The Forest Society began a formal research program in the mid-1990s to enhance its land protection efforts with scientific data and analysis. Much of the work has been in providing hard evidence to support the Forest Society's policy initiatives, which have led to public-funded, state land protection programs such as the Land and Community Heritage Investment and Water Supply Land Grant Protection programs. The research staff also uses geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping and environmental analysis. This advanced computing technology puts the Forest Society in a leadership role in terms of strategic conservation planning in New Hampshire and New England.