News and Events
News and Events
2023
Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, 2023 with the Conservation Commission at Herlihy Swamp and join us for a short half mile hike. If you haven't been to Herlihy Swamp, it's a great place to explore and enjoy nature. We'll also do a little light trail work that includes clipping and raking. Feel free to bring gloves, small clippers, and rake or just come along to take a hike. Meet at the parking area at 9 am. Hope to see you there! Event will be canceled in case of rain.
2022
Carleton Pond: A new bench overlooking the pond has been installed at Carleton Pond Park, thanks to the help of Conservation Commission Member Pete Tedder and Ben Crosby, Director of DPW. The Mont Vernon Conservation Commission was able to purchase the new bench with funds from the Trustees of the Trust Funds that were designated specifically for the use of Carleton Pond. Go down and check it out! It provides a quiet place to sit and enjoy the pond. Many thanks to all who made this possible.
Herlihy Swamp: The Mont Vernon Conservation Commission (MVCC) would like to thank Jaren Noorda, Mont Vernon resident, for volunteering to build a new kiosk at Herlihy Swamp, for his Eagle Scout project. There is a half mile loop trail that starts at the opposite side of the parking area from the kiosk, marked with yellow diamonds that is a great place to explore. The trail begins by crossing a stone bridge and leads you toward Herlihy Swamp. There are a couple of off shoot trails that lead to the water's edge if you want to try your hand at fishing, or you'll find the granite bench that overlooks the water as a quiet place to sit. The trail takes you to a second stone bridge, which leads you to evidence of the stone remains of an old tannery years ago. The trail circles back to the parking area. Signs of beavers at work abound, as you'll see several trees gnawed and whittled down, and the beavers' lodge can be seen out in Herlihy Swamp from Brook road. The MVCC also worked with Josh Cudworth, Mont Vernon resident and business owner, who made a new sign for Herlihy Swamp, which we hope to install soon. If you haven't been to Herlihy Swamp, please go out and enjoy all it has to offer!
2020
Carleton Pond Has a New Look
The Conservation Commission has been very busy this past year implementing many changes to Carleton Pond and Park. Thanks to Jay Wilson, our Vice Chair, who has worked tirelessly on this project to coordinate all the activities and work, the Carleton Pond Restoration Project is moving along:
- After some unexpected circumstances (rock and possible ledge) The drainage issues and construction has finally been completed by DPW and our contractor, Mr. Steve Trombly.
- Jeff Johnson and Jay Wilson installed the aerator last summer to provide oxygen to the pond and assist in decreasing algae formation. Jeff built a structure to contain the aerator so fishing lines would not inadvertently get attached to the aerator, Thanks Jeff!
- Todd Wilkins was hired to remove many of the dead trees behind the pond. We have budgeted to remove the remaining large dead trees next year.
- A split rail fence was installed up near the road and in front of the drainage culvert that crosses the road. Many thanks to Lou Springer who was hired to help dig the post holes for the fence installation.
- Thanks to the generosity of Roberta Wilkins, who donated funds to the CC, we hired Todd Wilkins to plant some beautiful maple trees and low growing blueberry bushes this Fall. Mary Jean MacGillivary has been working diligently to coordinate various other native plants to be planted at Carleton pond for this Spring.
- Jay Wilson and Shelley Brooks have been researching the best choice of lighting for the pond. The CC recommends one that is bright enough for night skating, but not so bright to be an annoyance to abutters, or create unnecessary light pollution. The light has been installed at the pond and is on a timer.
There's more work to do, and we hope to install a kiosk next Spring as well as more bushes and plants. Stay tuned! The CC thanks the citizens of Mont Vernon for all their support of this project over the year!
MORE CONSERVATION NEWS FOR 2020:
NEW HERBERT TOWN FOREST TRAIL
Aneylia Cox, our trail coordinator, along with Shelley and Dave Brooks, Karen Drum and other volunteers have created a new trail on the Hebert Town Forest. The Hebert Town Forest is located on Salisbury Road, entrance is marked with a yellow metal gate on the right side of the road. See our Mont Vernon Conservation Facebook page for more details & pictures.
2018
The Conservation Commission is requesting $12,000 at Town Meeting to complete work on Carleton Pond.
