The Forest Protection Bureau consists of three programs: forest law enforcement, forest fire protection and forest health management. Through these programs the bureau enforces the forestry laws of the state, monitors forest conditions to protect forests from damaging insects and diseases and protect woodlands from wild fires.
 

PURPOSE

To protect and enhance New Hampshire’s Forest Resources.

VISION

The Forest Protection Bureau will be recognized as providing professional leadership in the protection and enhancement of New Hampshire Forests.

MISSION

Provide intelligent and aggressive wildland fire management, forest law enforcement, and forest health services.

Forest Law Enforcement

Forest law enforcement is conducted according to statute to protect "forest cover adjacent to certain surface waters of the state and along public highways" and to "...ensure future forest productivity...without undue infringement on the rights of private forest landowners." See also Forestry Laws.

Posting of Forest Ranger I

Forest Fire Protection

Protection from woodland fires is accomplished through a system of forest fire lookout towers, aerial surveillance, cadre of appointed Forest Fire Wardens, two mobile patrols, enforcement of fire protection laws, participation in the Northeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Commission, and the training and aiding of local fire departments and Wardens.

FIRE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Forest Health Management

The protection of forest health is done through regular monitoring and application of strategic protection efforts as needed. Monitoring includes surveys for forest insects and diseases, adverse weather damage, and forests damaged by airborne contaminants. Protection efforts may include public outreach, pest eradication, silvicultural prescriptions, and timber salvage operations.