Hersey Mountain represents a collaborative venture between New England Forestry Foundation, the Northeast Wilderness Trust (NWT), and Sweet Water Trust. The 3,100-acre property was acquired by NEFF and partially financed by The Sweet Water Trust. It includes the Mike Burke Memorial Forest (500 acres) and the Knox Mountain Tree Farm (730 acres), as well as abutting private land that is under conservation easement. 

A rigorous ecological assessment of the property was conducted to determine which areas should be protected as forever-wild and which areas should be managed for forestry. The assessment resulted in the recommendation of approximately 2,100 acres for wilderness protection under a conservation easement held by the Northeast Wilderness Trust. Approximately 1,000 acres are being managed for sustainable forestry by NEFF.

Situated on a ridge between the curving Pemigewasset River and Interstate 93, Hersey Mountain is a largely roadless property, forested primarily by northern hardwoods. Used as pasturelands in the 19th century and now reverting to forestland, this property is now home to a diversity of wildlife, including moose and black bear.

“The great thing about the Hershey Mountain project is the collaboration between wilderness and sustainable forestry interests on a single forested parcel,” commented Merloyd Ludington, a board member of both NEFF and the Northeast Wilderness Trust. The Hersey project not only reflects of a partnership between organizations “but also represents fine teamwork between a forester and a biologist,” explained Ludington, “This division of the property along ecological principles is a fine model that can be replicated across the region.”

“We hope this project will serve as an example for future conservation efforts,” said Kathleen Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Northeast Wilderness Trust, “Partnerships are central to our Land Protection Program and we are thrilled to see the preservation of over 2,000 acres of wilderness for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.”

“ Forest protection for multiple values is becoming increasingly important” agreed Si Balch , NEFF’s Director of Community Forest Stewardship. “Forest landscapes are the heart, soul and capitol of New England . We are pleased to finally reach the conclusion of this project and look forward to protecting more land for multiple uses.”