The Forest Society has permanently conserved 53 acres in Goffstown, New Hampshire, completing the protection of the historic Sugar Bush Farm with the Shost family and safeguarding important farmland, wildlife habitat, and water resources in the Merrimack River watershed. This project supports the town’s goal of preserving productive agricultural land and was made possible through the generosity of the Shost family and a partnership of public and private funders.

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.