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.

Sixteen new volunteer Land Stewards spent a full Saturday in early spring with Forest Society staff at the Conservation Center in Concord for our annual Land Steward Field Day. After two months of virtual training sessions, the Field Day allowed new Stewards from across the state to meet in-person, hone their stewardship skills, test their knowledge, and—as a bonus celebration to fete the organization’s 125th anniversary—nosh some cupcakes and raise a glass.