Land Steward Manual, 9h edition, May 2014
Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
Land Steward
Manual
Spring 2014, 9th Edition
Land Steward Manual
Table of Contents
A Message to New Land Stewards ...... 4
Land Steward Position Description...... 5
VolunteerLand Steward Benefits...... 7
Forest Society Membership & Benefits...... 7
Optional Mileage Reimbursement ...... 7
Continued Training Opportunities...... 7
Social Opportunities…………...………………………………………………………………….. 7
Land Steward Expectations...... 8
Essential Tasks...... 8
Get to Know Your Property………………………………………………………..……………8
General Property Surveillance...... 8
Early Spring Clean-up...... 9
Mid Summer Trail Trimming....... 9
Boundary Monitoring……………………………...... 9
Trail Maintenance/Monitoring…………………………………….……………………………10
Quarterly Activity Reporting…………..……………………………………………………….10
Be a Local Ambassador for the Forest Society...... 11
Infrastructure Monitoring/Maintenance…………………………………………………… ...11
Optional Projects/Assignments……………………………………………………………… 12
Wildlife Habitat Improvement........ …..12
Lead Guided Hikes and Walks………….……………………………………………………12
Design and Build New Trails...... 12
Organize a Workday...... 13
How to Handle Specific Situations ...... 14
Vandalism ...... 14
Dumping ...... 14
Motorized Wheeled Vehicle Use...... 14
Camping/Fire Ring...... 15
Timber Trespass...... 15
Scheduled Timber Harvest…………………………………………………………………….15
Hunting/Permanent Deer Stands ...... 15
Large Trees Blocking Trail……………………………………………………………………..16
Gate Maintenance...... 16
Trail Maintenance...... 16
Seasonal Trail Tasks...... 17
Trail Marking ...... 17
Trail Signage...... ………….18
Boundary Encroachments...... 18
Safety Guidelines for Land Steward Work…………………………………………………….19
Recommended Items to Pack for a Day in the Field……………………………………..….20
Resources for Land Stewards ...... 21
Tool and Equipment Loans ...... 21
Power Tools...... …………21
Communication with Staff and Other Stewards ...... 22
Electronic Resources….…………………………………………………………………………22
Green Books……………………………………………………………………………………...22
Surveys and GIS Maps…………………………………………………………………………..23
Appendices
Appendix A: Use Guidelines for Forest Society Reservations
Appendix B: Recreation Categories for Forest Society Reservations
Appendix C: Land Steward Quarterly Reporting Forms
Appendix D: Land Steward Contact/Mailing List
Appendix E: Map, Compass, and Boundary Monitoring Information Packet
Appendix F: Timber Harvesting Information (from Good Forestry in the GraniteState)
Appendix G: BMPs for Trail Construction and Maintenance (NH Trails Bureau)
Appendix H: Good Pruning Cut Handout (from USDAForest Service)
Appendix I: How to Lead a Guided Walk
Appendix J: Important Forest Society and Emergency Contacts
A Message to New Land Stewards
Now that you have completed the required CORE Land Steward training, you can begin the important work of stewarding a Forest Society reservation. We hope that this will be a rewarding experience for you, and that you will develop an important relationship with the land and the Forest Society as an organization.
This manual will answer many of the questions you have in your work as a Land Steward. Read through it thoroughly now and use it as a reference inthe future. The Specific Situations section on pages 14-18 will provide guidance when you run into issues such as wheeled vehicle use, infrastructure maintenance needs, or trail problems. Copies of important forms and documents, such as Quarterly Report forms and SPHNF staff and land steward contacts, are provided in the appendices, as are other helpful reference materials.
This volunteer position is flexible in its demands on you. Work according to your schedule; become acquainted with your assigned property as you would
if you owned the land, report problems or special occurrences you observe, care
for the land as outlined in this manual, and perform your duties in a safe manner.
