Each year, the Forest Society works in partnership with landowners, neighbors, donors, grantmaking organizations, partner land trusts, conservation commissions and local and state governments to identify and conserve strategic additions to our network of permanently protected forests, lands and waters.
Bringing new land into our care and stewardship involves a process that includes a determination of whether the mechanism will be a full fee acquisition by the Forest Society or a conservation easement; negotiation of a purchase or donation; a fundraising period to secure support for both near-term costs and long-term stewardship and legal defense; and finally the transfer of title. And then, our stewardship begins, with the drafting and implementation of management plans, annual monitoring of conservation easements, recreational infrastructure maintenance and improvements, habitat management and restoration, and, often, timber management. See our recent accomplishments here.
Support Land Conservation & Stewardship Projects:
Farming for the Future at Morrill Dairy Farm
In 2024, the Forest Society will seek to acquire a conservation easement over the 208-acre farm, which will protect the land from subdivision and development while allowing for agricultural uses and recreation, including fishing, hunting, and paddling.
Forest Society North at The Rocks
Our vision is to expand and deepen the Forest Society’s presence in the North Country and to provide educational and recreational opportunities while also fostering a community of forest landowners and land stewards for generations to come.
Mount Major Stewardship Fund
The Forest Society is dedicated to consistently improving the visitor experience — and natural resource protection — at Mt. Major. In addition to being a more enjoyable hiking experience, the new trail section should also require much less maintenance over time. It will also be a major ecological improvement, reducing runoff and silting into Lake Winnipesaukee.
Land Action Fund
Because owners do not always have the capacity to donate their land or conservation easements, sometimes the Forest Society has to purchase land or conservation easements, at times quickly, in order to protect a property’s exceptional natural resources. The Land Action Fund provides funding to accomplish these important projects.
Your Support Made a Difference!
We're excited to share the good news about recently completed land protection projects that were accomplished with your generous support.