BARTLETT, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) met with New Hampshire timber, forestry, research, and conservation leaders at the Bartlett Experimental Forest to discuss efforts to protect the critical infrastructure that helps manage the country’s northern hardwoods amid the Trump administration’s proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service. 

“New Hampshire’s experimental forests are engines of our northern economy and allow for mission-critical research that supports forestry and forest science across the entire country. Loggers, foresters and New Hampshire businesses depend on these research stations to manage our timber, sustain good-paying jobs and understand how the northern forests can adapt in the face of a changing climate,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “We cannot let these vital research assets be jettisoned by Washington without Congress and New Hampshire having a say.”

New Hampshire’s experimental forests — Hubbard Brook, in Woodstock, and Bartlett — are nationally renowned research centers that guide forestry management throughout the country’s northern forests. Goodlander and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), who represents the town of Barlett, joined with the rest of the New Hampshire congressional delegation in successfully urging the Secretary of Agriculture to reevaluate the closure of the Bartlett Experimental Forest and retain Hubbard Brook. 

During the visit, Goodlander toured research plots with retired Bartlett Experimental Forest researchers Mariko Yamasaki and Steve Fay and participated in a roundtable discussion with timber industry representatives, foresters, researchers, conservation partners, and forestry advocates. The discussion focused on the proposed Forest Service reorganization, the future of the experimental forests, forestry research, workforce needs, and the importance of maintaining critical research facilities in Bartlett.

“The work done here is at the beginning of a long-line economy,” said Shaun Lagueux, President of the New England Forestry Consultants. “The forest economy in New Hampshire is huge, and the work done here supports that economy and those resources down the line.” Lagueux chairs the New Hampshire Timberland Owners’ Association Policy Committee.

“The research that comes out of Bartlett is information we share with forest landowners every day,” said Steven Roberge, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension State Specialist, Forest Resources. “It helps them learn more about their land, manage wildlife habitat, and make decisions backed by New England-based research. It is very critical that this science continues to happen.”

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

Goodlander has been an outspoken advocate on protecting the northern forests and the Granite State’s rural economy: 

• Following the announcement of the proposed U.S. Forest Service reorganization, Goodlander joined letters pressing the Trump administration to reconsider the proposal and urged the Department of Agriculture to maintain the Service’s network of Experimental Forests and Rangelands.

• Earlier this year, she led a Farm Bill amendment that would have prohibited the U.S. Forest Service from closing any Research and Development facility, including experimental forests. 

• She helped lead the Forest Conservation Easement Program Act last year. The bill seeks to conserve working forests and give landowners more options to ensure their land is protected.

• Goodlander is a cosponsor of the Jobs in the Woods Act, H.R. 4575, to create a grant program to train young people for careers in forestry and connect them with job opportunities. 

• She is also a cosponsor of the Timber Harvesters, Haulers and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act, which would extend temporary financial assistance to eligible forest product businesses impacted by market disruptions. 

• She is also cosponsoring the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, a bipartisan bill to support loggers who have lost income as a result of natural disasters, as well as the Future Logging Careers Act to make it easier for loggers to safely train the next generation of the industry’s workforce. 

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