We encourage you to seek out new learning experiences through continued Land
Steward training (which will be available each year), and other organizations’
offerings. And, whenever possible, share your knowledge with others – it is
something you can give without losing anything -- in fact you will gain from it.
Although we have tried to anticipate the questions you might have and
situations you might run into, we have undoubtedly missed some. If you do not
find what you need in this manual, call or email Carrie for assistance.
If you have any questions about the information in the manual or about your
responsibilities as a Forest Society Land Steward, please contact Carrie at 224-9945ext.318 or .
Thank you for your commitment to this important program – the Forest
Society’s staff and members welcome you.
Land Steward Volunteer Position Description
(copied from the Volunteer Agreement each Land Steward signs upon training completion – a copy of your agreement should be in your training binder!)
TITLE: VolunteerLand Steward
PURPOSE OF POSITION: To assist Forest Society staff in the monitoring and management of one or more Reservations.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT: This volunteer service agreement does not have an automatic termination date, but can be terminated at any time, for any reason, by either the Forest Society or the Land Steward volunteer. Termination notice must be made in writing. We hope that you will be able to steward a property for at least 2 years.
QUALIFICATIONS: Willing to “adopt” a Forest Society Reservation within 20 miles of the Land Steward’s residence, and to gain a thorough knowledge and appreciation of that property. Willing and able to take educational courses necessary to learn appropriate stewardship practices, including the required Land Steward Core Training. Willing and physically able to perform the duties of a Forest Society Volunteer Land Steward as described below.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- General property surveillance and monitoring, and assessment of land management needs.
- Submittal of quarterly reports detailing stewardship activities.
- Removal of trash and debris from the property.
- Trail maintenance (marking trails, clearing/brushing out trail corridor, maintaining drainages, etc.)
- Monitoring infrastructure (gates, signs, kiosks, bridges, parking areas) for replacement/repair.
- Acting as a liaison for the Forest Society with local officials, property abutters, schools, other conservation groups, Forest Society members, and the general public.
- Assisting in management of recreational and educational uses of the property.
- Monitoring property boundaries for encroachments and/or maintenance needs.
- Assisting staff in additional projects as necessary on adopted reservation.
REQUIRED TIME COMMITMENT: Volunteer Land Stewards should try to visit their assigned Reservation(s) for general property surveillance at least four (4) times per year. Additional visits are encouraged, and in some circumstances fewer than four visits are necessary.
REQUIRED TRAINING: VolunteerLand Stewards must complete the CORE Land Steward Training.
BENEFITS: Core training as well as hands-on experience in the stewardship and management of conservation lands, as well as continuing opportunities for training in natural resource topics. Optional mileage reimbursement. Complimentary Forest Society membership, including a free subscription to the quarterly magazine Forest Notes, and a 20% discount at the Forest Society gift shop. VolunteerLand Stewards have the opportunity to work with Forest Society staff and other volunteers with a commitment to land conservation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Carrie Deegan, Land Steward Coordinator at 603-224-9945 x318 or .
You are hereby recognized as a Forest Society volunteer. As a recognized volunteer you are protected by NHRSA:508:17 which provides legal protection for volunteers to non-profit organizations by limiting the liability of an enrolled volunteer who is working within the scope of his or her official duties and responsibilities as outlined by this document and following the guidelines and policies of the above described project.
Description of VolunteerLand Steward Benefits
Although Land Stewards are not paid a monetary fee for their valuable services, the Forest Society sincerely appreciates the work that Land Stewards do. In recognition of that work, we offer a variety of benefits to you as a token of our thanks. These are described below.
Forest Society Membership and Benefits
Every Land Steward receives complimentary Forest Society membership beginning after they complete the required CORE steward training and continuing for the duration of their service. This membership includes a subscription to our quarterly magazine, Forest Notes, as well as discounts on the Forest Society’s Annual Meeting registration fees and a 20% discount at our Forest Society Gift Shop at the ConservationCenter in Concord.
