New Hampshire Everlasting
Changing Landscapes
New Hampshire is unusually well endowed with forests and sparkling waters. We enjoy walking, hiking, picnicking, hunting, and working on our lands. Products from the forests and farmland nourish and shelter us. Open space sustains our economy and our culture.
The landscapes of New Hampshire help define and enrich our quality of life.
Yet there are some startling trends that threaten all of this. New Hampshire is the fastest growing state in the Northeast. Population growth and sprawling development are consuming open space and community character at a rapid rate. Researchers estimate that within the next 25 years, southeastern New Hampshire will be virtually built-out, meaning that all available land not conserved will be developed.
Our Vision
Collectively, we need to conserve one million acres of our most significant lands within the next 25 years.
The Forest Society envisions a living landscape where managed woodlands, farms and wild lands are woven into the fabric of community life. We envision people caring for lands that sustain dynamic communities with clean water and air, forest and agricultural products, habitat for native plants and animals, scenic beauty, good jobs, and recreational opportunities.
All of our land protection efforts over the next quarter century are focused toward achieving this vision. We seek to protect
WORKING FORESTS
To help us grow our share of the wood we consume and keep
our forest-based economy strong and our forests well-managed.
WATER QUALITY
To conserve the lands that ensure the purity of the aquatic ecosystems and drinking
water that we all require for healthy living.
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
To save the places that give our towns their unique character -
the land that connects people and reflects our identity.
WILDLIFE HABITAT
To conserve the land that our native plants and animals depend
upon so that wildlife remains part of our everyday world and
our statewide biological diversity remains resilient and strong.
PRODUCTIVE FARMLAND
To conserve the most productive agricultural land and the
evolving agricultural economy so that every community can
grow healthy food and the state can sustain at least its current
level of food production.
To read more about our specific goals and how you can help, click on one of the following documents: