Replacing The Harbor Tree
The Sunapee Heritage Alliance (SHA) and Forward Sunapee are pleased to announce that the Trail & Harbor Tree Improvements Committee (Committee) replaced the landmark maple.
The maple had rotted to the point that it had become a safety hazard and was removed in Spring 2024. The Committee raised funding that included replacing and maintaining our iconic tree in the Harbor – which will also be a key landmark on the trail from the Harbor. The Committee unanimously approved the selection, location and planting of a red maple (Acer Rubrum ‘October Glory’) – which was the recommendation of the arborist, landscape architect, nursery, and other advisors. The purchase of the tree also includes a warranty period.
In connection with the replanting of the tree, the Board of Directors of the Sunapee Harbor Riverway Corporation (SHRC) approved and adopted a resolution to provide a public easement and right of way on the property for the future trail. The filing of this easement is in process.
We’d like to thank Brochu Nurseries and Landscaping and every person who has made a donation for the Harbor Tree and Trail Improvement. We had a range of donor opportunities including collection boxes at the Wild Goose and Harborside Trading as well as online. Thanks also goes out to SHA, SHRC, Wild Goose, Harborside Trading, and many others that supported this effort.
We are excited to watch this tree grow for years to come!
When the beloved tree that had graced Sunapee Harbor for over 100 years was taken down for safety reasons, everyone wondered when it would possible to replace it. The beauty, tranquility and shade the tree provided were a treasured part of the harbor appearance and experience.
Based on the recommendations from the Sunapee Harbor Charette in April 2024, a committee was formed to replace the tree as part of a broader effort to enhance the trail along the Sugar River and have the new tree become the starting point of The Sugar River Heritage Trail. The committee has engaged experts in researching the replacement process and are in talks with the town to establish a right of way for the people of Sunapee to access and maintain the tree into the future. With public access established, non-profit donations through Sunapee Heritage Alliance are being accepted to fund the costs of preparing the site and purchasing a tree.
The right of way will become the launching spot for The Sugar River Heritage Trail which is an already established public pedestrian easement all along the Sugar River from the harbor down to Route 11. A capital campaign is coming soon! Keep your eye on Wild Goose Country Store for more information.
Trail and Harbor Tree Improvements Committee
Based on the recent Charrette by PlanNH, a committee has been formed to work on the recommended improvements to the overall trail from the Sunapee Harbor tree down to the information booth at Route 11 and Main St and back. Spearheaded by the Sunapee Heritage Alliance and the Sunapee Harbor Riverway Corporation (SHRC), the goal is to raise funds for a comprehensive plan for future vegetation and appreciation of this invaluable historic resource of Sunapee’s manufacturing and tourism economies. All the envisioned improvements will be made possible by public access easements.
The Lake Sunapee Protective Association will provide needed technical assistance for proper land management, The Town of Sunapee will look to manage its property along the river from High Street to the Route 11 information booth, and The Sunapee Heritage Alliance will accept donations and provide accounting and administration for the project at:
According to Dave Hoffman of SHRC, “This will be a focused project that will validate the invaluable Charrette work and will enhance the unique experience of a Sunapee visitor or year round resident, showcasing the water features and historic significance of the Sugar River.”
Questions can be sent to:
The first step for this project is a comprehensive landscaping plan, signage, and information of the history of the river and its impact on manufacturing and preservation. The project will also include the replacement of the iconic landmark tree which has stood in the center of the lakeside village providing summer beauty, tranquility, and shade to all for over a hundred years. The committee will then focus on raising additional donations to execute the comprehensive plan in phases.
Many Thanks,
The Trail and Harbor Tree Improvements Committee
Dave Hoffman, Chair
Elizabeth Harper
Carol Wallace