What is the primary responsibility of New Hampshire’s Forest Management program?

The primary responsibility of New Hampshire’s Forest Management program is to promote and sustain healthy forest ecosystems. This focus ensures that forests are managed in a way that maintains their ecological integrity, biodiversity, and resilience. Healthy forest ecosystems are essential for a variety of reasons, including providing habitat for wildlife, protecting water quality, and contributing to climate regulation.

By prioritizing the health of forest ecosystems, the program aims to balance conservation efforts with human needs, allowing for sustainable use while fostering environments that can thrive for future generations. This approach often involves practices such as selective logging, reforestation, and the control of invasive species, all of which contribute to the long-term sustainability of forest resources.

While recreational activities, revenue from timber sales, and managing private landowners' properties are important aspects of forest management, they are generally secondary to the overarching goal of maintaining forest health and ecosystem integrity. Thus, promoting and sustaining healthy forest ecosystems is central to the mission and effectiveness of New Hampshire’s Forest Management program.