Living The Code
Wah-Tut-Ca Stream & Forest Restoration
It is less widely known than the Scout Oath and Law, but it is
an important expression of the values we teach young
people. The Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America
declares as part of our mission to be conservation minded.
In 2010, the Yankee Clipper Council obtained a USDA
Wetlands improvement grant to protect over 180 acres of
Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation’s forest. In obtaining this
funding WTCSR was federally recognized as an ecologically
significant site worthy of perpetual protection. With this
recognition also comes funding to restore and improve the
land owned by Yankee Clipper Council in Northwood NH.
Several projects are underway that are focused on improving
and protecting the special features of this natural treasure.
The council’s properties and conservation committees have
been working closely with the USDA to balance the needs of
the land with the needs of the Scouts. Progress is already
visible.
An area at Wah-Tut-Ca commonly called the “hole and the
woods-where the dragon sleeps, is a five acre plot of land
that was clear cut in a 2006 tree harvesting project. It is
located along a skidder trail, (orange trail) which was created
to access the lumber. The trail and the site had issues with
erosion, evasive species and access. A sand and gravel pit
behind the rifle range also had serious conservation issues.
With funding and expertise from the USDA these sites have
been improved. The orange trail was graded and fit with
erosion bars and French drains. The site is now not only more
attractive it is stable and easier to hike on. The “hole in the
woods” was cleaned up and leveled. The intention is to keep
it as open space so it has been seeded with a conservation
mix of grasses and clover and mulched with marsh hay to
support the seedlings and reduce erosion. Both these
projects have created opportunities for current and future
program development.
The Outdoor Code Of
The Boy Scouts Of America
As an American, I will do my best to Be clean in my outdoor manners.
Be careful with fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors.
Be conservation minded.
the USDA attributed the lack of fish was due to the three
undersized and/or damaged culverts located on its course.
As a result of this finding the USDA is funding the replacement of the culvert at Medicine Bow Campsite with a new
truck accessible bridge. The small culvert near the lake will
also be removed and a footbridge will be installed to access
the Project Green area.
Where the Sagamore Brook crosses the Griffin Gulf Road
there is a granite culvert that is over 100 years old. This
culvert has collapsed. The USDA will be removing the old
culvert and replacing it with a new one. Once the Sagamore
Brook project is completed it will be able to support several
species of fish as well as prevent erosion of this valuable
stream.
All these projects demonstrate the Yankee Clipper Council is
conservation minded. Future generations will be able to enjoy,
study and appreciate the efforts of those who practiced good
conservation and valued the Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts
of America.
There are other on going projects to improve Wah-Tut-Ca’s
forests and streams. Last spring the USDA and the New
Hampshire Fish and Game Department surveyed the Gulf and
Sagamore Brooks for fish. Four species of fish were identified
in the Gulf Brook, including brook trout. These trout never live
in the lake so finding them in the brook is quite significant.
Also discovered were “redds”-nests which the trout rear their
young.
Later during Wah-Tut-Ca’s Biosphere week Scouts identified
two Banded Sunfish. These small sunfish are endangered and
finding them in the Gulf Brook gives further evidence of the
significance of Wah-Tut-Ca’s importance as a wildlife
preserve.
Although the stream is capable, no fish were found in Sagamore Brook. The New Hampshire Fish and Game as well as
Measuring Brook Trout From Sagamore Brook