Bear Brook Forest Management

About the Project

A forest and wildlife management project is being planned and scheduled for Fall 2021/Winter 2022 by NH Division of Forests and Lands foresters. This project will achieve long term goals that have been developed for the property through the Bear Brook State Park Management Plan. Each forest management project goes through an extensive planning process, including review by multiple State agencies, assessing potential impacts and evaluating soil types to determine the best tree species to manage for.

Bear Brook State Park has seen active wildlife habitat and forest management projects beginning in the 1940s. This professional management has made significant contributions to the high quality of wildlife habitat and forest resources the park provides. It’s important to note that while these forest management activities do have a temporary visual impact, the results improve long-term forest resiliency in a changing climate.

This project will be conducted in the areas surrounding the hiker/biker parking lot and some of the surrounding trails. The blue paint and various colors of flagging that you may start to see on trees within this area are part of the layout for the upcoming project. The trees that are marked with blue paint will be removed to provide growing space for the remaining trees, as well as increased light for new, young trees to start their new life. The long-term goal is to promote multiple age classes and a diverse forest structure. The results will benefit multiple wildlife species and create a healthier, more resilient forest.

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming project, please contact project forester Billy Kunelius at 603-227-8736 or william.r.kunelius@dncr.nh.gov

December 16, 2021 Project Update

The project has been completed and all of the associated trails in the area are now open. A newly completed timber sale never looks very appealing to the layperson but stay tuned as new regeneration of trees and herbaceous growth develop over the next few years. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife in the area, like red tailed hawks or turkeys utilizing the new openings.

November 1, 2021 Project Update

The trails between the Hiker Biker parking lot and Hayes Farm Rd have officially been closed as of Nov 1st. The logging crew has started harvesting trees for the forest management project. The associated trails have been signed to the closure, please observe the signs for your own safety. Do not try to approach any piece of equipment for a photo or viewing opportunity. If you are looking for alternative parking it can be found at Archery Pond on the Campground Rd or Hayes field further up Podunk Rd. The project should be completed in about 4 to 5 weeks depending on weather conditions.

October 15, 2021 Project Update

The forest management project has been awarded to Michael Sharp Enterprises of Bridgewater NH. The project is projected to begin around a November 1st timeline. During this timeframe the hiker/biker lot on Podunk Road and associated trails will be closed to public use for safety reasons. The public will be directed to alternate parking areas such as Archery Pond and Hayes field and should plan their visit accordantly. For your own safety please adhere to any signage you may encounter when recreating near this area.

The following trails will be temporarily closed after this date:

Big Bear
Little Bear
Cub
Upper Bear Brook
Porcupine
Hayes Farm

Bear Brook Forest and Wildlife Management Timber Sale Walk
When:	June 10, 2021 from 5-7pm
Where:	Hiker Biker parking lot on Podunk Rd
Join us as we will visit the project area where work is planned to explain how the timber harvest will be conducted to meet a variety of objectives including improving forest health, timber quality, and wildlife habitat diversity. Specific topics that will be discussed during this tour include: How timber harvesting will be used to accomplish timber management and wildlife habitat management objectives, using uneven-aged forest management to diversify forest structure, Management consideration for protecting turtle habitat while timber harvesting, balancing timber management objectives and aesthetics in an area with heavy recreational use.