Beaver Management on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

One of the tasks of conservation commissions is the management of conservation land, including the development and management of trails for recreation and education. Hooksett has several exceptional conservation areas and trail systems, including the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail, Head’s Pond Trail, and the Pinnacle Park Trail.

Recently, the Conservation Commission received some feedback and questions about beaver removal on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail. This post provides additional information on management efforts.

Background on Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

Because of its proximity to the Merrimack River, the Riverwalk Trail system is highly regulated. The property is protected by a conservation easement held by the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF). The conservation easement specifies the property will be used for passive recreation and wildlife conservation. Hunting is also a guaranteed permitted activity on the property.

What About the Beavers? A Timeline

In May of 2020, an area of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail became flooded and impassable. Complaints were received that people were unable to walk the trail, push strollers, or use wheelchairs because of flooding and wash-out. It was discovered that a beaver had moved in and its dam was flooding the area. The HCC was advised to install a piping system—a common way to allow water to drain away from the beaver dam. However, beavers are abundant and they are ingenious. The piping system was continually clogged by beavers, and the flooding continued.

In October of 2020, a representative of SPNHF viewed the site and informed the HCC that the piping system was not conducive to enhancing the habitat in the area. The SPNHF representative stated that “for this particular property, trapping and removal of the beavers likely would have been a better solution. Though this would require consistent removal for a few years, it would allow for the natural water flow on this important flood plain topography to remain.”

Further, it was noted that the piping system had eliminated an entire stretch of important wetland habitat and removing the dam would help restore the natural perennial water flow.

Beaver dam blocking perennial water flow on Hooksett Riverwalk Trail, June 2020

In April of 2021, the HCC requested that a representative of NH Fish & Game view the site. This expert reiterated what we had learned; that beavers typically discover the pipe and block it.

In 2022, based on SPNHF’s recommendation, the HCC voted to forego the piping system and have the beavers trapped and removed from the area flooding the trail.

“In the end, and very simply, we tried first to avoid removing the beavers; our easement holder told us that wasn’t working, and we followed the advice,” said Cindy Robertson, HCC Chair. “Also, nobody owns the beavers. Once they are removed, they belong to the trappers to do as they wish, much like those who hunt deer.”

Further Information on Beaver Management

Beaver trapping and removal is a regulated activity in NH that ensures an important consideration for animal welfare. More information can be found on the NH Fish & Game website at: https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/trapping-why.html

To Provide Input on Trail and Wildlife Management

The Hooksett Conservation Commission takes the monitoring and maintenance of town conservation properties seriously in accordance with its conservation easements and welcomes public input. The HCC meets the second Monday of every month and public input is invited at every meeting.

Refer to the Hooksett Conservation website at Conservation Commission | Hooksett NH for:

• Hooksett Riverwalk Trail Conservation Easement
• Meeting schedule and times

You can also provide written feedback to the HCC by contacting the staff assistant at Contact Bridgette Grotheer | Hooksett NH. 

Hooksett Trails, Trash, and Dog Restraints

Hooksett is fortunate to have five major conservation areas with multiple entry and exit points. Over 25% of the town is in fact protected by conservation easements, and by most accounts, this is pretty great!

People often ask why the town doesn’t provide trash containers and pet waste stations on our trails. This article addresses some of those questions.

1. Why don’t we have trash containers at trailheads?

Trails in Hooksett, and many across NH, are carry-in, carry-out for several reasons:

• This practice minimizes costs of maintaining trails for taxpayers.
• Trash barrels can fill up quickly with food waste, fish parts, and other rubbish, attracting undesirable smells and critters.
• Trash that gets left behind can be harmful to wildlife: broken glass, plastics, Styrofoam, 6-pack rings, spoiled food, and pet waste.
• Trash barrels in remote locations are sometimes used for dumping.
• When trash barrels are full, people will often leave their trash anyway, creating a bigger problem.
• Trash barrels can get knocked over, spilling garbage and further threatening the environment and waterways.
• When tied down and secured, trash barrels are harder to empty on a regular basis.

When people respect trails and handle their own trash (and that of their pets), costs are lower and trails are left in their beautiful, pristine condition. We’re proud of our trails in Hooksett; let’s work to keep them unspoiled for the benefit of all humans and wildlife.

For more information on littering, refer to Town Ordinance #00-33. Violators may be subject to a minimum $250 fine for the first offense.

2.  What is the Conservation Commission’s stance on dogs on trails?

Like many communities, we love our dogs! Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same. Therefore, the Hooksett Conservation Commission has worked to strike a balance between dog lovers and not-so-lovers. Dogs need exercise just like people and are welcome on our trails as long as:

• Owners take responsibility for pets.
• Pets are leashed and under control of their handlers.
• Pet waste is removed from the conservation area by the handler.

Dog owners need to be respectful of other humans and pets on trails. Some adults and children fear dogs and don’t appreciate animals coming up to them. Some dogs may not be friendly to other dogs approaching. Some people and dogs have pet allergies that can be triggered by contact.

For more information on dog restraints and penalties, refer to Town Ordinance #00-4. Violators may be subject to fines and forfeiture.

Responsible pet owners are welcome on trails

3.  More on dogs, what’s the real scoop on poop?

Besides just being gross and unsightly, dog poop is actually harmful to humans, pets, wildlife, and waterways. Hooksett has over 1,700 dogs, and every dog has to “go” two or three times per day. That’s a lot of poop, and it can be dangerous. Pet waste can carry harmful bacteria such as Giardia and Salmonella. When it gets into water, these microorganisms are unsafe for drinking and swimming. Animals can be infected by coming into contact with fecal-contaminated soil.

