HOOKSETT – The Conservation Commission had a busy fall schedule in preparation for upcoming projects. One of its largest undertakings is the development of a stewardship plan for the Quimby Mountain Conservation Area.
The property consists of 97.65 acres situated along the town-designated scenic road, Goffstown Road. This area will gain even more recognition with the development of a wildlife rehabilitation facility soon to be constructed next door.
The development of this property provides important benefits for the town. It directly serves Hooksett residents, especially those on the west side, with a beautiful open space. As the highest point in Hooksett, a trail system to the top will provide amazing views for hikers.
Also, having a thorough understanding of this property will provide tremendous advantages as we embark on a Natural Resources Inventory for the town, as requested in the Master Plan.
The stewardship plan will guide our next steps on the property with the following goals:
• An ecological assessment to help us understand the natural resources such as wetlands, habitats, and ecosystems including endangered and threatened species.
• A forest inventory to assess the composition and health of the trees and plants.
• Wetlands and water resource assessments to identify sensitive areas, and other features of the topography.
• A trail management plan that will determine the best placement of trails to optimize recreation with conservation goals in mind. Our experts will also advise on the best options for a parking area.
• And finally, the plan fulfills a legal obligation as laid out in the conservation easement held by Bear-Paw Regional Greenways.
“Our goal is to make this area a key destination over the next few years for the local community and visitors. Stewardship planning will give us further understanding of the natural resources on the property and guide future trail development, management, and use,” said Alex Walczyk, Town Council representative for the Conservation Commission.
The Conservation Commission is contracting with Moosewood Ecological for this effort.
Jeffry Littleton, owner and principal ecologist, is widely respected throughout New Hampshire for his broad experience in land stewardship planning. He also has intimate knowledge of Hooksett, having prepared the stewardship plans for both the Head’s Pond and Clay Pond Headwaters conservation areas. He has engaged Meadowsend to handle the forestry inventory.
