Tin Mountain Outlines Plans for New Timberlands Acquisition Thanks to an anonymous donor with a passionate interest in sustainable forestry, Tin Mountain Conservation Center recently purchased 1,181 acres of timberland in Conway from The Nature Conservancy. The donor, who provided all funds necessary to purchase the land, believes that Tin Mountain has earned the support and confidence of local communities and is uniquely positioned to teach by example about sustainable forest management and to impart a strong stewardship ethic. The lands obtained are a portion of the former Bear Paw lands that were donated to The Nature Conservancy in 1998. According to Tin Mountain's Board of Trustees Chair, David Sturdevant, Acquisition of the timberlands not only protects dwindling productive forestland in the valley from future development, but it also provides Tin Mountain with new education opportunities and a chance to demonstrate that well-managed forest lands can make economic and ecological sense. This was a very generous gift, and we plan to make certain that it is a wise investment for the future of our local communities and our organization. Tin Mountain is perhaps best known for its environmental education programs in local schools, summer nature camps, and community nature program series. However, among its official purposes drafted 26 years ago are to promote understanding of forest management, wildlife management, ecology, and conservation practices . through operation and maintenance of outdoor classrooms where various practices may be observed in action, to educate the general public regarding good forest management, and to maintain properties dedicated to good conservation practices. "The land was carefully managed in the past, is well stocked with high volumes of timber, and includes many valuable ecological and recreational natural features, said Tin Mountain Executive Director and forester Michael Cline. "The timing of this major gift could not be better. Our new nature learning center was constructed with the goal of putting locally harvested and processed wood in the hands of local craftsmen. Now, owning our own forestland, Tin Mountain can demonstrate responsible forest management to supply that local timber and conserve the forests that underpin our traditional way of life. "The once thriving forest products industry in the valley has decline dramatically over the past half century, stated Cline, "but it is not too late to reverse that decline by taking stock of our renewable forest resource. Through education and example, Tin Mountain will promote the value of owning and managing forestland, measures that slow the fragmentation of forest ownerships, as well as filling gaps in primary and secondary wood processing capacity necessary to support a productive forest products sector. Tin Mountain also plans to use the lands for education programs and will continue to provide public access for traditional recreational activities. Tin Mountain Teacher/Naturalist Emberly Hudak has used portions the property as a study site for past classes from Molly Ockett Middle School. "The size and proximity of the property makes it a great field trip destination, and the diverse forest types, streams, and wetlands provide an array of teaching opportunities. My eighth grade classes spent many hours collecting forest and wildlife inventory data on the land when it belonged to The Nature Conservancy. All of the lands purchased have a conservation easement held by the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust that prohibits development and helps ensure sustainable forest management.