Sustainably managing town-owned land for wildlife habitat provides an opportunity to be good example of sound stewardship practices for the community. When management is driven by research-based methods and and professional assistance, town lands can showcase habitat management techniques and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Your UNH Cooperative Extension County Forester or Wildlife Specialist can provide your town with more information about a property, what natural resources are available, and potential management options.
Towns can teach by example. Working with a licensed forester or natural resources professional to develop a management plan is an important step in demonstrating sound stewardship methods. When a habitat management technique or timber harvest is implemented, host a public tour of the property to educate other landowners in town on the benefits of managing for wildlife. Using signs can also be an effective way to convey the benefits of habitat management to people in town who might visit a public property.
More Information
- Contact your UNH Cooperative Extension County Forester or Wildlife Specialist for help in identifying natural resources and offering public educational workshops
- Check out the Communities Taking Action for Wildlife brochure to read about how other towns in New Hampshire have engaged their community on town-owned land
- Download Nature Groupie's How to Lead a Nature Walk Training Guide for guidance and advice on leading a guided hike
