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New Hampshire’s Connecticut Lakes Headwaters
The Nature Conservancy in April 2002 acquired 25,000 acres to establish the largest natural area in New Hampshire’s spectacular Connecticut Lakes region. Part of a 171,500-acre block of contiguous protected land, the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Natural Area includes rugged mountain peaks, remote ponds, lush wetlands and rich lowland forests that provide habitat for migratory songbirds, waterfowl and wide-ranging mammals including several rare species.
Common Loon |
Strategic Importance
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Ecological Significance: The area includes more than 1,800 acres of diverse wetlands including rare and unique bogs and fens, and offers habitat should the Canada Lynx return to New Hampshire. Its acquisition will aid efforts to restore old growth to the Great North Woods
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Preservation Impact: The 25,000-acre Natural Area is part of the 171,500-acre Connecticut Lakes Headwaters property, a public-private initiative to protect the largest contiguous block of New Hampshire land in private ownership.
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Management: Some 15,000 acres will be maintained as a nature preserve, to develop the large old trees and other special habitat features that are trademarks of the dwindling old-growth forests in New England. The remaining 10,000 acres will be a wildlife management area for the protection of native animals. Some timber harvesting will be conducted here, and the area will be open to the public for hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-county skiing, bird watching and other recreational activities.
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Partners: The Trust for Public Land (TPL), the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and the State of New Hampshire.
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Plans: The Conservancy is working with the State of New Hampshire to transfer the property to the Fish and Game Department subject to a conservation easement—to be held by The Nature Conservancy—that assures the property will be managed in perpetuity for native biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and traditional recreation. The TPL plans to hold the remainder of the property temporarily until officials can assemble the funding needed for its permanent conservation and transfer to a private timber investor.  |
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Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Facts
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Size: 25,000 acres
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Location: The tip of northern New Hampshire, in Coos County
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Elevation: Two mountain peaks, Salmon Mountain and Mount Kent, rise above 3,000 feet
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Riparian Areas: Includes more than 50 miles of undeveloped stream frontage
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Species: Common loon, pied-billed grebe, spruce grouse, black-backed woodpecker, Bicknell’s thrush, moose, deer, black bear, fishers, and the state-threatened American marten
Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Landscape |
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