On these special tours, learn from forestry experts with Bay State Forestry, 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.

Monadnock Forest Reservation, Jaffrey, NH

Parking (4WD required) on Shaker Farm Road (follow signs). Detailed directions will be sent to registered participants closer to the event.

Pre-registration required.  Snowdate Saturday January 26th.

On the west flank of Monadnock,  the Forest Society will harvest high quality, mature red oak carefully grown in well-managed stands since they were mere saplings.  This tour will focus on long-term forest management designed to grow larger diameter red oak timber while following long-term goals.  The Forest Society has owned the tract for a century. Prior thinning operations over decades were designed to improve oak timber quality and volume over the long haul. Loggers will employ both a mechanical harvester and conventional hand-felling using chainsaws.

PLEASE NOTE: Four-wheel drive vehicles are required due to rough road and parking conditions. We will hike up STEEP skid trails for a minimum distance of one mile to reach the timber harvest area. Snowshoes and traction are required. Participants should be prepared to hike a vigorous 2+ 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 Baystate Forestry and UNH Cooperative Extension forestry staff.