History
Historically the top of the mountain was used for charcoal production. Production likely ceased by 1900 or soon after. As the forest returned after 1900, they were subjected to wildfires that swept the mountain periodically. The last significant fire occurred in 1984 when 200 acres (0.81 km2) burned. The most recent fire occurred on March 4, 2000 when approximately 500 sq ft (46 m2). burned at the summit. Below is a list that represent some of the known and/or presumed land use history for Peaked Mountain:
- Due to the steep and rocky conditions on Peaked Mt. agriculture including grazing may have been restricted to the lower and/or mid slopes.
- An 1830 map of the area indicated that the area was cleared except for the summit and ridgeline thus, the higher elevations of Peaked Mt. may represent "primary" forest.
- Fired burned approx. 200 acres (0.81 km2) on the SW shoulder in 1984 and larger area burned in the 1930s.
- Historically there was a 360 degree view from the summit.
- Parts of the mountain were planted with plantations of exotic conifers (e.g. red pine).
- There was limited woodcutting for firewood and timber. In 1986, there were 130,000 board feet (310 m3) removed from 70 acres (280,000 m2) on the western slope. Another 85,000 board feet (200 m3) were removed from the Miller Forest Tract in 1996. Small quantities are removed annually for firewood by the Harringtons and Elliots on the Peaked Mountain Tract.
- The pond was originally dammed by the Lunden family in 1918.
- Peaked Mountain itself has been open to the public for passive recreation since 1984. Peaked Mt. Co-op formed in 1984 in response to forest fire concerns.
Road Names
- Ruth's Mountain Road is named named for Ruth Elliott, Dick's late wife. Ruth was very interested in wildlife, land preservation and country living.
- Bernie Avenue is named for Bernie Choiniere, Dick's nephew. He tagged the trees to mark the route when the road was built.
- Roslyn's Turnpike is named for Roslyn Harrington, who conceived the Co-op and plotted the route which was built in three stages.
- Kevin's Road is named for Bernie's son who helped with some forest thinning in the area.
- Skid Row was the route used by a logging skidder during a conservative timber harvest on the Harrington and Elliott property.
Read more about this topic: Peaked Mountain
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