Open space is necessary for many New Hampshire wildlife species.
Even though these areas represent a small portion of the Granite State's total land, they provide a high share of wildlife habitat to the overall forest environment. A study, conducted by the N. H. Forest Sustainability Standards Work Team, a joint team of the N.H. Division of Forests and Lands and the Society for the Protection of N.H. Forests, there are two primary sources for permanent openings in a managed forest. Remnant meadows, pastures or orchards on abandoned agricultural land are prime examples of open space. The decision to leave these areas unforested is one that will benefit wildlife populations in your area. Log landings created during harvesting operations and maintained afterward are examples of open space cited by the work team.