Forest Thinning At Forge Village and Cold Spring Roads Begins in Town

During the summer of 2016 (July – August) the Westford Town Forest Committee will be undertaking town forest thinning operations on the two town forest parcels located at the intersections of Forge Village and Cold Spring Roads.

Growth over the years has led to a forest composed almost entirely of mature white pines. This thinning operation is being done in accordance with the long-range forest management plan in order to reduce tree density. This will improve forest diversity, increase understory growth, and improve the environment for animal habitat and water and soil protection. Please use caution while in this area.

These two parcels totaling about 13 acres were donated to the town by Mr. Oscar R. Spaulding as Town Forests and were accepted at Annual Town Meeting on February 16th 1926. Based on a recent review by local licensed forester Leo Garneau, the Spalding Forest parcels do not appear to have had much active maintenance over the years. The tree density has increased to around 400 trees/acre over the decades.

This current tree density is on the order of four times the ideal tree density; too many trees of approximately the same age results in a very dense forest canopy that prevents significant undergrowth. A diversity of growth is most beneficial to the environment and as animal habitat. The thinning operation being planned for this summer will reduce the density to about 300 trees/acre. The long-range plan calls for the forest to be reevaluated in 7 years to determine what further thinning might be beneficial.

Thinning will be carried out when the soils are relatively dry and automotive traffic to/from Westford Academy will be at a minimum. The Town Forest Committee has made arrangement with both the Water Commissioners and the Board of Selectmen so that forester access into and out of the forest parcels will be off the main roads in order to minimize impacts to traffic.

The Town Forest Committee is comprised of three members, each serving 3-year terms, appointed by the Town Manager. The current members are Richard ‘Chip’ Barrett, Hugh Maguire and Jim Gozzo. The Town Forest Committee has care, custody and manages approximately 270 acres of forest lands scattered throughout Westford. The Committee’s management goals are long-term; to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat, improve recreational opportunities and protect both soil and water quality.