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  1. What we do
  2. Education & Events
  3. The Merrimack: River at Risk

News

  • Final Version of NH Forest Action Plan Released

    Matt Leahy
    March 30, 2021

    The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands released the ...

  • Celebrating Women of the Forest Society

    Emily Landry
    March 18, 2021

    There are so many amazing women involved with furthering the Forest Society's mission. This March, we highlight a few of these women and extend our appreciation to all women of the Forest Society and beyond.

  • Legislative Update: House Committees Vote on LCHIP and Conservation Easement Bills

    Matt Leahy
    March 3, 2021

    The latest news from our advocacy team.

The Merrimack: River at Risk

The Merrimack River is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America. During the 19th century, mills in cities such as Manchester, New Hampshire, and Lowell, Massachusetts, harnessed the power of the river to become the largest manufacturing plants in the world. Like many rivers in America, the Merrimack was heavily polluted as a result of industrial growth. But, thanks to the Clean Water Act of 1972, the Merrimack has been cleaned up considerably over the last 50 years. Remarkably, more than 80 percent of the Merrimack watershed is still undeveloped and largely forested. However, in 2016, it was named one of the most endangered rivers in the United States by the nonprofit American Rivers. 

Hosted by conservationist and New Hampshire native Leah Hart, the documentary spotlights the threats the river and the watershed face now and in the future. From water treatment professionals to river guides to community builders, Hart interviews people who know what's at stake if towns and communities don’t work together to protect the river and the forests that surround it. It’s through these compelling interviews and Jerry Monkman’s visually stunning cinematography that viewers will come to appreciate the often forgotten resources the Merrimack provides thousands of people every day and why it’s so important to protect them.

Why is the Merrimack at risk? Can we save it? Find out by watching, The Merrimack: River at Risk!

Presenting Sponsor:

   

Underwriting sponors: 

BCM logo

The Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation &

     

Upcoming Screenings

A river at sunset winds past a former mill building in Lowell.Check our events page to find out more about upcoming screenings of the documentary. Contact Forest Society Communications Manager Ryan Smith if you're interested in setting up a screening for your organization or business with one of our staff members in attendance to answer questions.

See a list of events.

About the Director, Cast & Crew

The Merrimack took more than four years to create! The cast and crew were dedicated to uncovering the story of the river at risk and taking viewers on a journey from the past to present. Learn more about director Jerry Monkman, host Leah Hart, and the other cast and crew who made the film possible.

Learn more about the cast and crew.

Protect The Merrimack

Paddling an Old Town Canoe on the Merrimack River in Summer

Find out more about the Merrimack River watershed and how a collaboration among 33 nonprofits and agencies across New Hampshire and Massachusetts is working on water protection, advocacy, restoration, outreach, and education.

Learn more and find out how you can help.

Support the Project

A view from above of a bend in the Merrimack River, lined with green forests.As a nonprofit organization, the Forest Society conserves land and manages forests, but people – our members and donors – are our greatest asset. We need your help today to support The Merrimack film's release and our continued efforts to educate communities about this river at risk.

Donate now to the Forest Society.

Explore the Watershed

Two people in a canoe on the Merrimack River.From Franklin, New Hampshire to Newburyport, Massachusetts, there is much to see and experience along the Merrimack River watershed. Here are a few ideas to explore the watershed on your own, celebrating the clean water and healthy forests that make it a great place to live, work and play.

Adventures in the watershed.

In the News

Blue river lined by trees on one side and gray buildings on the other.Read news coverage about the Merrimack River Watershed and articles related to our film from media outlets across the region, including interviews with Director Jerry Monkman and Producer Jack Savage.

Read more about the film in local media.

Related Resources

Election 2018 November 13 2018 Legis Letter

Election 2018 November 13 2018 Legis Letter

Assets to Acres Brochure

Downloadable PDF - Assets to Acres Brochure

SPNHF Senate Testimony on LCHIP

SPNHF Senate Testimony on LCHIP - May 2017

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Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests54 Portsmouth St.Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603.224.9945Fax: 603.228.0423info@forestsociety.org
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