The Northern Forest Regional Symposium. Photo © Cheryl Senter, courtesy NH Charitable Foundation
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Providing Leadership

We believe in bold, adaptive leadership. We bring new ideas and resources to accelerate innovation across geographic, social and ideological boundaries in the Northern Forest.

We help the region capitalize on new trends and opportunities by empowering local voices and advocating a regional vision for thriving communities and healthy forests.

How We Provide Leadership

Advancing Rural Opportunity

We believe in widely shared opportunity. We collaborate to secure community benefits rooted in the interdependence of a vibrant rural economy, healthy ecosystem, and an equitable society.

Recent Highlights

What We're Doing

Securing Resources

We use our unique four-state, multi-interest perspective and strong relationships with the congressional delegation, federal agencies, and state governments to bring dedicated funding to the region.

Recent Highlights

What We're Doing

Advocating for the Region

The Center advances programs and policies that connect economy, community and environment to accelerate inclusive prosperity. We bring rural issues, local concerns, and ecological priorities to the attention of elected officials and agency staff.

Recent Highlights

What We're Doing

Contributing to Climate Solutions

Center programs advance the use of climate-friendly forest products, conserve forests, and encourage landowners to maintain forests rather than develop them.

Recent Highlights

What We're Doing

Our Impact

$260,000,000
secured or leveraged for region
12,224
tons of greenhouse gas avoided
259,219
acres conserved for community benefit

Center creates national group to boost rural America

Since the Center co-founded the Rural Development Innovation Group in 2016, the collective has showcased rural innovation and leadership and advocated for better rural policy – changing the way policymakers think about rural America. Read more

Program Updates

Forest Policy Must Be More Than Headline-Driven

Center President Rob Riley highlights the importance of thoughtful dialogue about managing the region's forests, leaning into a "both/and" approach.

woman speaks at building celebration

Community-Centered Solutions Inspire Center Board Member Tabitha Bowling

A single conversation about wood heating solutions turned into nearly a decade of leadership for Tabitha Bowling—and positive impact for Northern Forest communities.

Elevating Local Voices in the Northeast Kingdom

VT/NH Program Director, Mike Morin shares his reflections following his attendance at the NEK Day at the Statehouse.

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