Optional Mileage Reimbursement
Land Stewards who need mileage reimbursement may report the mileage they incur while conducting volunteer work on their Land Steward Quarterly Reimbursement Form (Appendix C), submitted with the Quarterly Activity Form. Mileage is reimbursed at the federal rate. If you prefer, you may deduct the mileage on your federal income taxes; however, you may not do both. Mileage reimbursement is limited to work on your assigned reservation, workdays at other reservations, or land steward meetings with Forest Society staff. It is not available for travel to training workshops or social events.
Continued Training Opportunities
We are committed to providing continuing training opportunities for existing Land Stewards by offering several workshops each year which are tailored specifically towards stewards and their work. Notice of these workshops will be sent to all stewards by email, as well as posted on the Land Steward blog ( and the Forest Society’s website under “Things to Do” ( These workshops will be free of charge for Land Stewards. Feel free to suggest topics to Carrie at any time!
Many other conservation organizations offer educational workshops and trainings in New Hampshire, and we will make stewards aware of these opportunities as often as possible. These opportunities will also be posted on the Land Steward blog or sent around via email. However, we cannot guarantee that these non-SPNHF opportunities will be free of charge for land stewards.
Social Opportunities
As a Land Steward volunteer, you will be invited to several gatherings each year which are opportunities to socialize and network with other stewards, SPNHF staff, and other conservation-minded individuals. These events include the Forest Society’s Annual Meeting, an annual Volunteer Appreciation Day, and the Land Steward Annual Meeting. Workdays organized to complete specific projects on Forest Society reservations are also a great way to meet people and feel connected to others doing conservation work in New Hampshire.
We hope that you will take advantage of these opportunities and benefits that are available to you as a Forest Society Volunteer Land Steward!
Land Steward Expectations
This section of the LS Manual describes the duties and tasks that most Land Stewards will undertake on their adopted reservations, as well as some assignments that are less common but may be available to particularly motivated stewards. Keep in mind that the recommended frequencies for completing many of the tasks are only suggestions – some land stewards will conduct many more visits than the suggested number each year, while others may be very effective stewards of their reservation(s) with fewer than “recommended” visits each year. Much depends upon the specific reservation and the specific Land Steward. Feel free to contact Carrie if you need clarification on any of the tasks listed (or not listed) here!
Essential Tasks for Land Stewards
1. Get to Know Your Property
How Often: Continuing, with some initial work upfront
What to do: Fully familiarize yourself with your reservation, both in the field and “on paper.”
Study Maps, Surveys, Resources
You should have received a survey and aerial photo GIS map of the property you will steward from Carrie, the Land Steward Coordinator- study these maps thoroughly before you visit for the first time. Are there woods roads, trails, gates, fields or other features you can make out? Are the abutting lands conserved as well; are they developed? How large is the parcel? There is a lot that you can deduce in advance from these resources.
Check out the “Green Books” – Property Acquisition History
One activity that past stewards have found extremely helpful is to visit the Forest Society’s ConservationCenter in Concord to peruse through the “Green Books” for aReservation. These folders (they’re not really green anymore- but the name has stuck from an earlier time when documents were housed in green colored folders) contain all the correspondence which occurred during the protection of the parcel, and often describe the property’s history, natural resources, and any important infrastructure. Important documents like easements, rights-of-way and lease agreements are also found in the Green Books. Although they take a bit of patience to sift through, they are a great source of information on every Forest Society reservation. The Green Book folders cannot be removed from the Conservation Center; however, individual documents of interest can generally be photocopied for you to take home. The Forest Society is also working on digitizing the books so that they can be viewed electronically; some books have already been scanned.
Make the First of Many Visits
Finally, when you visit your adopted reservation for the first of many times, you will begin the process of getting to know the land you will be working on. As you walk the trails, monitor boundary lines, and explore the interior of the reservation, you will develop a relationship with this piece of land and gain valuable knowledge that will assist you (and the Forest Society) greatly in stewarding the forest.
