Vermont Coverts is an organization of landowners committed to make well-informed decisions that meet their forest management goals and enhance diverse wildlife habitat and healthy ecosystems. We have an active group in Caledonia County and invite any landowner to join our events, which are generally walks looking at land management practices.

On Wednesday, October 10, we will return to the Peacham Town Forest to check out the logging work done this past February and March. The forest has a lot of declining balsam fir and the cut was designed to salvage some value for the town while regenerating an area of the forest that has been unproductive. In the process, habitats have been changed and we'll look that over. Red elderberry is rampant in this forest. About eight years ago, a number of small patches were created by harvesting a few fir here and there in an attempt to regenerate fir. Those openings filled with elderberry which apparently inhibited fir regeneration. This time county forester Matt Langlais worked with logger Joe Layn to harvest more aggressively including a 5 or 6 acre clear-cut, new skid trails and a number of small patches.

Matt will lead the walk beginning at 2:30 pm at the Peacham Town Forest. Vehicle access is from the Marshfield side. We'll be out of the woods by 4:30. Walking will be on skid trails in fairly level terrain.

Let me know if you'd like to join us. Those coming from Peacham can car pool from the church. Tim McKay 592-3366, or reply via email.