Conservation Foundation Launches New Forest Management Project

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) announced Thursday morning that it is launching a new forest management project on a 37-acre parcel located off the south side of Milestone Road, between New South Road (Bunker Road) and Russells Way with the goal of enhancing the health and resilience of the island’s ecosystem.

Work is scheduled to begin on January 23 and will be completed in several phases over the course of the next year. This winter’s work will be completed by early February and completion of the entire project is anticipated by March 2026.

"The project entails selectively brush-cutting the dense, overgrown understory of the existing pitch pine forest and removing selected trees to prevent overcrowding," the NCF said in a press release. "These measures will promote a healthier forest by maximizing sunlight and airflow, which in turn fosters stronger trees and a more resilient ecosystem. This work will also reduce the risk of wildfire, enhance the ability of the pitch pine trees in this forest to withstand future potential southern pine beetle outbreaks, and ensure the long-term preservation of Nantucket’s iconic pitch pine forests."

This project represents phase 1 of the management plan for the parcel, with an initial focus on an 8-acre section along the northern edge of the site adjacent to Milestone Road.

“Pitch pine forests are ecologically valuable habitats on Nantucket that support a suite of rare plants and animals and are maintained by periodic disturbances,” Karen Beattie, Vice President of Science and Stewardship at NCF, said. “Proactive forest health management work such as this is a very important tool to prevent overcrowding, increase air flow, and promote the establishment of the next generation of trees to sustain the forest. This project builds upon lessons learned from our partners at the Nantucket Land Bank, who are undertaking similar projects on their properties and have shared their expertise with us. We are excited to initiate work on our properties that will provide resilience to potential southern pine beetle infestations, reduce risk of wildfire, and promote the overall health of our pitch pine forests going into the future.”

The project will follow a forest-cutting plan prepared by a licensed forester and has been fully permitted by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). The entire operation will be carried out by a local contractor with a Massachusetts Timber Harvester license and adhere to the Massachusetts Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP). The work will be overseen by NCF’s Land Management staff.

The NCF says this initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain, protect, and responsibly steward their 9000+ acres of conservation lands and perpetuate the natural resources these properties support.