2. General Property Surveillance
How Often: Every time you visit, recommended 4 times/year
What to do: This is arguably the most important service that Land Stewards provide on their respective reservations. Basically, armed with the knowledge of what is “normal,” acceptable, and permitted on your reservation, you should be looking for anything that is amiss, problematic, or needs attention. Here are some guidelines about what to look for when conducting general property surveillance. Many of these are covered in more detail in following sections.
In All Areas
Look for any problems, such as:
Vandalism
Dumping
Camping/fires
Permanent Deer Stands
Timber Trespass
Wheeled vehicle use
Check All Entrances
Note condition of:
Gates
Gate Sign
Wooden Property sign
Tree Farm sign
Kiosk
Parking Area(s)
3. Early Spring Cleaning
How Often: Once a year (late March -early May, depending on snow cover)
What to do: Walk all trails and remove winter downfall. Open up clogged culverts and clean out drainage ditches and waterbars of all debris. Note drainage or erosion problems needing correction; alert staff to drainage or erosion problems that you need assistance with. Spring is also a good time to walk property frontage and trails to pick up litter and dumped items- they are easiest to see after the snow melts but before leaf out!
4. Mid Summer Trail Trimming
How Often: Once a year (summer is best but it can be done other times of the year as well)
What to do: Walk all trails and woods roads and trim back the summer’s growth from the sides and above, if necessary. Use loppers, hand clippers, or a hand saw for this task. Be sure to make good pruning cuts – take each branch back to its junction, and remember to leave the branch bark collar when making your cut!
5. Boundary Monitoring
How Often: Once a year* - boundary monitoring is often easiest when leaves are off the trees, since you can see the red blazes more clearly!
Reservation boundaries which abut housing or commercial developments, or are located in urban/suburban settings will benefit from annual monitoring for encroachments so that small issues are addressed before they proliferate. However, other reservations may be entirely or partially surrounded by other conservation land, and these boundaries may not require monitoring as frequently. If you have questions about which boundaries are most important to monitor annually, please contact Forest Society staff. For larger properties, it is often easiest to break the boundary up into sections to be done at different times. If you are not very familiar with your property or generally finding your way in the forest, you should consider bringing a buddy (such as a neighboring land steward) on your first few boundary monitoring trips. Please note that the Forest Society does not blaze boundaries along public roadways or through wetlands.
What to do: Walk the entire boundary (other than wetland areas) and:
- Note condition of red blazes (faint? Easily found?)
- Note any changes in abutting property use (new housing, timber harvest on abutting land)
- Note and document (photos, locations) any encroachments (dumping, fences, timber cutting, buildings, etc. over boundary line)
- Note new and pre-existing access points (breaks in stone walls, vehicle tracks, existing gated woods roads)
6. Trail Maintenance/Monitoring
How Often: As needed, Spring through Fall primarily
What to do: Walk the entire trail system regularly to look for issues (trail widening, erosion, mucky spots, unauthorized trails & circumventions, signs of unauthorized use, overgrown branches, blown down trees, lack of blazing). If necessary, conduct the following tasks. Refer to your “Appalachian Trail Fieldbook” pocket maintenance guide for tips on tools and techniques.
- Clean/scrape out all drainage ditches, waterbars, and culverts of accumulated dirt, leaves, and debris
- Create new waterbars or drainage structures where needed
- Clip back any branches or herbaceous vegetation growing into the trail corridor
- Remove downed trees and branches using hand tools (chainsaws only if you have completed the required safety course and ONLY IF the tree/branch can safely be removed without professional assistance).
- Place large stepping stones to span smaller muddy areas if possible- larger areas should be noted on your quarterly report and may require a more significant trail project
- Fill in unauthorized trails/shortcuts with brush so that they are less attractive to hikers
- Report signs of unauthorized uses (ATV, truck, dirtbike tracks, etc.) and Carrie may ask you to post additional signage
- Repaint/replace trail blazes if worn or missing
7. Remember to Submit QUARTERLY ACTIVITY REPORTS!