Conservation Plan for Deer  Yards

In Belmont

by Jeff Marden

4/4/02

Statement of Purpose:

To identify and document wintering habitats for white tailed deer (deer yards) this information will be used for the purpose of educating landowners, conservation, recreation, data, and better management practices.

Goals:

To map/GPS all existing softwoods and to annually monitor wildlife and habitat

Protecting softwoods (Pine/Spruce/Hemlock) from deforestation

To assist the State Fish and Game Dept. in the collection of data/count of the estimated deer herd within Belmont

To maintain recreational opportunities such as: hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing

To educate landowners/town how to conserve and apply better management practices.

References:

1992 Belmont master plan

NH Fish and Game Dept.

Town Records

Review of Natural Resources Inventory:

1992 Master Plan/Conservation Commission deer yards map

1998 Infrared Photos of Belmont

2000 Basic Inventory Maps

Interpretation of the NRI:

1992 conservation commission deer yard maps were drafted by the general knowledge of people that hunt, hike and use the specified areas.

1998 Infrared Photos of Belmont show the stands of softwoods that need to have field studies done to determine the potential for use as a wintering habitat          (active/inactive/no longer viable)

2000 Basic Inventory Maps show town boundaries, transportation  networks, large unfragmented lands, waters, wetlands, agricultural soils etc.

Landscape Level Considerations:

Biological needs of wildlife (Deer)

Habitat conservation

Voluntary approaches to habitat conservation

Regulatory approaches to habitat conservation

Recommended Types and Levels of Protection for Items of Interest:

Landowners with softwood stands that are found to be a viable wintering habitat  for wildlife will be asked to voluntary conserve this habitat for X number of years depending on productivity, browse, forage

Landowners may also receive a permit for discretionary easements and incentives

The town should set up educational information that could be given to landowners to help them understand advantages/disadvantages of properly maintained forests

The town could establish a “deforestation ordinance” on stands of trees shown to be a viable asset to wildlife            

Action Plan: