Mission & Strategic Programs
Our Mission:
To celebrate the rich human heritage and diverse natural environment of the Northern Forest by establishing and stewarding a water trail tracing historic Native American travel routes across New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Our Programs:
1. Waterway Stewardship
2. Rural Economic Development
3. Community Recreation, Arts and Heritage
Our Guiding Principles:
In our work to achieve our mission, we will:
Work through partnerships and in collaboration with local and regional stakeholders
Engage local communities in Trail planning, design and stewardship
Promote low-impact use and enjoyment of the Trail
Conserve and enhance the interrelated human and natural heritage of the region
Expand awareness and understanding of the Northern Forest region's history, identity and potential
Honor Native American culture and traditions
Our Approach:
We will serve travelers and benefit neighboring communities by:
Encouraging canoe / kayak travel and recreation
Promoting economic development by attracting a wide range of visitors to the region's communities
Improving local access to and providing stewardship of regional waterways - rivers, streams, and lakes
Enabling travelers to experience the Northern Forest's full range of diverse landscapes, from working cities and towns to farms, forests, and mountains
Supporting community-based services and local arts, education and environmental programs that educate and inspire residents and visitors alike
Enhancing quality of life by creating opportunities for people to reconnect with place
