Forest Management
New Hampshire’s Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) provide for the establishment and management of town forests. (You can read the relevant sections here: RSA 31:110, RSA 31:111, RSA 31:112, and RSA 31:113.)
In accordance with the RSA, the Sandown Conservation Commission is responsible for managing our town forest.
The purpose of this program is explained in RSA 31:111:
- The main purpose of such city or town forest shall be to encourage the proper management of timber, firewood and other natural resources through planting, timber stand improvement, thinning, harvesting, reforestation, and other multiple use programs consistent with the forest management program, any deed restrictions and any pertinent local ordinances or regulations.
In other words, the goal of forest management is to care for our town forest so that it remains healthy and vigorous and provides the products and the amenities the Town of Sandown desires. The Town of Sandown seeks to improve wildlife habitat, the health of the forest, and options for town residents to use the forest.
Forest management is not so much a subject or a science as it is a process. Think of it as the development and execution of a plan integrating all of the principles, practices, and techniques necessary to care properly for the forest.
The complete current Forest Management Plan for the Fremont Road Town Forest is available in the Sandown Public Library. You can also view the map showing different management areas within the Fremont Road Town Forest.
Click here for printable version of the trail map (PDF)