Update: 2019 Warrant Article
More Information on Carleton Pond for the upcoming Town Meeting.
New Kiosk at Archibald Conservation Property: Larry Yetter constructed a new kiosk for the Archibald Conservation land, located on Rt. 13, which was installed this past spring with the help of Al MacGillivary and Barry Salussolia. Many THANKS to them all for their hard work!
If you haven't been to the Archibald property, there is a beautiful trail starting at the yellow gate on the Archibald Conservation Land, which connects to the Blue Trail (take a right at the sign) on Lamson Farm. Enjoy!
Carleton Pond Plans for 2018.
2016
The new trail in Havinga Woods has been completed by Andrew Pieper and his fellow Boy Scouts. Thanks to Andrew for chosing our trail for his Eagle Scout project and good luck as he continues his journey towards an Eagle Scout.
New trail signs have been installed on Wah Lum. Thanks to UNH student Mila Paul and her classmates for their help in the sign design and the Conservation Commission members who volunteered their time to install them.
A new map is available for the Purgtory and Wah Lum Trails.
Andrew Pieper is building a new trail on Havinga Woods property as part of an Eagle Scout project. Thank you to Andrew and his fellow Scouts and volunteers.
Remember that all trails on town land can be icy and dangerous in winter. Hikers are advised to use caution and wear appropriate traction devices.
2015
Remember that in hunting season hunting is permitted on the town owned Conservation lands. Users such as hikers are encouraged to wear orange safety vests and hats.
A short trail from the Mason Road Kiosk has been laid out to connect to the existing trails in Havinga Woods. The Conservation Commission is looking for interested parties such as Eagle Scout Candidates to help in completing this trail. If interested, please contact the Conservation Commision as indicated on the "Contact Us" page.
The Ice Out trophies were awarded at the Spring Gala. Bonnie Angulas, Jace Henderson and Cole Henderson enjoying their moment on the stage.
Larry Yetter, Mary Jean MacGillivary, Shelley Brooks and Earle Rich presenting the trophies for the Ice Out Contest at the 2015 Spring Gala.
The first annual Carleton Pond Ice Out Contest winners have been announced. Presentation of the tropies will be made at Spring Gala. The ice out date was determined to be April 14, 2015. Winners are:
First - Henderson Family
Second - Bonnie Angulas
Third - Michael Ericson
A sledding party was hosted by the MVCC on March 8th on the hill behind the Post Office. Many families attended and enjoyed the nice weather and the sledding in deep snow. Donations were accepted for the Carleton Pond Restoration Project and tickets were sold for the first annual ice out contest.
The winter of 2015 brought us substantial snowfall and many people enjoyed the conservation land using snow shoes, skies, snowmobiling and even bicycling.
2014
A Moose was spotted on Wah Lum in the August.
The Society for Protection of New Hamsphire Forests (SPNHF) has finalized the Conservation Easements ont he WIlkins land. A celebration hike is being planned for later this year. The Conservation Commission has installed a new sign on the Havinga Woods land. Look for it on mason Road. A new trail is proposed to connect the existing roads to a parking area on mason Road.
Rules and Regulations have been posted at the trailhead kiosks to ensure that everyone may safely enjoy the Conservation land. List of the rules.
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) is closing the gap for the Wilkins Conservation Easements in Mont Vernon with only $13,000 more to go to complete the project. Peg Stacy gave a very generous donation of $10,000 in honor of her husband Russell Stacy and his work in conservation, along with 300 other individual donors to raise the $190,000 that was needed for this project. The conservation easements will protect 400 acres of land in neighborhoods located on Old Amherst Road, Beech Hill, Lamson Road, and Route 13 and allow public recreation for hiking, hunting and snow mobiles, but prohibits motorized wheeled vehicles such as ATVs. Please consider making a donation to help protect the rural character and beauty of Mont Vernon. For more information.
2013
The Conservation Commission has met with the Wilton-Lyndeborough Winter Wanders Snowmobile Club and agreed to permit them to use the Conservation Land for snowmobile use under certain rules and restrictions. These restrictions can be found here. If you notice any issues with this useage, please contact the Conservation Commission or one of its members.
A new Kisok has been installed on Purgatory Road. Take a walk to the view and check out the new kiosk. Members of the Conservation Commission spent a morning to install the kiosk.
