forest, the Division of Forests & Lands needs your help!  We plan to refurbish some of the trails by cutting brush and replacing trail markers.  If possible bring hand tools such as pruners, loppers, shovels, or rakes.  Please wear comfortable footwear and remember your gloves.  Join us for any part of the day or bring a bag lunch and stay for the day.  Please call 431-6774 to pre-register.  Address for the Forest is:  395 Old Street, Peterborough, NH

 

Volunteer Help Needed for Nature Walk - Saturday, August 7, 10 a.m.

Woods, Wildlife and Water Festival, Branch Hill Farm, Milton Mills, NH

Can you share your enthusiasm for the natural world?  Can you identify a few birds, bugs, or wildlife sign?  UNH Cooperative Extension Strafford County Forester Debbie Goard needs 1-2 volunteers to help lead a natural walk at this great annual outdoor event in Milton Mills. The event attracts 300-400 people, and focuses on environmental activities and organizations.  Please RSVP to Malin (email here) if you can help!   

 

Monadnock Trails Week – Volunteers Needed! - July 17-21 - NEW

The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is organizing the Fifth Annual Monadnock Trail Week trail restoration effort. Join conservation professionals and other volunteers to help restore degraded hiking trails on one of New Hampshire’s most storied mountains. Forest Society staff and volunteers will work from July 17 through 21 to construct new footbridges, rebuild water bars and stone steps, and brush out hiking trails. Click here to learn more.  No prior trail work experience is needed to join the group and contribute, and volunteers may participate for one day or several. To sign up to volunteer, contact Carry Deegan at cdeegan@forestsociety.org or call 603-224-9945. 

 

Previously posted opportunities:

• Piping Plover beach monitoring - Allison Briggaman, 603-271-2461 or email her here
• Karner Blue Butterfly Workdays: May 22 & June 5, Concord – Click here for more
• Reptile & Amphibian-Watching Volunteers Needed!  Learn more here! 
• Natural Resource Stewards Program Seeks Applicants - Click here to learn more

 

 

WORKSHOPS & TRAININGS

 

Coverts Project Seeks New Volunteers

Keep in mind that the application period for the 2010 Coverts Project Workshop is open through June 25.  If you know others in your community who are interested in conservation, wildlife, or land stewardship, please encourage them to apply!  Click here for the complete application information. 

 

Invasive Plant Workshop

Sat., June 5, 9 a.m. – 12:30, Brentwood Game Farm – click here for brochure

Participants at this workshop will learn how to identify common invasive plant species in the field, their characteristics, why their control is necessary, and when to utilize mechanical vs. chemical methods of control. Attendees will observe how invasive plants can displace natural habitat. We will also address the concern for and how to recognize the presence of three invasive insects harmful to NH’s forests. For those participants interested, this workshop can be a prelude to future invasive plant volunteer opportunities in the Seacoast region.

 

Dragonfly Survey Workshops – Trainings Scheduled for 2010

June 5, 10 – 4 p.m. Haverhill

June 18, 10 – 4 p.m. Lancaster

Scientist’s understanding of New Hampshire’s dragonflies and damselflies has increased dramatically as a result of the 3-year old NH Dragonfly Survey Project.  But there is still much survey work to be done, and more volunteers are needed statewide.  For more information, click here for the brochure & registration materials.

 

Quincy Bog Natural Area Summer Programs – Rumney, NH

There are a ton of summer walks, workshops, and Wednesday evening presentations taking place at the nature center at Quincy Bog.  Click here for a complete list! 

                                                                                                                  

Previously posted opportunities:

• Piping Plover beach monitoring - Allison Briggaman, 603-271-2461 or email her here
• Karner Blue Butterfly Workdays: May 22 & June 5, Concord – Click here for more
• Reptile & Amphibian-Watching Volunteers Needed!  Learn more here! 
• Natural Resource Stewards Program Seeks Applicants - Click here to learn more

 

 

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

 

Coverts Cooperators Highlighted in the News

Coverts Cooperator Bob Odell (CC96) was recognized in the Spring 2010 edition of Forest Notes, the magazine of the Forest Society.  Bob, who is also a NH State Senator, donated a conservation easement on 88.5 acres in Lempster in honor of his late wife Sandy.  Also recognized (and also from Lempter!) was Coverts Cooperator Sue Lichty (CC07), who was active in helping rally her community to raise funds to protect the headwaters of the Ashuelot River.  And Coverts Cooperators Juliana & Mark Phillips (CC09) of Webster were featured in the most recent edition of the “Taking Action for Wildlife” newsletter, with a description of their latest efforts in wildlife habitat management on their families’ combined 700 acres of land. Newsworthy stories, all!