In northern New Hampshire and Western Maine, the Northern Forest Center is launching an initiative to bring together a network of eight Community Forests along the Androscoggin River watershed (Errol, Milan, Gorham, Randolph, Shelburne NH and Bethel, Woodstock, and Rumford ME) to explore collaborative opportunities and how their conserved land can support local climate resilience. 

The Center created this peer network to encourage these communities to share knowledge and experiences and collaborate to find ways to manage forests that help mitigate the impacts of climate change.  

“These communities own 32,000 acres of conserved land, and we know that they can learn from each other,” said Program Director Julie Renaud Evans. “We wanted to provide a learning opportunity about climate resilience both at the forest and the community level. Together with their respective professional forester advisors, the towns will update their Community Forest Management Plans and explore collaborative projects to strengthen their forests as vital resources for environmental stewardship, climate adaptation, and local livelihoods.”  

With the support of strategic partners and funders, including the Open Space Institute, the Northern Forest Center is facilitating these conversations, ensuring that the region’s Community Forests remain dynamic assets for generations to come. This collaborative approach reinforces the value of community ownership and highlights the role these forests can play in addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.