Senator Shaheen, Governor Ayotte and USDA Announce Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Will Remain Open

(Washington, DC) – Following conversations between U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Governor Kelly Ayotte and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, Senator Shaheen and Governor Ayotte confirmed that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is not closing New Hampshire’s Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. USDA will continue to evaluate plans at Bartlett Experimental Forests to ensure the continued stability of these critical research sites in New Hampshire. “Research from Hubbard Brook and Bartlett has guided forest stewardship across New England for the better part of a century, and we simply can’t afford to lose that,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m relieved that the Administration heard New Hampshire’s calls, and I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ commitment to reexamine the initial proposal that would close facilities at Bartlett. It’s critical that we see a meaningful change in plans. I am also grateful for Governor Ayotte's partnership in protecting these cherished places. The lab and other facilities at Bartlett must remain open in New Hampshire to continue the decades-long research projects that serve our entire country while addressing new challenges.” “New Hampshire’s forests are an essential part of our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” said Governor Ayotte. “I had a productive conversation with Secretary Rollins and Senator Shaheen, and I appreciate USDA’s commitment to keeping these important research forests operating.” Secretary Rollins confirmed that there are no proposals affecting the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest or any of its associated facilities. Secretary Rollins also committed to review plans at Bartlett Experimental Forest. The Forest Service recognizes its significance to the community, the agency, and scientific partners and is currently developing a five-year research plan with the White Mountain National Forest. The Governor and Secretary Rollins discussed the importance of New Hampshire's experimental forests, and their shared commitment for continued support of these research sites, along with New Hampshire's forestry and timber industries across the state. Additionally, the Governor and the Secretary also reviewed opportunities for USDA to invest in improvements to facilities at the Bartlett Experimental Forest, including current repairs to the onsite bunkhouse. Senator Shaheen and Governor Ayotte additionally requested increased staffing support for the forests and agreed to further conversations about the topic. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen helped secure increased funding for research and language directing the Forest Service to fill vacancies at experimental forests in the Northeast. The Hubbard Brook and Bartlett Experimental Forests are nationally recognized research sites that contribute to forest management, environmental science, and economic activity in New Hampshire and across the region. Senator Shaheen is a champion for New England’s experimental forests and pushed back against USFS reorganization earlier this month. Recently, Senators Shaheen and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) sent a letter to USDA expressing concern about the reorganization of the Forest Service following a roundtable they led in Bretton Woods with local conservation advocates and forest leaders. In April, Senator Shaheen questioned Secretary Rollins about the Forest Service’s plans to close Bartlett Experimental Forest. In the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills that were signed into law, Shaheen helped boost funding for state and private forestry, as well as forest research. ###