SPNHF Informational Meeting on Wilkin's Conservation Easements: On September 4th at 7:00 PM, the Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) will hold an informational meeting at the Mont Vernon Village School. Members of the SPNHF will provide an informational slide show and answer any questions. Members of the MV Conservation Commission will also attend. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.
INVASIVE PLANT TALK AND WALK: A discussion about invasive plants will be given in the Congregational Church, Route 13, Mont Vernon, on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:30 pm. Two members of the Piscataquog Land Conservancy will be describing what an invasive plant is, what the common ones in this area are, how to identify them and possible methods of control. Slides and sample plants will be presented and questions are encouraged.
On the following Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m. there will be an informal field walk to identify locally invasive plants. This event is intended to make it easier for you to identify invasive plants around you. Members of the Piscataquog Land Conservancy will again be available for questions and answers.
The location for the walk is at 36 Old Milford Road, Mont Vernon and the surrounding properties. Be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes and have walking shoes. Please carpool as parking will be limited. A rain date will be decided if needed. There is no charge and no RSVP is needed. All are welcome to attend one or both events.
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The Wilkins Family is working with the Forest Society to protect approx. 400 acres in Mont Vernon. Several neighborhoods in different parts of town will benefit from protected land available for recreational uses such as walking, hiking snowshoeing, cross country skiing and hunting. See map for details and Society for Protection of NH Forest website for how you can help.
The Commission is providing public relations support to the Society of the Protection of NH Forests in the Wilkins Family Conservation Easement Project. Several members attended the Informational Tour at the Wilkins Sawmill and on the Beech Hill parcel. Photos can be seen at this link.
The Conservation Commission wishes to thank Paul Sontag and his friends for volunteering to build a kiosk, which will be installed as one of our first projects this year at the North Wah Lum gate on Purgatory Road.
An application was submitted by Shelley Brooks to Dept. of Environmental Services, State of NH, Aquatic Resource Management Grant to obtain funding for the Carleton Pond Restoration Project. The recent Fishing Derby held May 4th by the DPW was a big success and photos taken by Earle Rich can be seen on this website.
Fundraising for this project through grants and other means will continue to be a priority for the commission this year.
Winter 2012/2013
The end of 2012 brought some changes to the commission when our Chairman Wes Robertson moved out of Mont Vernon and resigned from the commission. As a result of this Shelley Brooks became a Voting Member and Larry Yetter joined as an Alternate Member. The Commission thanks Wes for all of his work. His high spirits and enthusiasm will be missed in our meetings and events.
The commission provided limited approval to the Winter Wanderers Snowmobile club to use portions of the trails on Wah Lum on a trial basis this year. Feedback from the community is requested so that we may consider how to proceed in this area next year.
A permit was obtained for the dredging of Carleton Pond and the warrant article providing $15,000 was approved to start the funding for this project. Donations are tax deductible and welcome! Make sure you specify on your check that donation is for Carleton Pond Restoration Fund, Mont Vernon Conservation Commission, PO Box 444, Mont Vernon, NH 03057.
Spring 2009
Efforts this year will focus on stewardship of the parcels under control of the MVCC. Trails need considerable cleanup as a result of the ice storm, and we are always looking for volunteers to assist with trail clearing and maintenance.
We recently marked a 3 mile loop trail on the Wah Lum Reserve. The trail begins at the parking area on Dow Road, starting on a new segment cut last fall as part of Dan Allen's Eagle Scout Project. We should have a kiosk up by summertime!
Gates will be installed at the north and east entrances to Wah Lum Reserve, the Archibald lot on Route 13, and the Hebert Forest on Salisbury Road. Again, volunteers are appreciated in getting the gates installed.
We have flagged an area at the top of the hill on North Wah Lum, and foresters will clear the brush to return the area to hilltop meadow. This will create diverse wildlife habitat and ensure the beautiful view is maintained. Many thanks to all the volunteers who have participated in these activities to date.
Fall 2008
As fall draws to a close, so goes the timber harvest at the Hebert Town Forest. The harvest is being done as part of a Forest Stewardship Plan, developed by a licensed forester, with the following objectives set forth by the MVCC:
- Develop road access off Salisbury Road for forestry, recreation, and emergency response.
