Our Commitment
Conserving forests for meaningful impact.
The Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest has been protected for more than two decades by a conservation easement that thoughtfully considers the whole forest ecosystem—the people, plants, and wildlife that rely on it. That easement also protects the culture and heritage of logging and the wood products industry that remain a critical part of the North Country economy. At Aurora Sustainable Lands, we share this commitment to actively managing the working forest and respecting its many contributions to the region. This is why we are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for adhering to the highest standards in forest management practices.
Our long-term management will follow both the spirit and the letter of this conservation easement. We are working closely with local and state officials to honor the property’s traditional timber harvest and recreational uses, as well as ensure the important role this land plays in protecting water quality, providing habitat for a variety of plant and wildlife species, and moderating climate change.
Our Vision
The Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest has long been a diverse property supporting the local timber economy, recreation, tourism, and the biodiversity of Northern New Hampshire. The property’s protection under a conservation easement further underscores its importance for the people and wildlife of the state—now, and far into the future.
Aurora Sustainable Lands is proud to be the next steward of this beautiful property in partnership with the local communities and state agencies. Working together, we can guarantee this forest remains healthy, accessible to the public, and provides forest products to regional and international industries. Our integrated forest management approach includes meeting these societal needs as well as using forestlands as the oldest and most effective carbon removal tool to generate nature-based carbon credits with unrivaled reliability, durability, and quality. It is not an “either or;” it is a “both and” approach that supports the forest’s natural role in contributing to a more resilient climate.
Recreation
The Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest is a destination in Northern New Hampshire for its snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, and fishing. The property’s pristine waters and diverse plant and animal species make it an ideal place to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Limited camp lots are available for lease across the forest for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the property.
Aurora is passionate about sharing this special place with those who enjoy it most. We work with the state in managing hunting, trapping, and fishing as well as maintaining parking lots, informational kiosks, and pit toilets to enhance the recreational experience on the property. We’re also supporting improvements to roads, trails, and stream crossings to protect water quality and make access easier and safer—both for visitors and wildlife.
Timber Harvesting
Timber harvesting has been an important part of this forest’s lifecycle for more than 100 years. From the extraction of the highest valued timber that was sent on log drives downstream to waiting sawmills, to cutting and sending tons of desired fiber to papermills by rail and truck, this rugged land base has seen a great deal of infrastructure development and harvest activity. During this time, the legal requirements and best management practices for harvesting timber and trucking of forest products have greatly improved our understanding of how to protect water quality, enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat, while still providing a sustainable flow of forest products into the future.
With a forest management plan built on sound principals that utilizes property-wide and stand-level inventories, a sustainable timber harvest program will support local jobs for foresters, road contractors, loggers, truckers, and the businesses that use these forest products near and far. Additionally, many local businesses benefit from these activities through the sales of fuel, groceries, and by providing maintenance and repair services.
Aurora is committed to working with and supporting the timber industry of the region. Active management will play an essential role in maintaining forest health, biodiversity, and the growth of high-valued forest products.
Habitats & Biodiversity
This forest contains a variety of habitats and is home to more than 200 species of plants and wildlife, including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Certain plants and trees, like the northern white cedar and black ash, uniquely thrive in the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest. The mix of forest age-classes and tree species provide food and cover for many popular game species including moose, deer, bear, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, and American woodcock. Several rare, threatened, and endangered species can also be found on the property including the Canada Lynx and Upland Sandpiper.
All these species live in delicate balance with each other and the people who use the land. Our foresters continually survey the property to understand the habitats and refine our forest management practices. We’re partnering with environmental groups and the University of New Hampshire to not just conserve the biodiversity of the forest, but to make certain it flourishes.
Education
The Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest, with its scenic beauty, sustains wildlife, recreational activities, the environment, and the local economy. It is also a place where we can learn a great deal about native species and gain a deeper understanding of Northern New Hampshire ecosystems.
We’re supporting the efforts of New Hampshire Audubon in researching the Rusty Blackbird, a species which has experienced steep decline. We’ve also opened the property up to the University of New Hampshire to conduct drone-based moose monitoring to track their population. We’re excited about existing and future collaboration with local nonprofits, government entities, and universities in supporting research opportunities.
Carbon Storage
Forests—and especially hardwood forests—have a natural ability to capture and store carbon from the atmosphere. They are a powerful tool in building climate resiliency. The amount of carbon stored in forest trees is calculated and converted into credits, helping us measure progress toward mitigating climate change. In fact, the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest has been enrolled in a carbon credit program since 2013.
Healthy forests have the highest ability to capture and store carbon and, at Aurora, we understand that the healthiest forests balance conservation with use. That’s why we pledge to keep this property as a working forest. We will continue to conduct strategic timber harvests, foster the diversity of wildlife on the property, and maintain access for recreation—all important to the local economy and the forest’s long-term vitality.
