The Washburn Family Forest has long been a popular destination for anglers, hunters and snowmobilers. Theproperty sits directly opposite the extraordinarily scenic Amey Farm (conserved previously by the Land Conservation Investment Program) located near the confluence of the Indian Stream and the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River, as well as the land’s small streams, wetlands, and forests provide the food and shelter needed by moose, deer, bear, fisher, mink, and otter, as well as many migratory waterfowl and boreal bird species to survive. Even the bald eagle and threatened Northern Harrier have a home here. The six miles of river frontage include sections that provide important nursery and rearing habitat for juvenile Atlantic salmon and spawning habitat for trout. Theland also supports several significant rare plants and natural communities.
Fed by the pristine waters that flow from the four Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, the Upper Connecticut River is well known among fly fishing enthusiasts as one of New England’s premier cold water fisheries. According to the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, the upperConnecticut River watershed contains the highest percentage of high-quality wild brook trout habitat in the state. The brook trout, as well as rainbows, browns and landlocked salmon, draw anglers from far and wide to this region of the Connecticut River.
The property also includes snowmobile Trail 128 – a key corridor thatconnects Pittsburg with West Stewartstown and Colebrook within the trail network of the Colebrook Ski-Bees Snowmobile Club.
Near the height of land lies the old Bressette Farm, where a family lived and farmed. When the Washburns acquired the farm, they removed thestructures but kept the fields open for the views and for wildlife habitat. The Forest Society maintains these fields because they provide excellent wildlife habitat.
Help us care for this property by following these guidelines during your visit:
- This property is open dawn to dusk
- Carry out all trash
- Dogs must remain under control and owners must pack out all dog waste
- No motorized wheeled vehicles
- No camping
- No campfires
- Hunting and fishing are allowed
- Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed
