What is a Town Forest?

A Town Forest is not the same as conservation land because it has a special definition in State Law and must be voted as a Town Forest at Town Meeting. Gilmanton has seven Town Forests totaling approximately 666 acres. The purpose of a Town Forest is defined in NH RSA 31:111 as, “The main purpose of such city or town forest shall be to encourage the proper management of timber, firewood and other natural resources through planting, timber stand improvement, thinning, harvesting, reforestation, and other multiple use programs consistent with the forest management program, any deed restrictions and any pertinent local ordinances or regulations.”