On these special tours, learn from forestry experts with Meadowsend Timberlands, UNH Cooperative Extension, and the Forest Society about the roles of the landowner, consulting forester and logging contractor. You’ll see an active timber sale layout from stumps to the landing and learn which trees are marked to cut and why. You’ll learn about wood markets, timber volumes and values. We’ll also discuss how non-timber features including water quality are protected during logging and how wildlife habitats and recreational trails can be enhanced.

Heald Tract, Wilton, NH

Parking is at the hiking trail parking area on Heald Road. Detailed directions will be sent to registered participants closer to the event.

Pre-registration is required.  Snowdate Saturday February 16th.

A mechanized timber harvest on a total of 200 acres of the Heald Forest Reservation will feature a mix of patch cuts, thinning via individual tree and small group selection to create smaller forest openings and cutting to re-open fields and a former apple orchard to create early successional habitats for wildlife. A timber harvest on 40 acres is an experimental canopy thinning operation designed to regenerate layers of mountain laurel in the understory to create thickets for rabbit habitat. We'll see timber marking prescriptions that will inform foresters about managing for rabbit habitat in other areas of NH.

PLEASE NOTE: We will hike OFF-TRAIL for a minimum distance of a half mile to reach multiple timber harvest areas. Traction footwear is required. Participants should be prepared to hike 1.5 to 2.0 miles on uneven footing and spend multiple hours outdoors during mid-winter.

Please bring warm winter clothing (multiple layers) and waterproof footwear is mandatory. Bring water and snacks; we will not have a break for lunch.

Co-sponsored with Meadowsend Timberlands and UNH Cooperative Extension forestry staff.