Commission lays out 2025 project plans: wildlife transect, gates, knotweed control and trails

At its Jan. 8 meeting, the Randolph Forest Commission outlined a set of 2025 projects including wildlife monitoring, infrastructure investments and invasive-species control.

Chair Mark Kelley said the commission will contact wildlife specialist Elise Lawson to schedule transect clearing and will invite a wildlife biologist from New Hampshire Fish and Game to speak at a future meeting. David Willcox reported he had heard that federal pilot grants for wildlife crossings were awarded to sites in Maine and Massachusetts; Kelley said he will check with the committee that had worked on the crossing to determine local status. Forester David DeGruttola said Jacob DeBow is willing to discuss beaver relocation as one option for addressing local beaver issues.

Kelley said the commission plans to build two gates—one for immediate use and one to keep in reserve—and DeGruttola will bring cost estimates to the next meeting. Kelley raised washouts on the road to the warming hut; DeGruttola said the snowmobile club is likely responsible and recommended meeting with the club in March to plan repairs. For invasive-species control, the commission plans to treat knotweed at Farrar Farm in early spring and will contact Joel White of Lancaster, who is now licensed for that work; DeGruttola emphasized the need to use a licensed contractor on Community Forest property.

The commission discussed the Potter Tract bronto work and scarification project and DeGruttola said he would meet NH Fish and Game to identify a wildlife opening location. On Jimtown logging road, DeGruttola said he will assess needs once snow melts; options for crossings discussed included cement barriers with timber mats or a stone ford with riprap, which Tim Mather said would not affect the Randolph Ramble.

Kelley said the commission needs a mowing map to organize roadside and trail mowing, and discussed a potential trail on property donated by the Meiklejohns that could connect with Durand Lake; Willcox noted boggy conditions that may require bog bridges and suggested mapping this year with construction next year (possible contract with RMC). Kelley also reported that backcountry skiing signs are in place and noted the town received a letter about closed parking near Randolph Hill Road; he will follow up with Chief Cloutier on the radio-tower questions raised by residents.

The commission did not take additional formal action on these planning items at the Jan. 8 meeting.