No one other than the owner is responsible for removing poop from conservation trails. Pet waste stations are available at the Hooksett Dog Park, but trails and conservation areas are carry-in, carry-out. Poop stations are costly to maintain, especially in remote areas. And above all, don’t bother to bag the waste, and then leave it behind or toss it into the woods. Take the pledge to “Scoop the Poop,” and let’s keep dogs welcome in our community!

Take the pledge to “Scoop the Poop”!
And don’t forget to take it with you!

— JoCarol Woodburn

Brick Kiln Loop Opens at Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

If you like taking walks on the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail and enjoying the outdoors along the Merrimack, you’re in for a surprise. The first part of the Brick Kiln Historic Trail Loop is now open.

The trail loop includes two 8-foot wide boardwalks of 234 feet and 225 feet— about the length of 1-1/2 football fields—over wetlands.

New trail construction on the Brick Kiln Historic Loop

The new construction, designed by Stantec, encompasses nearly one-half of the entire loop. However, a defined trail is already in place so you can make the entire loop if you don’t mind traversing a wetland over planks or walking single file through the brush on some uneven terrain.

The Brick Kiln Historic Trail Loop was named to mark the historical significance of this area. The name commemorates the Head & Son Brick Yard that operated on and near this property from 1850 to 1930 and is depicted on the Hooksett Town Seal. Bricks made in Hooksett were used in building the Manchester mills.

“This area was selected in the mid-2000s as prime property for conservation and a trail system. The Hooksett Conservation Commission has worked diligently to acquire the land and bring this project to fruition,” said Dave Hess, long-time Commission member.

Kiosk updates are coming soon with a new trail map and property information. The kiosk was constructed in 2016 by Oliver Mack and members of the Boy Scout Troop 292 for Oliver’s Eagle Scout project.

Steve Couture officially opens the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail in September 2016 while Oliver Mack and members of the Conservation Commission look on

“We are excited to open this new phase of the Hooksett Riverwalk Trail,” said Cindy Robertson, HCC Chair. “Our former chair Steve Couture, Dave Hess, and numerous volunteers provided the vision and knowledge to make it happen! It is a wonderful addition to the town.”

Governor Maggie Hassan, shown with Couture, visited the site for Earth Day 2014 prior to trail construction

–JoCarol Woodburn

Students Build Out Trail in Hooksett’s Clay Pond Conservation Area

Some of the most intriguing summer jobs involve not only the experience of working hard and gaining new skills but also having fun and enjoying nature in the process.

That’s the reality for six Student Conservation Association (SCA) members working in Hooksett for 10 days in August. Under the direction of the Hooksett Conservation Commission (HCC) and Bear-Paw Regional Greenways, the SCA crew was enlisted to create a walking trail and loop that also directs hikers away from sensitive wildlife areas.

Conservation map depicting area where 1/3-mile of new trail has been constructed (in red) off of the Chester Turnpike and bordering Bear Brook State Park

---

The Clay Pond Conservation Area Stewardship plan, prepared by Jeff Littleton of Moosewood Ecological LLC, calls for trail construction that protects wildlife habitats of threatened and endangered species, such as the Blanding’s turtle.

According to Littleton, when turtles are doing well, it’s a sign of the general health and well-being of the entire ecosystem where they dwell. Bear-Paw also consulted with NH Fish & Game to ensure the new trail would minimize disturbance to turtles and their breeding areas.

“Turtles in particular require wetlands for breeding, shelter, and food, but they also must be able to access warm, sandy upland habitats to lay their eggs,” said Katrina Amaral, Land Protection Specialist with Bear-Paw Regional Greenways.

One advantage of having students devoted to conservation was a minimal amount of brush and tree disturbance. Using mostly hand tools, the trail was routed around large trees, dense vegetation, and wetlands.

Student Conservation Association trail-builders (l-r): Sydney Memminger, Rocio Ronquillo (leader), Courtney Dillon, Sam Bybee, Steve Vang, and Eric Kim (leader)

---

“The last day was spent re-naturalizing the area and making sure the trail edges were well-defined with an established footpath,” said Amaral. “Throughout their workdays, the crew was joined by a number of caterpillars, birds, frogs, dragonflies, and yellow jackets. We did not encounter any of the larger mammals known to roam throughout this area.”

“The team did a great job building out this trail and protecting the surrounding area,” said Cindy Robertson, HCC chair. “We are grateful to the Student Conservation Association and look forward to a continued partnership on our trail systems.”

Mark West of West Environmental joined the team as they were finishing up.

“The crew worked to the sounds of the gray tree frog chorus,” said West. “So we suggested the trail name Tree Frog Trail!”

“And so it’s official,” said Robertson, after the HCC September meeting. “Our new trail is the Tree Frog Trail!”

The final trail clean-up ensures the path is well defined and the area is restored to its natural beauty — Amaral

---

– JoCarol Woodburn
– Photos by Katrina Amaral

Timber Harvest on Conservation Land Raises $40k for Town

Laurel Road Conservation Area

It’s not widely known but timber harvests and conservation efforts are often combined to ensure sustainable forestry practices. The goal is to enhance and not diminish the overall health of the forest and wildlife.