Andorra Forest—long managed with care by the Faulkner family--was recognized as New Hampshire’s 2008 Tree Farm of the Year at the Farm & Forest Expo in early February. Located in Stoddard, Andorra Forest comprises 11,000 acres that has been under conservation easement with the Forest Society since 1990. It is one of the largest privately held forests under conservation easement in the eastern United States. Representatives of the Andorra Forest Limited Partnership, which is made up of 34 family members representing several generations, accepted the award, presented in recognition of their long term commitment to forest stewardship.
The property encompasses the northwestern portion of Stoddard, and also includes land in the towns of Washington, Sullivan, Gilsum, and Marlow. It is part of the Monadnock Highlands and the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway trail runs through eight miles of the property. Its features include Pitcher Mountain Farm, Cold Spring Pond and Andorra Pond; and Pitcher Mountain, Hubbard Hill, and Jackson Hill. Stunning panoramic views can be enjoyed from many parts of the property. The forest has been actively managed for timber, wildlife, recreation and water for generations and includes the 2,650 acre “Wildcat Hollow Wilderness Area,” where virtually all human activity beyond certain pedestrian uses is prohibited. The property supports critical wildlife habitat, including the first known Moose breeding grounds in southwestern New Hampshire.
Caption: Faulkner family members accept the Tree Farm of the Year plaque at the NH Farm & Forest Exposition in Manchester on February 9, 2008. Presiding dignitaries are Governor John Lynch, Phil Bryce, State Forester and Director of the Division of Forests and Lands, Lorraine Merrill, Commissioner of the NH Department of Agriculture, and Bob Hardy and Wendy Scribner of the NH Tree Farm program.
Since its origins in 1950, the New Hampshire Tree Farm Program has recognized “those timberland owners who demonstrate a commitment to stewardship in their woods.” The Tree Farm Program is co-sponsored by the Forest Society, the NH Timberland Owners Association, UNH Cooperative Extension and the Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters. To qualify for Tree Farm certification the landowner has to meet certain requirements demonstrating care for wildlife, water, timber and other resources.
On Saturday, September 20, 2008, Andorra Forest will host the 19th Annual Tree Farm Field Day. The program is open to the general public. More information will be posted on the Forest Society’s website at www.forestsociety.org.