Northern Forest Center

The Northern Forest Center was founded in 1997 to address the persistent challenges facing the forest economy and forest‐dependent communities in the Northern Forest region of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. As a regional innovation and investment partner, the Center’s programs are guided by a 2015 strategic plan informed by hundreds of regional stakeholders and include three primary program areas: 1) Diversification of the forest economy; 2) Investment in community development; and 3) Facilitation of regional collaboration and public policy advocacy.

Organization Mission Statement: The Center creates bold possibilities that give rise to vibrant Northern Forest communities. We contribute ideas, support and expertise to people strengthening economic opportunity and environmental resiliency across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

Since its inception, the Center has conducted research, developed programs, produced publications and convened dialogue and regional exchanges on issues ranging from heritage and culture to economic development, conservation and place-based education.

The Center uses several guiding principles to develop its programs: • Invest in and enhance local capital • Celebrate heritage and culture • Strengthen connections between people and places • Conserve and restore ecosystems • Work using cooperation and collaboration

Using these principles as a guide, the Center partners with individuals and organizations that represent diverse interests, skills, perspectives and disciplines to achieve things otherwise out of reach.