My name is Dawn Quirk, and I live in Warner. I’m a conservation‑minded land steward and longtime environmental professional who cares deeply about the places that make our community special—especially Mount Kearsarge and Rollins State Park.
Much of my work, both professionally and as a volunteer, has focused on protecting wildlife habitat, conserving resources, and promoting low‑impact lifestyles that prioritize the simple joys of life, such as clean air and water. I spend a lot of time outdoors doing hands‑on monitoring and maintenance, and I also have years of experience working within environmental programs that rely on careful documentation, public trust, and long‑term planning.
My concern about the proposed downhill mountain bike trail comes from a genuine place of care, not opposition to recreation, but rather a desire to ensure decisions about public land are well‑considered, transparent, and protective of the park’s ecological and shared community values. Like many neighbors, I value Rollins State Park as a place for quiet enjoyment, wildlife, and connection to nature.
I’m simply a local resident trying to speak up honestly and advocate for the long‑term health of a place we all share. Contact me at quirk.da@northeastern.edu
From the New England Mountain Biking Association: "While New England is known for our tight, rocky, and technical terrain, there’s no shortage of trails for riders of all levels in our region.
Whether you’re looking for a skills park, epic all-day rides, or some glacial rocks to get up and down, there’s something for everyone as you make your way through the states in the northeast. "
Map credit: https://www.nemba.org/trails
Purple denotes the top-tier habitat
See the full map and learn more at https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/nh-wildlife-action-plan/highest-ranked-wildlife-habitat-ecological-condition