Steven Roberge has accepted a new position as the state forestry specialist for UNH Extension. He will support and manage Extension’s forest stewardship program and cooperative work with the NH Division of Forest and Lands and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He will also lead the Forest Stewardship Area of Expertise.
Roberge graduated from UNH with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a minor in plant biology and received a Master of Science in Forest Science from Yale University. For the past 13 years he has served as an Extension forestry field specialist in Cheshire County and has served a county office administrator since 2010.
Natural Resources Program Team Leader Jeff Schloss said, “Steve stepped up as acting Extension state specialist for forestry while still performing county forester and county office manager duties and truly showed his diverse skillset. He brings to this position leadership in program development, effective outreach and education approaches, strong and innovative partnerships and an experienced understanding of NH’s forests, the forestry community and those that work and benefit from it.”
Roberge is well known throughout the state for his expertise in maple syrup and products. He has experience in applied research projects with UNH and UVM collaborators. He also has served in leadership roles for the Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters, the NH Maple Producers Association and the NH Maple Museum.
Brad Simpkins, director of the Division of Forests and Lands for the State of New Hampshire, said, “In a state where 75% of our forest is privately owned, the education work that Extension does is critical to the wise management of this resource. Steve has a great record of working with private forestland owners in his previous roles, and I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
He can be reached at steven.roberge@unh.edu.
