By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

NORTH WOODSTOCK – A bipartisan effort by New Hampshire’s Republican governor and two Democratic U.S. Senators has saved the USDA’s Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest from the chopping block.

In April, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and fellow Democrat Maggie Hassan sounded the alarm and met with New Hampshire environmental officials to discuss efforts by the Trump Administration to close the facility, which has historically looked at hydrology and changes to the environment.

The two U.S. Senators pledged during that meeting at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch to work with Ayotte and other key Republicans to convince the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to not close Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest.

And it worked.

In a joint statement issued Monday Ayotte and Shaheen said the USDA will keep Hubbard Brook operating and continue to evaluate plans at another USDA Forest, the separate Bartlett Experimental Forests to “ensure the continued stability of these critical research sites in New Hampshire.”

“New Hampshire’s forests are an essential part of our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” said Gov. 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.”

Shaheen said, “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…I’m relieved that the Administration heard New Hampshire’s calls, and I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ commitment to re-examine 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.”

Secretary Rollins confirmed that there are no proposals affecting the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest now or any of its associated facilities. 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 statement said.

Ayotte said she 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.

Shaheen and Ayotte additionally requested increased staffing support for the forests and agreed to further conversations about the topic.

Since 1955, the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, in Thornton and North Woodstock, has been a major center for hydrologic research in New England.