Niche Statement
New England is a unique geographical and cultural area. Since colonization by Europeans in the 1600s, increasing numbers of visitors and residents have continued to value the mountains and forested lands in their
everyday lives.
The sense of history and tradition is strong. In the late 1800s
and early 1900s, over harvest, erosion and wildfires brought public
awareness and a resounding outcry for conservation. The White Mountains
were the impetus for the Weeks Act, which was advocated by long-term
partners such as the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire
Forests, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. These groups continue
to thrive and have been strong conservation leaders who advocate
for public land and multiple use management.
Today, the national forest is within a day's drive of over 70 million
people. Public land is scarce in the largely private setting of
the east. The White Mountain National Forest comprises the largest
publicly owned block in the six New England states. The forest is
very visible, which presents a seemingly limitless potential for
relationships building, partnerships and public support.
There is potential for a sizable political block. National Forest
lands lie in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, which host thousands
of visitors from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York,
and New Jersey. Representatives and Senators care about their constituent's
values and opinions. If the New England and New York delegations
combined forces to influence national forest management and policy,
the 54 U.S. Representatives and 14 Senators would be powerful advocates.
The influence of educational institutions also adds to the potential
of New England National Forests. Over 500 universities and colleges
lie within New England and New York. This concentration is the highest
in the nation and is a largely untapped resource. With a focused
effort, the Forest Service could expand management efforts as well
as tap into numerous aspects of education and support.
The mountains of New Hampshire and western Maine are also a destination
for international visitors, with nearly 2 million visitors from
Canada, Europe and Japan. Scientists from Denmark, Russia, Kasitikan,
Brazil and Quebec have visited the forest in the past few years.
With the ever-increasing population and urbanization of our country,
the White Mountain National Forest is poised to play a leadership
role in public policy, conservation and land management and collaboration
with people and groups.
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