On May 16, 2018, the Museum of the White Mountains in Plymouth opened its exhibit “The People’s Forest” to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the White Mountain National Forest. The exhibit will be on display through September 12, 2018.
In 1901, eight concerned citizens formed the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests with a mission to protect the White Mountains, which were rapidly being clear-cut. The Forest Society, along with the Appalachian Mountain Club and others, advocated for the protection of the White Mountains for decades. Through the Weeks Act of 1911, Congress enabled the government to buy lands from willing private landowners to create national forests east of the Mississippi. The first land purchased to become part of the White Mountain National Forest was acquired in 1914.
Today the White Mountain National Forest comprises approximately 780,000 acres, including 50,000 acres in Maine, and supports upwards of 6 million visitors annually. To honor the accomplishments of the last 100 years, we will be compiling stories, articles, and events celebrating the 100th Anniversary of "The People's Forest" on this page. Explore the links below to learn more.
Centennial Events
September 18 - Lost River Gorge Tour & 100th Anniversary Celebration for the White Mountain National Forest - North Woodstock, NH
Past Events:
June 16 - White Mountain National Forest Centennial: A Forestry Tour in Applied Silviculture - North Woodstock, NH
June 20 - The Streamflow Study that Justified the Weeks Act - Gordon Stuart - Plymouth, NH
June 29 - Screening of David Huntley's Documentary: The People's Forest - Plymouth, NH
July 31 - Creating the White Mountain National Forest, 1913-2018: From Idea to Reality - Rebecca Weeks Sherrill - Plymouth, NH
A Short Time in the Life of a Forest
100 years doesn't seem long when trees can live for centuries, but we shouldn't take the last 100 years for granted. Read why in this Forest Journal column from Jack Savage.
President/Forester's Remarks
Hear Forest Society President/Forester, Jane Difley, share remarks from the opening of The People's Forest exhibit at the Museum of the White Mountains. Looking back at the history of the White Mountain National Forest, Jane Difley reflected, “it reminds us that a lot of things are possible and to never give up hope.”