The working landscape, with its evolving forest, has defined the Windham Region for centuries. Together these productive woodlands and the people whose livelihoods depend upon them have been important elements of the regional and even global economy. From these woods have come hardwoods sought after around the world. Yet Windham’s working landscape faces major threats from development, climate change, rising production costs, and global imports.This report, prepared for the Windham Regional Commission, examines how the rural, working character of the Windham region might be maintained in the face of social, economic, and environmental trends. It presents individuals and firms who are finding new ways to thrive in the face of these challenges, and offers strategies to prepare now for future developments and to enhance the health and well-being of communities and woodlands across the region.
