Forest Society Blog - News & Features

As part of Land Trust Alliance Advocacy Days 2026, Forest Society leaders met with New Hampshire’s congressional delegation and U.S. Forest Service officials to advance key conservation priorities, including Farm Bill programs, a proposed Forest Conservation Easement Program, and the value of open space. These conversations also addressed concerns about the Forest Service’s proposed reorganization, reinforcing the importance of strong federal partnerships and scientific capacity to support forests and communities.

The Forest Society joined a roundtable with New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to discuss the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed reorganization, raising concerns about cuts to research capacity, loss of scientific expertise, and potential impacts to state and private forestry programs. As the proposal evolves, we’re urging public engagement to help ensure decisions support healthy forests, strong communities, and a resilient forest-based economy.

A federal court in New Hampshire has upheld the White Mountain National Forest’s management plan, rejecting a legal challenge to two proposed timber harvests. The Forest Society, along with conservation and forestry partners, filed an Amicus brief supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s ability to use well-planned silviculture to balance forest health, resilience, and multiple long-term goals.

A new report confirms what many Granite Staters already know: New Hampshire’s forests, farms, and waters are essential infrastructure. The Benefits of New Hampshire’s Open Space shows how conserved lands support a $3.9 billion recreation economy, protect clean water, and power thousands of local jobs — underscoring the urgent need to invest in these lands for a healthy, resilient future.

An op-ed by Jack Savage in the New Hampshire Union Leader on the White Mountain National Forest.

In December, TNC will hold a community conversation about the Merrimack River Watershed Conservation Plan Project in Manchester.