Pitcher Mountain Farm & Andorra Forest

Andorra Forest - critical conservation.

Jim and Mary Faulkner began purchasing timberlands in New Hampshire in 1937. Over time, they assembled a collection of properties, 11,500 acres in total, known as the Andorra Forest. The land is currently managed by the Andorra Forest Limited Partnership, representing several generations of family members. The property encompasses the northwestern portion of Stoddard and also includes land in the towns of Washington, Sullivan, Gilsum, and Marlow.

In 1990 the family donated a conservation easement for the entire property to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Andorra Forest is managed as a sustainable “tree farm,” aiming to maximize four benefits of the land according to the longstanding Tree Farm System: wood production, water quality, recreation, and wildlife. It is one of the largest privately held forests under conservation easement in the eastern United States.

A year later, in 1991, the family designated 2,685 acres of the property as the Wildcat Hollow wilderness area where virtually all human activity beyond certain pedestrian uses is prohibited. The property supports critical wildlife habitat, and is managed on a “forever wild” basis. Wildcat Hollow became the first known protected moose breeding grounds in southwestern New Hampshire.

Andorra Forest was recognized as New Hampshire’s 2008 Tree Farm of the Year at the Farm & Forest Expo.

A history of agriculture & silviculture.

Traditional agriculture ended in the area in the late 1800s. A forest fire swept through Andorra Forest in the 1940s creating small pastures where Highland beef cattle have been raised since the 1950s.

For decades the majority of Andorra Forest had been managed as a tree farm. In recent years, a significant percent of trees have reached maturity. Commercial hardwood and softwood lumber is selectively harvested every winter when the ground is hard. Trees are harvested according to sustainable silviculture practices. Forest thinnings and canopy openings are also undertaken on an ongoing basis to encourage tree regeneration and wildlife habitat in particular areas.

One particular 50 acre section of Andorra Forest is known for prolific growth of wild highbush blueberries. For a small fee the public is allowed to come in and pick the wild bushes in late summer. Controlled burns and brush hogging are used to keep the blueberries from being overgrown.

Public use.

The entire 11,500 acres is open to the public for recreational use. Property features include Pitcher Mountain Farm, Cold Spring Pond and Andorra Pond; and Pitcher Mountain, Hubbard Hill, and Jackson Hill. Stunning panoramic views can be enjoyed from many parts of the property.

A nine-mile stretch of the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway trail runs through the property as well as several local trails which are enjoyed by snowshoers, skiers, and hikers. Snowmobiling is the only motorized use allowed.

Wildlife studies have been conducted on the property in conjunction with partners like Antioch University and the Audubon Society.