Center Vice President Joe Short brings regional priorities to Washington, DC.
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Advocating for the Region

The Center advances programs and policies that connect economy, community, and environment to accelerate inclusive prosperity.

We work at the state and federal levels, advocating for public policies and regional investment that will support economic opportunities based on sustainable uses of the forest.

We do this by improving public policies that support new industries that use the forest sustainably, such as modern wood heating and mass timber; by highlighting the importance of investment in rural infrastructure such as broadband; and by securing public investment in maintaining forestland and building forest-based businesses.

“The Center is a strong advocate for the Northern Forest. The Center brings a regional perspective to Washington, DC, with tangible, local projects to help decision-makers shape programs that will more effectively serve forested places.”

– Jamey French, CEO, Northland Forest Products, Inc.

The Center encourages our region’s governors, senators and representatives to work together for the region. For visibility and funding, our four governors, eight U.S. senators, and seven U.S. Representatives can provide a strong collective voice.

We also work with federal agency staff, helping them to understand the needs and opportunities of the Northern Forest, and securing funding for the region through programs such as the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency and the Regional Forest Economy Partnership of the Northern Border Regional Commission.

As a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 status from the IRS, the Center does not support or oppose candidates for public office nor engage in partisan activities.

How We Work to Shape Policy

The Dismantlement of the U.S. Forest Service Threatens the Health of Our Forests and Communities

At a time when our forests are more important than ever, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a U.S. Forest Service Reorganization Plan that authorizes the near elimination of place-based forest research that is the basis for sound forest management and increases the distance between the agency and practitioners.

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.

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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How We're Contributing to Climate Solutions

Reckoning with Climate Change in Community Forests

Over the past year, the Center has brought together committee members from Community Forests located in the Androscoggin River Valley to bolster their collective understanding and commitment to climate resilience.

A view of a forest and river

Building Climate Resilience in the Androscoggin Valley

Last fall, the Northern Forest Center launched the Androscoggin Valley Community Forest Collaborative, bringing together the committees and foresters of eight Community Forests located in the Androscoggin River watershed to explore collaborative opportunities and ways their conserved land can support local climate resilience.

A view of a forest and river

Regional Network Builds Local Resilience

The Center is launching an initiative to bring together a network of eight Community Forests along the Androscoggin River watershed to explore collaborative opportunities and how their conserved land can support local climate resilience. 

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Staff Contacts

man smiling in front of trees

Joe Short

Vice President
Cell: 603-491-2651