INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 1991 NORTHEAST EXCHANGE

Introduction

The Northern Forest covers 26 million acres in northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, extending from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the largest tracts of forested land in the U.S., and is the largest area of relatively wild and undeveloped land in the East.

The landscape is a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, glacial erratics, lakes, rivers, wetlands, bogs and mountains. It provides an unmatched blend of ecological, cultural, economic, recreational and wildlife resources.

The area is surrounded on the east, west and south by population centers where a total of 70 million people live within an eight-hour drive.

Observations

Change threatens traditional land uses and lifestyles in the Northern Forest. Economic pressures on landowners, changing land values and rising tourism have led to increased development. Many people worry the landscape and its resources will suffer. Recognizing this concern, Congress directed the U.S. Forest Service to work with a Governors’ Task Force to study the timberland resources in the Northern Forest. The Northern Forest Lands Study was produced in 1990, which defined a vision for the Northern Forest and offered more than 25 possible strategies. This was the starting point for the Exchange case study.

The changing economy is exposing the Northern Forest to hostile forces. Sale of lots for second homes, inappropriate tourism development and change in land use threaten to diminish traditional values and forest health. Large multinational firms with no local affiliations have the potential to exploit the resources and leave. The economic base for forest production is fragile and may not survive this onslaught.

Lack of trust and an attitude of confrontation between external forces and internal interests were the fundamental issues around which related problems revolved.

The obvious concern community groups have for the future of the Northern Forest is commendable and should lead to a commitment to positive action. While all sides acknowledge the need for action, however, the team sensed that communities resist change, partly because they fear interference from outsiders and erosion of independence through stronger land use controls. There is also a mistrust among community groups.

Key Issues

• Protect and conserve the natural resources the economy depends on.
• Reduce dependence on any single industry, and thereby develop stable local communities that protect and enhance the quality of life.

Recommendations

Reaching these goals requires improved consultation, communication and education on all issues dealing with land use change. A mechanism for consultation at all levels should be developed as a statutory requirement before changes affecting community life are implemented. This could include regular meetings between local communities and with the Northern Forest Lands Council. Regular news releases should be produced for weekly papers, stressing group cooperation. Regular community newsletters should also be produced.

Use public radio stations as a forum to promote local culture and the exchange of ideas and information. Education of both the local communities and tourists is important. A resource management education program should be developed to heighten public awareness of local culture, natural resources and economic issues. Develop classes in craft skills to improve the cottage industries that already exist. Additionally, use state and private funds to teach the public and recreational landowners about timber harvesting, maple sugaring, forest management and other elements of rural resource utilization.

Conduct an information, publicity and education campaign on federal funding, and support these programs through a local or regional agency trusted by the community.

Adequate scientific information and analyses are essential to manage Northern Forest resources. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing data must be combined with ground checking that involves local community members.

Key lands should be purchased only as a last resort. It should also be realized that easements may not always be as cost effective as outright purchase. However, they should still be a primary tool because they work and because they build trust among agencies, communities, industry and landowners. Landowner agreements should be used to unlock the value of the environments.

Local control over planning must be maintained, but a regional or national funding mechanism should be established to keep the planning process moving on a mutually agreed-upon track. A technical advisory board attached to the Northern Forest Lands Council should be charged with managing the interaction between the environment and economic development to secure responsible development.

Incentives for action must be provided. Some possible incentive programs include: a countryside stewardship program that provides technical assistance; a new institution to conduct research and education in higher value wood products, and a program of public investment in worker training and plant improvements in existing mills and factories in return for a public equity stake in the companies and agreements not to leave the area for a fixed period.

Green tourism brings in outside investment in the form of promotion, infrastructure and management advice. Trails, already one of the region’s key assets, could be enhanced and linked through a trail easement program. Roads and key links between valleys could be widened to safely accommodate cyclists. private clubs and eco-tourism businesses could be encourage to promote nationwide the cycling and hiking opportunities in the Northern Forest.

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©2002 Glynwood Center