Conservation Commission Notes

Historically in New England, the ponds above abandoned beaver dams eventually grew into grassy meadows, and Native American people created grasslands when they burned the land for agriculture. In more recent times fire suppression, human restrictions on beaver activities, natural forest succession, as well as human development have reduced grasslands habitat to less than 4% of the New Hampshire landscape. Consequently, natural grasslands are a rare sight in the state, yet 150 species of wildlife use open, grassy areas of fields and wildflowers to meet their needs for food, cover, and breeding. Grasslands of any size provide valuable habitat for wildlife in New Hampshire. And in today’s landscape they are comprised mostly of hayfields, pastures, fallow fields, and include airports, capped landfills, and croplands.

Some familiar grassland species include, to name just a few, American Kestrel, Bobolink, Northern Harrier, Blanding’s and Wood turtles, snakes, mammals, and monarch butterflies.

Two well-known species we see in Cornish are the American Kestrel and the Bobolink.

The American Kestrel is the smallest and most colorful of our three falcons, and the only raptor whose population is declining. In the summer it is often seen perched on telephone wires or poles at the edge of a field, or hovering in place as it hunts for its favorite prey, grasshoppers. They nest in tree cavities. The northern birds we see locally migrate the farthest, to southern US and Mexico each winter. Pesticide use in winter and breeding ranges, migration dangers, and lack of nesting sites near to grassland habitat have contributed to a 90% decline in this species in New Hampshire. Leaving tree snags and stumps in place, reducing pesticide use, and installing nest boxes are a few ways we can assist this small, but mighty raptor.

The male Bobolink, in its stunning black, white, and yellow plumage and its bubbling song is a welcome spring arrival. It is one of the longest distance migrants, flying 12,500 miles round trip each year from winter grounds in southern South America to breeding ranges in northern US states. This bird is in significant decline due to grassland habitat loss—they nest and feed on the ground, requiring uninterrupted fields of 5+ acres or more. They eat insects and seeds and produce only 1 brood per year. Early mowing (May-July) in fields where Bobolink are nesting can result in chick death and nest failure.

Without the work of farmers and other landowners, most grasslands would quickly revert to forest. Working to find a balance between farming needs and reducing negative impacts on wildlife is important. If you own uncultivated fields, a good wildlife management practice to encourage grassland nesters and users, is to keep the fields open by mowing in the fall, at least every 3-5 years to discourage tree and shrub growth.  Focus land conservation efforts on large grasslands, of 25+ acres or more. When/if possible, mow a hayfield after August 1, when young birds have fledged, or ideally between August and October to also allow for late flowering natives. If earlier summer mowing of fields is required consider consulting with UNH Cooperative extension office at 603-862-3594, or NH Fish and Game 603-271-2461 to learn more about mowing techniques to reduce impact on breeding birds, and/or discuss the cost-share programs to offset the cost of implementing such mowing mitigation practices, or visit NH Audubon.

Conservation Commission Notes

Wildlife corridors are exactly that. They are the paths that animals use on a regular basis to get from one habitat location to another. The animals don’t make the corridors their permanent homes; they pass through them to get to a habitat area that meets at least their basic needs of food, water, and shelter. Some corridors may be seasonal as animals move from summer to winter habitats and then back when food or shelter runs low, or they move to areas for mating and/or egg laying. Some animals such as bear, bobcat and coyote require large habitat areas and regularly move through connecting corridors on a regular basis.

We often associate wildlife corridors with mammals but fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and even insects use corridors as part of their life cycle. In the spring turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders all move from woodlands to wetlands and/or vernal pools and after mating and laying eggs they then disperse returning along their different corridors. These slow-moving creatures are at increased risk of death when a road (a human corridor) bisects their required path of travel. Turtles have the added issues of low nestling survival rates and a late age for reproductive maturity.

Streams and rivers serve as corridors for beavers, minks, otters as well as some species of fish. These animals can easily move up and down these corridors, building new homes as conditions change; but some bridges and dams can make passage difficult if not impossible for these creatures, particularly fish. The Atlantic Salmon in the Connecticut River has essentially been extirpated from its native habitat despite efforts to help it bypass the dams that have kept it from original spawning grounds. In the northeast, dam removal and restoration efforts continue on smaller streams and rivers, restoring natural flow and improving the habitat and biodiversity along beds and banks.

Birds also use corridors called flyways. Different species use different flyways, but the Connecticut River Valley is often used by waterfowl such as Canada geese and many species of ducks. Some mountains in the area are excellent places to spot hawks on their seasonal migrations as they use the air thermals around the mountains to reduce energy needs and assist them in their journeys. Many species of songbirds travel thousands of miles each year to get to and from their breeding areas. These birds add their songs and flashes of color to the spring and summer landscape. Bats also use corridors to get to caves where they hibernate during the cold months of the year.

Roads and bridges, subdivisions, building construction, fencing, farming, dams, and other land uses that alter the landscape can all cause serious disruption to wildlife. Corridors that are compromised and cannot be traversed easily may stress animals, result in reduced life spans, lower reproduction rates, or even loss of a species.

Ensuring safe wildlife corridors as gateways between suitably large parcels of undeveloped habitats is one way to help balance human and wildlife needs in the rural landscape. The presence of, and or need for wildlife corridors is one of several important factors used by the Cornish Conservation Commission when assessing support for new land conservation projects in Cornish.