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U.S. Forest Service


Bartlett Experimental Forests's 75th Anniversary

By Colleen Mainville on Nov 11, 2007

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An open house filled with family friendly activities was held on October 20 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Bartlett Experimental Forest.

On Saturday, October 20, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Bartlett Experimental Forest was celebrated with a family-friendly open house. The Bartlett Experimental Forest, a 2,600-acre tract on the Saco Ranger District of the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) is used by Forest Service scientists to study various aspects of forest ecology and the effects of forest management on the forest and the wildlife that lives there. Established in 1931, this experimental forest was chosen because its elevation, soils, climate, and tree composition was typical of northern New England and New York. The Experimental Forest is managed by the Northern Research Station (NRS). Ultimately, the purpose of the research is to improve management of natural resources. On Saturday the emphasis was on fun with demonstrations and hands on discovery programs that let the public explore what goes on within an experimental forest.

The activities included a research tour on the forest led by scientists Bill Leak and Mariko Yamasaki and a live raptor demonstration by members of the New Hampshire Falconers Association. Tree climbing lessons were given by Northern Research Station employees Jon Janelle and Ian Halm, and certified climber Anna Johnston from the WMNF. The WMNF wildland fire management program and field equipment was showcased by John Neely. NRS wildlife biologist Chris Costello, WMNF recreation planner Kori Marchowsky supported the kids using radio-telemetry to find various animals on the site. The Construction & Maintenance crew from the WMNF provided several pieces of heavy equipment for kids of all ages to examine.

With assistance from conservation educators Clare Long ,WMNF, and Susan Cox, NA S&PF, and Wendy Scribner, UNH Cooperative Extension, Ron Shorey, WMNF and Angel Karedes,NRS many youngsters earned Junior Ranger badges through hands-on forestry and wildlife activities. The ever-popular Smokey Bear was accompanied by Ranger Bob Boyd from the Forest Protection Bureau of the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. Boy Scouts from Troop 150 conducted a service project, providing coffee, cider, doughnuts, hamburgers and hot dogs to ensure no one was hungry.

Kudos go to WMNF personnel and volunteers Janice Mulherin, Roger Boyer, Betty Hayes, Jean Durfee, and Susie Spruce-Eland who provided great logistic support including parking, information, awards ceremony coordination, and Junior Ranger program assistance throughout the day. The weather was wonderful and many smiling faces of all ages were captured throughout the day by NRS forester/photographer Ken Dudzik.

An awards luncheon to recognize the many unsung community, cooperator, and Forest Service folks who are essential to the ongoing success of Bartlett Experimental Forest was held . Associate Deputy Chief of Research and Development, Jim Reaves, White Mountain NF Supervisor Tom Wagner, and NRS Assistant Director Tom Schmidt addressed the gathering. WMNF Forest Supervisor Tom Wagner presented John Brissette a framed photo by Forest Service retiree Ned Therrian and NRS Project Leader John Brissette presented Certificates of Appreciation to almost 40 volunteers, cooperators, and NRS and White Mountain National Forest employees.

Aproximately 200 people attended the day long event including some Forest Service retirees, Frank Hagan and Susie Spruce-Eland from WMNF; and Frank Williams, Larry Safford, and Tony Federer from NRS.