Community Strength in Conservation
By: Katrina Meserve
At the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT), we believe in saving land forever, for everyone. Access to public spaces can be difficult and navigating private property can at times be disconcerting. With winter on the way, hopefully filled with sunshine and deep powder days, ACT is excited to announce we have made access to a diverse slice of nature even more reachable. The Wells Road parking lot and trail access located on Wells Road off Route 116 in Franconia, is officially open for the community to utilize and enjoy.
ACT purchased the 10-acre property in late 2020 thanks to the generous donations of several local community-minded neighbors and the Franconia Conservation Commission, with the goal of providing community access to outdoor recreation. This area is a hub of FA-NEMBA (Franconia Area New England Mountain Bike Association) and community trails, some of which are maintained by the Franconia Inn, that connect downtown Franconia and some of the local inns and open spaces to the Cannon / Mittersill area. FA-NEMBA’s willingness to collaborate with ACT has made the success of our goal possible. They showcase the positive outcomes from working together - amazing well-maintained trails that are available for the community. In addition to our new parking lot, ACT would like to thank and acknowledge Bike the North Country for donating the kiosk and bike repair stand at the parking lot as part of their initiative to create bike friendly communities in the North Country and Tri-town area. Their partnership and collaboration have made this spot even more accessible to folks looking to recreate in the beautiful North Country. Other funders who made this trailhead improvement project happen include the Davis Foundation, Fields Pond Foundation, and Long View Forest LLC.
Not only does this area have incredible mountain biking – where ACT is planning to develop an additional beginner friendly mountain bike trail for new or inexperienced riders, but this area also hosts historical Nordic Ski trails associated with the Franconia Inn, another vital community partner.
The severe wind events of late 2023 and early 2024 led ACT to revisit our management plan of the adjacent Grote Wildlife Sanctuary, a 19-acre property generously donated to ACT for wildlife habitat protection in December of 2022, and the Wells Road property which were both heavily impacted from severe wind disturbance on the mature pine forests. The timber harvest started in June of 2024 and was conducted by Long View Forest LLC. They harvested using a low-impact, cut-to-length harvester with a goal of minimizing impact to soil and trails while leaving plenty of downed woody material for carbon storage and wildlife habitat. After working with neighbors in the area, local supporters and the town of Franconia, the harvest concluded in late August of 2024.
The new parking area was constructed by Long View Forest after the timber harvest as an improvement to the log landing. Not only will this lot make access to the FA-NEMBA trails throughout the warmer months easier, but the lot will be plowed in the winter for easy access for Nordic Skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing.
Whether you’re looking to mountain bike, trail run, cross country ski, hike or walk, the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust is thrilled to provide you an access point no matter how you recreate. The parking lot on Wells Road is officially open for you to enjoy. See you on the trails!
For more information, maps or ways to donate, please visit www.act-nh.org or call our office at (603) 823-7777.