Natural Resources Chapter of the Master Plan - Town of Wolfeboro

Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfeboro, NH
Forests are comprised of more than just trees. Forests are unique ecosystems and are vital in
providing key habitats for various wildlife, providing nutrients to the various plant species, and
in providing food and shelter for insects, birds and animals. The majority of Wolfeboro‟s woods
are a mosaic of Hemlock, Hardwood and Pine.
The following table provides detailed information on these forest types.
Table 5: Existing Forest Types in Wolfeboro
Forest Type Description Location
Hemlock-
Hardwood-Pine
Lowland Spruce-
Fir
Floodplain
Forest
Transitional forests, occurring between hardwood
conifer and oak-pine forests. This common forest type
is comprised of dry, sandy soils with red oak and white
pine. When these forests have been burned regularly
over time, they may be able to support a pitch-pine
sand plains system.
A mosaic of lowland spruce-fir forest and red spruce
swamp communities. Support a wide variety of species,
many which are heavily dependent on this forest
system.
Occur in valleys adjacent to river channels and are
prone to periodic flooding. Also referred to as riparian
forests, they support diverse natural communities,
protect and enhance water quality by filtering and
sequestering pollution, and control erosion and
sediment. Because their rich soil has been used for
agriculture for centuries, many floodplains are no
longer forested wildlife habitat.
Entire Town
Small regions near
Ossipee and
Tuftonboro border
Small regions near
Back Bay and
Cresent Lake, as
well as western
side of Lake
Wentworth
N.H. Fish & Wildlife Service: 2005.
Recent data show that loss of forested land in Wolfeboro is on the increase. In 2001, there were
24,146 forested acres in Wolfeboro, or 78.7 percent of the Town, which was a 4.3 percent loss of
forested land since 1993. It is predicted by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department that
by 2025, there will be 22,972 forested acres in Wolfeboro, or 74.8 percent of the Town.
Town Forests & Forest Management
Currently, there is only one town-owned forest in Wolfeboro. Located on Allen Road, the Tutt
Lot Forest contains approximately five acres, and is permanently conserved by the town.
Natural Resources Inventory, Wolfeboro, NH 11