Published: 4/15/2021 10:00:08 AM
Imagine an ancient forest, disturbed only by nature since the last Ice Age. Imagine trees dating back to early colonial times. Forget California, the Adirondacks, the White Mountains — this special forest is in Mount Sunapee State Park. Most folks don’t know it’s there, the best example of New Hampshire’s forest biodiversity, cited by NH’s Natural Heritage Bureau two decades ago. This exemplary natural community encompasses 484 acres. Ancient and mature forests prevent soil erosion, protect watersheds, support wildlife, resist natural damage (fire, wind, insects, flooding) and sequester CO-2 far better than young forests.
Development will degrade it and threaten its survival. NH’s only forest of its kind, it’s irreplaceable, and amazing to experience. Equally amazing? New Hampshire hasn’t protected it. Under NH law, Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Commissioner Sarah Stewart has the power and obligation to “establish programs for the protection of species and exemplary natural communities.” Friends of Mount Sunapee (FOMS) works to educate the public about protecting this forest in perpetuity and its efforts are supported by national organizations Sierra Club and Old Growth Forest Network. Preservation won’t affect Mount Sunapee’s good skiing. With your help we can move from an imagined ancient forest to a preserved real one, magnificent and easily accessed, available to all.