The Walpole Conservation Commission has contracted with Christopher Ricci Timber Harvesting (Walpole, NH) to conduct a timber harvest in the Hooper Forest. The work area comprises around 46 acres of land, and all proceeds from the sale of the timber will benefit the Frederick H. Hooper Institute. The warm winter has posed a challenge to getting the work done, but cutting is finally underway. Some wood has already been brought to the landing for processing and trucking. Town Forester Alex Barrett has shared some photos of the work in progress (see slideshow below).
Looking up into the red pine from the road as the feller buncher makes its first entry. © Alex Barrett 
This is what the spacing will largely look like in the irregular shelterwood (red pine) area. Note: The bunches of felled wood have not been picked up yet. © Alex Barrett 
The bear tree on the path by the black gum swamp. © Alex Barrett 
Signage asking people to stay away until the harvest is complete. © Alex Barrett 
The feller buncher working in Unit 2. Note the reserve trees in the patch cuts. There is a lot of wood on the ground! © Alex Barrett 
A hitch of wood being hauled away from Unit 5. © Alex Barrett 
White oaks in Unit 6 were left for wildlife and seed sourcing. It will be fun to see these trees flourish. © Alex Barrett 
The landing set up with the loader and chipper. © Alex Barrett 
The partially cut shelterwood in the red pine, looking down toward Walpole and the Connecticut River. The snowmobile trail is to the left. © Alex Barrett 
Bridge mats are used to armor a smushy area along the haul road. These will be removed after the harvest. © Alex Barrett 
Efforts have been made to retain wildlife structures like this snag in one of the larger patch cuts. © Alex Barrett 
10 year growth increments on a red pine log. Increased growth in the early 1980s when the forest was thinned can be seen. © Alex Barrett