Upcoming Discussion Series on Biodiversity in the Upper Valley
For many of us, spending time in the forest is a crucial part of life in the Upper Valley. Our forests offer a place to hike, cross-country ski, and relax in nature. They provide wood for our fires, sequester our carbon emissions, and purify our air.
These forests are also home to vital and complex ecosystems — and their health is facing severe threats, including deer overabundance and invasive species.
This spring, UVLT is partnering with more than 20 conservation and environmental groups and public agencies to present a series of public discussions exploring these issues and possible solutions, titled Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Declining Biodiversity in Upper Valley Forests. Over the summer, we’ll follow those talks with field visits and outdoor programming.
We hope you will join us for one or more of these events in person at Hanover’s Howe Library (no registration required) or online via Zoom (register using links in the session descriptions below).
Can’t make it in real time? Each of the sessions will be recorded and posted on the Howe Library’s YouTube page.
Session 1: Why Forests are Essential for Us and the Planet
April 18, 6-7:30 PM
Howe Library Mayer Room, Hanover, NH
Forests are far more than trees—they also include understory plants, wildlife, insects, and soil microbes. Our speakers will discuss these ecosystems, provide a brief history of New England’s forests, and share the many ecological, cultural, and economic benefits they provide for us and our planet.
They will also address current research on challenges to the health of our forests and their ability to regenerate. For example, as global warming continues to impact forests, their ability to sequester carbon — and slow warming — will be affected, creating a negative feedback loop.
Speakers:
- Shersingh Joseph Tumber-Dávila, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College
- Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County Forester
- Katharine Servidio, Forest Economy Program Manager for VT
Moderator:
- Meg Sheehan, Lyme Conservation Commission
Session 2: Oh Deer: Impact of Deer on Upper Valley Forests
May 1, 6-7:30 PM
Howe Library Mayer Room, Hanover, NH
Deer overpopulation has myriad negative impacts, from disease transmission to reduced biodiversity. This session will address deer population control with a focus on the role of hunting. Speakers will address questions including: How do we know the density of deer, and what is the “tipping point” at which deer damage our forests? How can individuals and all landowners help reduce deer pressure on our wild areas? Are there changes in hunting rules or hunting practices that could reduce deer density? Do we have enough hunters?
Speakers:
- Jenn Goulet (Norwich) and Gary Moore (Bradford), on “Why I Hunt”
- Becky Fuda, Wildlife Biologist/Deer Project Leader, NH Fish and Wildlife Department
- Nick Fortin, VT Wildlife Biologist, author of 2023 Deer Harvest Report
- Ryan Rebozo, Director of Conservation Science, VT Center for Ecostudies
- Bill Lapan, President, Grafton County Fish and Game Association
Moderator:
- Gary Moore, former VT Fish & Game Commissioner
Session 3: (Open) Space Invaders: How Invasive Plants Threaten Biodiversity
May 22, 6-7:30 PM
Howe Library Mayer Room
Zoom link
The Upper Valley’s high deer population regularly overbrowse certain types of vegetation. This allows the non-native plants that deer do not eat to grow unchecked, impacting wildlife habitats and diversity within the forest understory. Some of these plant invaders are especially difficult to remove.
Our speakers will discuss how to plan, prioritize, budget, and recruit public support for efforts to remove these invasive species. They will also address the question of what should replace removed plants.
Speakers:
- Steve Mortillo, Natural Resources Program Lead, Saint Gaudens National Historical Park and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
- Markus Bradley, Redstart Forestry
- Li Shen, Thetford Conservation Commission
- Lynnwood Andrews, Norwich Conservation Commission
- Pattie Fried, Mascoma Lakeside Park Restoration Program in Enfield
- Barbara McIlroy, Hanover Conservation Commission
Moderator:
- Sarah Riley, Chair, Lebanon Conservation Commission
