Old Johnson Road Forest

Between 1979 and 1983, the Town of Bow strategically acquired parcels along Bow Bog Road and Old Johnson Road, securing a total of 6 lots covering approximately 192 acres. Designated as a Town Forest; Old Johnson Road Forest has been under the careful stewardship of the Conservation Commission for many years. Alongside Knox and Walker Forests, this property not only serves as a natural sanctuary but also generates significant revenue for the Conservation Commission through responsible forestry activities. These funds, in turn, have played a pivotal role in facilitating the Town’s acquisition of additional conservation lands, such as Nottingcook Forest and Hammond Preserve. We express our gratitude to the forward-thinking members of the Conservation Commission in the 1970s and 1980s, who played a crucial role in advocating for the acquisition and preservation of precious forests like Old Johnson Road. In 1998, the Town granted Bow Open Spaces a permanent conservation easement on Old Johnson Road Forest. The easement deed encompasses not only Old Johnson Road Forest but also the Walker Forest and Knox Forest. Specifically, the conservation easement was established to protect vital features, including watersheds, vernal pools, and wetlands within the forest. Notably, this marked a significant milestone as it was the inaugural conservation easement deed received by Bow Open Spaces. The forest also hosts a snowmobile trail, annually maintained by the Bow Pioneers Snowmobile Club. This trail serves as the sole public access to the property.