In an effort to increase habitat for the New England cottontail rabbit, today the Reserve brought in a hydro-ax supplied by the USFWS Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

The machine felled some 10 acres of young alder stands in one day, forcing the areas to an early stage of succession. As brush regenerates, cottontails and other early-succession species (American woodcock, for example) will have more living space.

The two primary areas affected were along the Muskie Trail and near the Skinner Mill.