The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire and Maine was established in 1918 to restore forests and watersheds ravaged by unbridled logging. For decades, the U.S. Forest Service focused on land acquisition and allowing the forest to grow back. Today, the national forest is the largest tract of public land in New England.

The recovering landscape encompasses the highest peak in the northeastern United States, lush hardwood and coniferous forests, numerous remote ponds, and the headwaters of four major rivers. These ecosystems are home to sensitive and threatened wildlife such as the Canada lynx, black bear, peregrine falcon, and brook trout.

Attracted by the spectacular scenery, 6 million people visit the area each year — more than most national parks. Instead of safeguarding these values, the Forest Service has reverted to intensive logging that is once again degrading the forest. The redesignation of the forest as a 890,000-acre White Mountain National Park would ensure the long-term protection of this beautiful recovering forest.