MIDDLETON, NH—More than 20 regional land use board members from Strafford and Carroll counties learned a little more about wildlife and where to find it at a recent workshop in Middleton, NH. Moose Mountains Regional Greenways organized the July 19 workshop “Where the Wild Things Are” featuring UNH Cooperative Extension Wildlife Specialist Darrel Covell.
Covell described a recent analysis of wildlife habitats completed by the NH Fish and Game Department. The study results, which are based on the NH Fish and Game Department publication “Identifying and Protecting New Hampshire's Significant Wildlife Habitat,” were mapped by individual New Hampshire community.
One set of maps highlighted specific habitat types that different species need to survive, such as riparian corridors along rivers and lakes, different types of wetlands, agricultural lands and other cleared areas, and south-facing slopes. Other rare and unique habitats were also mapped, such as pine barrens, alpine zones and salt marshes. All living things depend upon each specific habitat type; many rely upon more than one.
…“That's where you'll find them—in these large, unfragmented blocks of green,” Covell said pointing to the map. “These blocks encompass the different habitat types needed to support a diversity of native wildlife.”…
Other maps highlighted the large, unfragmented blocks of roadless open space within each town. Roads, particularly paved roads with frequent traffic, create barriers to wildlife movement. Many creatures need extensive tracts of undeveloped land in order to survive. “In general, the larger the animal, the wider it ranges,” explained Covell. Small creatures such as squirrels, skunks, and most reptiles and amphibians can live comfortably on less than 25 acres of land. However, larger mammals and birds, such as black bear, moose, hawks and eagles, each require more than 1,000 acres in which to roam.
“That's where you'll find them—in these large, unfragmented blocks of green,” Covell said pointing to the map. “These blocks encompass the different habitat types needed to support a diversity of native wildlife.”
Darrel Covell, a native of Pittsburg, New Hampshire, joined UNH Cooperative Extension in 2001. He helps coordinate the NH Coverts Program, a UNHCE-run program of “volunteers working for wildlife.” For more information, call 603-862-3594 or check www.ceinfo.unh.edu
The workshop was presented by Moose Mountains Regional Greenways, a non-profit organization that works to conserve and connect the most special undeveloped lands of Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham and Wakefield, New Hampshire. For more information about Moose Mountains or land conservation, call 603-817-8260 or check www.moosemountaingreenway.org.
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