- Provide an example to landowners of the benefits in maintaining open space by generating revenues while following sustainable forestry management practices.
- Comply with Tree Farms designation standards
- Improve wildlife habitat
- Improve recreational access/trails
In addition to the efforts of the MVCC, an Eagle Scout project is underway to develop a trail head kiosk and begin marking trails.
Over the summer we worked on clearing trails on the Wah Lum Reserve parcels. As part of the road improvements to Dow Road, a parking area was established on lot 1-10, and an Eagle Scout project is underway to develop a trail head kiosk, as well as to cut a new trail north from the parking area. THis new trail ties into the existing trail network on the southern Wah Lum lot 1-9. From this parking area it is a short hike to lower, middle, and upper Purgatory Falls.
March 12th, 2008
The commission wishes to thank the townspeople for voting to approve the purchase of the 2 parcels in the Purgatory Watershed known as the Wah Lum Reserve. Special thanks go out to those who contributed with their time, creativity, financial support, fund raising, and moral support of this worthwhile project.
January 26th, 2008
The Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee members are pleased to announce that the Amherst Land Trust has issued a Challenge Grant matching all individual contributions to the Wah Lum Reserve project, up to $25,000, made between now and Town Meeting 3/11.
To date we have received over $134,000 in individual donations and pledges towards the purchase of Wah Lum Reserve! Our total contributions eligible for the Challenge Grant are slightly over $1,500. We have made amazing progress, but we need your help to maximize the benefits of the Challenge. We ask for your financial support, and encourage you to tell your friends and neighbors. You can find the donation form here.
Over $87,000 in donations are contingent on the town taking possession of the property. Please attend Town Meeting 3/11/2008 and vote YES in support of the purchase!
October 13th, 2007
The Mont Vernon Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee are sponsoring a hike in the Purgatory Watershed. The land includes the newly acquired parcels, aka Wah Lum Reserve, as well as the Nadeau Forest. If you are interested in attending, plan on spending about 3-4 hours hiking. Hikers should be prepared. Some parts of this hike are on rough, steep terrain and participants should be in good physical condition. If you wish to attend, please register ahead of time as the number of participants will be limited. To register, simply contact the Conservation Commission and let us know how many will be participating.
The plan is to meet at 9am at the Town Hall, with groups departing from the landing area off Purgatory Road as well as the newly established parking area on Dow Road.
August 20th, 2007
The Amherst Land Trust completes the acquisition of 248 acres in the Purgatory Watershed. Following a public hearing July 30th, the Selectmen unanimously approved using $100,000 from the Conservation Fund towards the purchase. The Land Trust has extended the town a 2 year option agreement to purchase the parcels outright, during which time the Conservation Commission and Open Space Committees will conduct fund raising activities to offset the costs. See the Project Summary on the Town Lands page for details. If you wish to donate to the project, use this form.
July 18th, 2007
We are pleased to report that the Town of Mont Vernon, represented by the Conservation Commission, has partnered with the Amherst Land Trust to enter into a Purchase and Sales agreement for 2 parcels in the Purgatory Brook watershed, Mont Vernon tax map lots 1-9 and 1-22, from Boisvert Properties LLC. Further details will be released as they become available. In the interim, please direct inquiries to George Bower or Steve Ruddock of the Amherst Land Trust.
The Purgatory Gorge, which includes three waterfalls, is perhaps the most prominent natural landmark in Mont Vernon. The watershed is identified in the Town Master Plan as an area of importance for permanent protection. These properties will join 3 existing protected lots to form nearly 2 miles of contiguous permanently protected open space along the east side of Purgatory Brook in Mont Vernon, totaling nearly 500 acres. Check out the latest map of protected lands in Mont Vernon.
We are eternally grateful for the assistance provided by the ALT, without which this would not have been possible.
March 2007
Hebert Lot - Tax map 6-17
Many thanks to the voters for establishing this parcel as an official Town Forest at the 2007 town meeting. We have marked the boundaries, walked the site with the county forester, and are in the process of hiring a licensed forester to assist with development of a Forest Management Plan.
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding Town Forests, check out the article from the NH Local Government Center, Seeing the Forest for the Trees.
We have also prepared an FAQ pertaining to the town's implementation of the Town Forest designation.