In the Works...

Steepletop Property, Berkshire County, Massachusetts

This 879-acre property, owned by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, lies near New Marlborough in the Housatonic River watershed in western Massachusetts. The tract includes a mix of wetlands and mature forest. On numerous timber stands, 4- to 5-acre clearcuts will create woodcock feeding, nesting, brood-rearing, and roosting cover while improving overall habitat and biodiversity qualities on the property. Partners: Berkshire Natural Resources Council, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (through Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project funding), Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Wildlife Management Institute.

Mattawamkeag River Wildlife Management Area, Penobscot County, Maine

This 4000-acre WMA features extensive wetlands along the Mattawamkeag River near Kingman in eastern Maine. On the Page Farm tract, a network of strip and patch cuts totalling more than 86 acres will be made in stands of alder, aspen, and other hardwoods. Workers will mow old fields to create and maintain woodcock singing grounds and roosting areas. Partners: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Wild Turkey Federation, Paul Fortunato, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Wildlife Management Institute.

Goshen Wildlife Management Area, Litchfield County, Connecticut

On this 967-acre WMA, a 57-acre clearcut and a 13-acre clearcut will set back mature forest to a younger growth stage, providing habitat for New England cottontails, woodcock, ruffed grouse, and other wild creatures. Cutting will begin in winter 2011. The harvested areas adjoin other important habitats, including shrubby areas and grasslands. The new cuts will augment a 20-acre core area where, about eight years ago, a brontosaurus machine mowed 20 acres that have now become a dense mix of aspen, dogwood, and birches. Managers plan to keep the vegetation in this core area in a 15- to 20-year-old age class. Partners: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Wildlife Management Institute.