I wanted to start cataloging some of the Trails in the Heald tract.
See post of May 18, 2020.
I loved Phil and miss him often.. He used to bemoan the fact that his sister logged the property adjacent to his. Both vast lands are now part of the Society for the Protection of NH state forests. While I appreciate the time spent hiking and hunting at Heald, I know Phil would be furious to see the logging destruction going on. Many of the trails are almost impossible to navigate
I have seen other logging operations by Granite State Logging and even this logging company. I understand there is going to be slash but the after effects do not need to be nearly as disastrous. A lot of Heald looks as if it has been bombed.
As a member of the Forest Society, I felt it my duty to find out more. So, I attended a Forest Society tour of the logged area. I still do not understand all the slash left behind as the logging company did a beautiful job up on Mountain Rd, in Sharon. So it was not their management, but seems to be the choice of the Forest Society. Here is the post from the Society regarding the logging operation. I know in a few years, nature will heal but for now, it is painful to see.
https://forestsociety.org/blog-post/heald-tract-timber-harvest-tour-wiltonhttps://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/083d133b24bc488fbc8c38a288c4ca82
Ruby, Rusty and I decided to navigate the Upper Fisk Hill trail. There is a Lower Trail, if you don’t feel energetic, the view from the hill is worth it. The trail to the view has been cut off to allow for wildlife to move in. This is a good thing, but the view will be missed. Will post more specifics on another day, after I rant.
When Phil was alive there used to be a mowed trail filled with grass, where turkeys used to nest. Now it is weeds.
Two woodcock covers are gone.
Some of the most peaceful wooded trails are now nothing but slash.
Apparently, the loggers even disturbed a hibernating bear and her cubs while logging. They moved away from the area. But…..well, rant over for now. I am not against logging. But please respect the land. Do not just take the money trees and leave.
Have you asked the current land owners about the forestry practices and conditions at Heald? You might start there.
Andy, it was left to the NH society. I knew the landiwner before he died. He used to bemoan his sister logging the property abutting his. It was his choice to leave it to them. Just VERY disappointing, especially when Granite State logging does such a good job. Thankyou for your input.