The Birch Ridge Community Forest Envisioned

Thanks for these photos of the Visioning Session by facilitator Steve Whitman of Resilience Planning and Design.At a November 1st Community Visioning Session, the New Durham Elementary School cafeteria was abuzz with more than 65 participants discussing best uses and management of a proposed Birch Ridge Community Forest. Organized by the Partnership for Birch Ridge Community Forest, consisting of Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG), Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT), and Merrymeeting Lake Association (MMLA), the evening Visioning Session was an important step in engaging the community in the planning process for a 2,000-acre community forest on Birch Ridge.As proposed, the Birch Ridge Community Forest will be owned by SELT for the benefit of the community and subject to a conservation easement held by MMRG, ensuring that the property remains undeveloped and open for public recreation. The purpose of Birch Ridge as a ‘Community Forest’ is to promote conservation, community, and economic development through community ownership and management of land. To engage the community and develop a community-informed and supported management plan for Birch Ridge, the Partnership has undertaken an inclusive public process guided by a Community Forest Steering Committee of approximately 20 area individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds.  More information about the proposed Birch Ridge Community Forest and the Partnership for Birch Ridge is available at www.seltnh.org/birchridge.Following an introduction to the Birch Ridge Community Forest and Partnership from SELT Executive Director Brian Hart, participants had the opportunity to give their input on topics at six breakout tables: the future of the existing cabin on Birch Ridge, recreational uses of the property, wildlife considerations, water quality considerations, educational opportunities, and other community needs related to the property. At each table, people could study relevant maps, discuss question prompts with Steering Committee members on hand, and write their comments on note cards, which will be reviewed by the Steering Committee as it continues its planning work.Steering Committee members Janet and Allen Thorell, who live on Merrymeeting Lake and are Directors of the Farmington Fish & Game Club, stood at the ‘Recreation’ breakout table to talk with people and listen to their concerns. Janet was very positive about the evening, saying, “People were very open and honest about what they want. There was quite a bit of discussion about hunting and hiking. We have a stack of cards ‘this high’; I can’t wait to read the comments.”At the close of the Visioning Session, Steering Committee Chair and retired NH Fish and Game Habitat Programs Administrator Charlie Bridges was delighted with the turnout and the engagement of attendees and was also eager to see the comments. Bridges observed, “People were clearly informing themselves; all the tables but one had lots of discussion. It will be very interesting to see what people had to say. There will undoubtedly be contradictory opinions, but we’ll try to take all into account.”Following the Visioning Session, attendee Adam Buehne, a New Durham resident, was inspired to become a member of MMRG, saying, “I was very impressed with the collaboration and level of effort put forth by MMRG, SELT, and MMLA regarding the Birch Ridge project and its future potential… As an avid outdoorsman, who enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and observing wildlife, my primary interest is to protect, maintain and establish multi-use trails systems that allow access to some of the best scenery and experiences the area has to offer. I am of the firm belief you have to see it to appreciate it, whether you are walking it or riding it. The more this is made possible, the greater the awareness and support for generations to come.”John Goyette, another attendee and New Durham resident, also provided feedback on the Visioning Session, “Thank you for last night… The name, ‘Birch Ridge Community Forest’ is brilliant because it engages both the townspeople and lake residents.”More opportunities exist for people to get to know the proposed Birch Ridge Community Forest land and to provide input to the Steering Committee. A calendar of upcoming field trips on the property can be found at http://seltnh.org/events-page/. A survey will go out shortly to all New Durham property owners. Interested members of the public who wish to attend Steering Committee meetings may contact MMRG or SELT for scheduling information.The Partnership has already raised 75% of the $2,950,000 needed to purchase the property, to create and implement a community forest management plan, and to steward the land  forever. Brian Hart reported that fundraising is on track to close in June 2019. Donations to help save and steward Birch Ridge Community Forest may be made to any of the three partner organizations: Moose Mountains Regional Greenways online at www.mmrgnh.org/donate/ or by mail to MMRG, PO Box 191, Union, NH 03887; Southeast Land Trust online at www.seltnh.org/birchridge or by mail to SELT, PO Box 675, Exeter, NH 03833; Merrymeeting Lake Association online at http://mmlake.org/ or by mail to MMLA, PO Box 468, New Durham, NH 03855. 100% of the funds generated will be used towards the Birch Ridge Community Forest project.