Sears Road , Ashfield, MA 01330(Franklin County)

The terrain is gently rolling throughout most of the forest. A brook runs north/south through the property, supporting 20 acres of wetland meadows in the lower areas, while most upland soils are well-drained. The forest supports a white pine/hemlock species mix with associated hardwoods. A February 2015 timber inventory reveals a maturing woodlot with the majority of stems in the 18 to 22 diameter range. There is near-term opportunity for a selection thinning focused on the upper diameter ranges greater than 24 while maintaining optimal stocking on the majority of the forest.

A noteworthy aspect of the forest is the existence of a 3-acre stand of old growth white pine and hemlock. Set aside by the current owner in recognition of its rare qualities, this area has miraculously eluded the axe of farmers, loggers, timber barons and the box trade for nearly two-and-a-half centuries. Research conducted in 2003 recorded diameters ranging in size from 3 to 6 feet and heights ranging from 117 to 132 feet. One of the biggest pines (at that time) was estimated to contain 3,500 board feet of volume. Ring counts estimated that one hemlock could be as old as 250 years, while the white pines ranged between 183 and 217 years of age.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife holds a working forest conservation easement on the property which allows for passive public recreational access, maintenance or enhancement of wildlife habitat and commercial cultivation and harvest of forest products. Building construction is not allowed.