Clean Water

Forests are nature's water filter. The Forest Society's mission includes conserving land that keeps our waters clean and cool for human and wildlife consumption. Visit this page to explore stories, projects and stewardship related to sustaining our supply of clean water in New Hampshire.

Two people in lifejackets in a canoe on the Merrimack River as seen from behind.

Forest Journal: Traveling a River at Risk

Anna Berry
August 6, 2020

Five years ago, when I found out my parents were moving to New Hampshire from Alaska — where I was born and raised — I had big plans for the outdoor adventures we’d have together.

Recreation
Clean Water
The bow of a canoe with the Merrimack River ahead.

Explore the Merrimack River Watershed

Anna Berry
May 15, 2021

From Franklin, New Hampshire, to Newburyport, Massachusetts, there is much to see and experience along the Merrimack River watershed.

Clean Water
Recreation
Land Conservation

The Merrimack: In the News

Two boys sit with their feet in the water of the Merrimack River near a forested shore.

 

FAQ

What is a CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow)?

Find out in this video from the Merrimack River Watershed Trust.

A river at sunset winds past a former mill building in Lowell.

Film explores Merrimack River history, conservation efforts

July 6, 2020

By Heather Alterisio

A new documentary premiering at the end of July, "Merrimack: The River at Risk," explores the rich history of the Merrimack River and its watershed, the threats against it, and efforts to fight pollutants in it by conserving the forests around it.

Clean Water
Land Conservation
Merrimack Valley
A view of a lake in summer sunshine with a sailboat on the water.

Press Release: Lake Massabesic Shoreline Conserved

March 10, 2020

“The Forest Society has long recognized that one of the ways that our work protecting forests connects to people’s everyday lives is by providing clean drinking water,” said Jack Savage, president for the Forest Society.

Land Conservation
Clean Water
A river flows past the Moose Mountains.

Re-energized Effort to Fully Fund Land and Water Conservation Fund Emerges

Matt Leahy
March 10, 2020

The United States Senate will soon consider, possibly this week, the Great American Outdoors Act. If the legislation is ultimately signed into law, it will add to the growing impact the program has had on New Hampshire’s landscape.

Advocacy
Land Conservation
Clean Water
The Merrimack River from above near Stillhouse Forest.

Legislature and Governor Approve Legislation to Study How State Can Better Protect Drinking Water Sources

Matt Leahy
July 26, 2019

Senate Bill 164 establishes a legislative committee to study the sustainability of the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund (Trust Fund) and it

Clean Water
Advocacy

Newfound Acquifer Public Meeting

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 7:00pm
Newfound Acquifer Public Meeting Acquifer Map
Alexandria, NH

The Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) is introducing an initiative to protect our region’s principal drinking water supply. Located almost entirely in Alexandria and supplying roughly 3,500 Bristol residents, the Newfound aquifer can provide clean water to thousands of people for decades to come, if properly protected and managed.

Forest Society Forester Steve Junkin and Volunteer Dave Heuss strategize where to move rocks in order to divert water around a section of the White Arrow Trail at Mount Monadnock.

Remember When Rain Was Fun?

Emily Lord
July 21, 2019

As a kid, I remember the joy of splashing in puddles. After the snow melted and spring rain filled the ditch by our house, I’d grab an inner tube and play like I was at the beach.

Clean Water
Climate
Recreation