Responsible Timber Harvest Creates Next Generation Forest in Campton
by Jane Kellogg, Campton Conservation Commission
If you’ve recently driven on Blair Road, through the Blair Covered Bridge to NH Rt 175, you
might have noticed some logging activity in Campton’s forest at Pattee Conservation Park.
There was a logger there this past Spring cutting and staging lots of large pine trees and hauling
them away.
Timber harvests draw a number of reactions because they impact the forested landscape.
Perhaps you were surprised? Perhaps you were disappointed to see such a change to the
forest? Perhaps you were happy to see a local logger doing the work? Maybe you wondered
who had made such a decision? Perhaps you are unhappy about the current condition of the
forest after a timber cut? Maybe you thought of the various reasons to be thankful for our
forests?
This small forest was planted by Ed Pattee back in the 1920s or 1930s. Since then, it had little
forestry management, such as thinning, which resulted in many large and mature trees, but in a
crowded condition.
When discussing a possible timber harvest on behalf of the town, the Campton Conservation
Commission (CCC) wanted to demonstrate responsible forestry management practices. This
involved research, discussion of various harvesting methods, planning, and outreach to qualified
and responsible individuals to do the work.
The Campton Conservation Commission began consulting with the county forester and others
seeking knowledge and advice. We learned that the forest was in decline, that trees were dying
and tree growth (width of tree rings) was limited. In addition, the forest was too dense and the
tree canopies were stunted. Very little sunlight was actually reaching the forest floor, so there
was virtually no new tree growth (saplings).
To ensure a healthy forest, and preserve this town resource for future generations, the
Commission realized that a harvest of mature trees was needed to open up the space and give
new seedlings a chance to thrive.
First, a certified Campton forester was hired to fully assess the forest and present options to the
Commission for moving forward. These ranged from doing nothing (and letting the forest
continue to decline) to making a clear cut.
The Conservation Commission discussed each option with the forester and decided that a
“Shelterwood Cut” would be the best approach for this forest under its current conditions. This
approach would serve to revitalize it for its future potential. Only a portion of the forest would be
cut, leaving some healthy trees to provide seeds for regeneration and preserve some wildlife
habitat. Tree tops and branches would be removed from the felled trees, and placed on the
forest floor to provide nutrients to the soil and ground cover for small wildlife. This is the same
type of timber cut that was conducted by the state a few years ago on the adjacent Blair State
Forest, which surrounds the Pattee forest on the south and west sides. The trees cut (mostly
white pine) would go to a mill to create building materials.
A local Campton logger was hired after a sealed bidding process, and as soon as winter was
over, work began. The market for pine was the highest it’s been for some time, so this increased
the proceeds, which went to the Town’s Conservation Fund.
The Campton Conservation Commission is pleased to note that grass seeding in the section of
the field used as a log yard has taken hold nicely. The forest floor has tree tops and branches
that will decay for soil regeneration, and new pine seedlings are already beginning to take hold.
They will become the trees of a future harvest.
In the coming months and years, you will be able to see the forest grow as you continue to
travel along Blair Road in Campton.
These white pine logs, harvested from Pattee Conservation
Park, are destined for a local sawmill.
This is what the forest at Pattee Conservation Park looked
like this spring, after completion of a shelterwood cut. White
pine seedlings have already since begun to regenerate.