IN THE NEWS

WILDLIFE STUDIES CONTINUE ON LRCT CONSERVATION LAND

December 2, 2003


Meredith, New Hampshire - The Lakes Region Conservation Trust is continuing wildlife studies on a number of its properties in central New Hampshire, even as efforts continue to complete fund-raising campaigns to preserve thousands of acres of conservation lands in the region. Bioinventory studies are being completed on the 5,400 acre Castle in the Clouds property in Moultonborough and Tuftonboro and on a 250-acre parcel in Sandwich Notch. A new study is envisioned to begin on nearly 600 acres of wetland and shore frontage in the Kusumpe Pond area as well.

"The Castle bioinventory will be conducted through the winter and spring," Notes LRCT president Tom Curren. "This study, which began nearly two years ago, has already identified more than 400 acres of old-growth forest. Gathering detailed biological information is the first step in developing a permanent management plan for the area. Our first job is to identify the wildlife populations in the land in some detail, and the bioinventory is the perfect vehicle for this purpose. Hours of field time is logged, observations carefully taken, and reams of data produced, which will be compiled in a comprehensive report which will be completed in the spring."

The studies are being undertaken by Dr. Rick Van de Poll of Sandwich, who notes that the Ossipee Mountains surrounding the Castle in the Clouds are one of the largest unfragmented blocks of land south of the White Mountains, and are thus prime wildlife habitat. "We have recently added 6 rare plant stations, for a total of 76 on this property, Van de Poll states. "This is one of the highest concentrations of rare plant stations in northern New Hampshire, outside of the alpine zones of the Presidentials. The age, structure, and diversity of the forests on the Castle property provide one of the finest living laboratories in New England. Simply put, there is no property in New Hampshire with a higher conservation value at the present time."

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust, which now manages more than 15,000 acres of conservation land in central New Hampshire, is working to complete the funding for protection of the Castle lands, for the purchase of 800 acres of realtor Denley Emerson's properties in Sandwich, for the protection of Sewall Woods in Wolfeboro, and for the conservation of the Burrows farm, one of the last working farms in Moultonborough. "This work is only accomplished through the generosity of thousands of donors," notes LRCT's Curren, "and we are grateful to all our supporters, large and small, for their love of the land and loyalty to the conservation work of the Trust. These folks are all making a very special holiday gift of the living landscape to the wildlife and to all who love New Hampshire." Persons who wish to receive an update on these projects may secure a copy of the Trust's newsletter by calling (603) 253-3301, or by e-mailing the Trust at lrct@lrct.org.