We are the only organization whose scope of work includes strengthening communities, advancing the rural economy and providing regional leadership while working across all four states in the region.
We’re engaged with people, communities and businesses across the region to generate innovative solutions to our shared challenges. And we go well beyond traditional resources in finding and deploying capital to create bold possibilities that give rise to vibrant Northern Forest communities.
As our understanding of forest ecosystems has deepened – and the pressures and demands on them have increased – foresters have recognized the need to go further. Today, foresters incorporate carbon uptake and storage, climate resilience, a greater focus on biodiversity, and other critical concerns in forest management.
Let’s not fall prey to calls for blanket “hands off” management that cherry-pick science and ignore the much broader consensus that forest management can in fact support the underlying ecological conditions and complexity that ensures public and private forests are healthier and stronger for future generations.
USDA agencies are crucial partners in active and locally relevant stewardship of public and private forests to maintain the many benefits nature provides, and in supporting thriving rural economies and resilient lands. Maintaining these essential benefits depends on a well-resourced, experienced, and locally rooted USDA. Any reorganization should strengthen – not weaken – these capacities.
All USFS programs focused on state, private, and tribal forestry; forest research; and wildfire management are slated for deep reductions or complete elimination in the president’s FY26 budget proposal. These cuts will severely impact the state forest agencies that assist private forest landowners responsible for managing millions of acres of forest.
The Northern Border Regional Commission, a highly effective entity, is slated for elimination in the President’s budget. Over the past 15 years, the Commission has delivered $335 million into 720 critical local economic development projects.
The Center calls on the Administration to reconsider its slashing of rural funding programs and the federal staff who deliver them, and on the members of the Congressional delegation serving this region to be vocal and active in defending these resources.
Our annual reports showcase the ways in which we are strengthening communities, advancing the rural economy and providing leadership to benefit the region. Meet the people working to create a New Forest Future. Their stories will inspire you.