Working with Nature at Gunstock

- A Survey on Conservation Efforts at Gunstock Mountain Resort

Keeping Gunstock's beautiful setting of forest, streams, ponds, wetlands and ridge line vistas is great for recreation and the environment. We'd like your feedback on recent conservation projects by the Belknap County Conservation District* and ideas for activities to enrich your experience with nature.

The County Conservation District and Gunstock Mountain Resort have worked together for decades on soil and water conservation efforts. Since 2017, these projects include a Forest Management Plan, restoring 3 miles of stream habitat, repair and reconstruction of the Wetland Walk Boardwalk including volunteer work days, conservation workshops, new interpretive signs and information displays and wildlife habitat openings.

Please answer the following 9 questions. It should take just a few minutes!

*Belknap County Conservation District provides natural resource advice and assistance to landowners and communities. The District is managed by a volunteer board approved by the State Conservation Committee and funded in part by Belknap County with assistance from grants, donations and fund-raising efforts, volunteers and partner organizations.

This project is supported by funds from sale of the Conservation License Plate (Moose Plate) through the NH State Conservation Committee grant program and the New England Forest and River Fund.

Question Title

* 1. Which activities do you participate in at Gunstock Mountain Resort?

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

Snow tubing

Nordic skiing and snowshoeing

Camping

Walking, jogging, hiking or bicycling

Segway tours and guided hikes

Zipline

Scenic lift rides

Adventure Park, Mountain Coaster, Discover Coaster and Treetop Adventure

Special Events - County Days

Dog-related events

Special Events - Soulfest, Brewfest, etc.

Special Events for Kids - Kids Fishing Day, etc.

Attend Meetings, Conferences and Workshops

Assist with volunteer projects

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. What conservation activities are important to you?

Protecting air and water quality

Improving stream conditions to reduce sediment and enhance habitat for fish and other aquatic species .

Managing forests to ensure sustainability of forest cover, recreation and scenic values, improve wildlife habitat and protect the watershed, stream corridors, wetlands and special plant communities.

Creating small openings in forest canopy to enhance wildlife habitat for American Woodcock, a declining bird species and other species that need this type of habitat.

Reducing erosion and sediment by maintaining vegetation on slopes and plantings and catchment structures adjacent to roads and parking areas designed to limit impact on water quality.

Retention of forest and agricultural lands as open space and working lands to protect water quality and the scenic character of the landscape and other resource values.

Interpretive trails like the Wetland Walk that offer access to natural features and habitat and offer interesting explanation of the area.

Plantings for pollinator species to help support declining insect populations such as Monarch Butterflies and bees and offer wildlife habitat, scenic and educational benefits.

Conservation projects show good management practices that can be used by private landowners and on other public lands.

Opportunities to learn more about natural resources through field trips and interpretive talks and hands-on displays and activities.

Landscaping for stormwater management

Question Title

* 3. Due to logging in the 1800's, there's little large wood in streams to slow storm water, reduce streambank erosion, and create fish habitat. An Assessment of Poorfarm Brook at Gunstock by Trout Unlimited confirmed the need for adding wood to the stream. Trout Unlimited completed this recommended work in 2018 under a State permit. What do you think about this practice? Should in-stream wood additions to reduce sediment and improve fish habitat be a priority in other streams?

Yes, I've seen stream restoration using large wood and think it makes sense to do.

I haven't seen wood additions in streams but it sounds like a good idea since state and federal natural resource agencies support it with appropriate permits and landowner approval.

I would need more information about this practice to offer an opinion.

I would like to visit one of these stream restoration projects and learn more about this.

No.

No opinion.

Additional Comments

Question Title

* 4. Reconstruction of the Wetland Walk, a 1/4 mile accessible boardwalk loop at Gunstock, offers a great opportunity to learn about forested wetlands, and view an active beaver dam. This work was supported by hundreds of volunteers, donations and several grants. Have you ever visited the Wetland Walk?

Yes

Comments

Question Title

* 5. Conservation plans may not be exciting, but they are an essential tool to meet long-term objectives. Gunstock's Forest Management Plan focuses on protecting recreation opportunities like tree cover sheltering the ski slopes, while also protecting water quality, streams, enhancing wildlife habitat (like American woodcock) and providing economic revenue. This plan, prepared by a licensed forester, provides 20-year recommendations for managing Gunstock's forest lands. Do you agree with Gunstock's Forest Management Plan priorities?

Yes. The Forest Plan ensures that Gunstock's recreation opportunities and setting are retained for the future. Recreation as the main priority. Other objectives like enhancing water quality and wildlife habitat are also important.

Yes. With over 1800 acres of publicly owned forest land at Gunstock, it is important to have a Forest Management Plan to sustain the forest and meet all the objectives over time.

Recreation and scenic values need to be balanced with improving forest condition for high quality timber and potential economic benefit from timber harvest.

I need more information to form an opinion on the Forest Plan and its objectives.

Is a Forest Plan needed if the objective is protecting the recreation opportunities at Gunstock?

No opinion.

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. Two wildlife openings are planned at Gunstock to provide habitat for bird species with declining populations such as the American woodcock and some songbirds. Both openings (1 and 2 1/2 acres) are adjacent to trails and will have an interpretive sign and kiosk. What are your suggestions for promoting this practice on other lands?

Provide a special tour of the site during the woodcock's spring mating season to watch their "aerial dance".

Share woodcock habitat recommendations with foresters and landowners interested in this practice.

Other (please explain)

Question Title

* 7. What type of experiences would you like to see at Gunstock?

Guided walks focused on conservation themes : Watersheds - Connecting Peak to Lake, Wood in Streams, Exploring Wetlands, Openings in the Forest, Planting for Pollinators, Digging into Soil, Conserving for Generations.

Visiting Naturalists

Exploring nature series for families

More Special events with nature theme - Kid's Fishing Day, Gunstock Bird Count, Fish and aquatic survey. Meet Smokey Bear and animal mascots for Gunstock and Belknap County Conservation District.

Nature-oriented fund-raising events

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 8. Gunstock Mountain Resort includes about 2000 acres of County owned land managed as a four-season recreation area. Because Gunstock is public land with over 230,000 visitors annually, there's an opportunity to demonstrate good conservation practices and encourage others to use these practices.

Does information about conserving the environment at Gunstock enhance your recreation experience?

I just enjoy recreation activities at Gunstock and haven't thought about it as a conservation area.

I’m interested in learning more about what's happening at Gunstock regarding conserving natural resources.

I would be interested in participating in activities like a nature walk to see some of the conservation efforts at Gunstock.

I’m interested in finding out about getting involved with conservation projects like volunteer trail maintenance, wildlife surveys and pollinator plantings.

Not interested.

Here is my contact info:

Question Title

* 1. Which activities do you participate in at Gunstock Mountain Resort?

Question Title

* 2. What conservation activities are important to you?

Question Title

Question Title

Question Title

Question Title

Question Title

* 7. What type of experiences would you like to see at Gunstock?

Question Title

Question Title

* 9. Is there anything else you would like to share that this poll does not cover?