Current Projects

An autumn view of the Mahoosuc Highlands from above.

 

Each year, the Forest Society works in partnership with landowners, neighbors, donors, grantmaking organizations, partner land trusts, conservation commissions and local and state governments to identify and conserve strategic additions to our network of permanently protected forests, lands and waters.  

Bringing new land into our care and stewardship involves a process that includes a determination of whether the mechanism will be a full fee acquisition by the Forest Society or a conservation easement; negotiation of a purchase or donation; a fundraising period to secure support for both near-term costs and long-term stewardship and legal defense; and finally the transfer of title. And then, our stewardship begins, with the drafting and implementation of management plans, annual monitoring of conservation easements, recreational infrastructure maintenance and improvements, habitat management and restoration, and, often, timber management. See our recent accomplishments here.

Support Land Conservation & Stewardship Projects:

A stream runs through forestland in Berlin.

Striking a Balance in Berlin

This project builds on a legacy of conservation in the Upper Androscoggin River Valley and will accomplish work­ing forest conservation, public recre­ational access, watershed protection, and enhanced conservation connectivity — all within the city limits of Berlin. 

Green fields and trees at Morrill Farm.

Farming for the Future at Morrill Dairy Farm

In 2024, the Forest Society will seek to acquire a conservation easement over the 208-acre farm, which will protect the land from subdivision and development while allowing for agricultural uses and recreation, including fishing, hunting, and paddling.

Mount Major Hiking

Mount Major Stewardship Fund

The Forest Society is dedicated to consistently improving the visitor experience — and natural resource protection — at Mt. Major. In addition to being a more enjoyable hiking experience, the new trail section should also require much less maintenance over time. It will also be a major ecological improvement, reducing runoff and silting into Lake Winnipesaukee.  

The Carriage Barn at the Rocks. (Photo: Will Abbott)

Forest Society North at The Rocks

Our vision is to expand and deepen the Forest Society’s presence in the North Country and to provide educational and recreational opportunities while also fostering a community of forest landowners and land stewards for generations to come.

A waterfall in fall at Deepwood Forest.

Land Action Fund

Because owners do not always have the capacity to donate their land or conservation easements, sometimes the Forest Society has to purchase land or conservation easements, at times quickly, in order to protect a property’s exceptional natural resources. The Land Action Fund provides funding to accomplish these important projects.