NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources – Concord, NH

NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)

The NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), formerly known as the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), is the principal state agency responsible for protecting, promoting, and managing New Hampshire’s natural and cultural assets. Located at 172 Pembroke Road in Concord, this headquarters serves as the administrative hub for several key divisions, including the Division of Forests and Lands and the Division of Parks and Recreation. Following the reorganization of state government in 2017, the economic development functions were moved to a separate agency, leaving DNCR to focus exclusively on the stewardship of the state’s environment, history, and arts.

Divisions and Services

The facility at Pembroke Road houses the leadership and administrative support for:

• Division of Forests and Lands: Responsible for the stewardship of the state’s forest resources. This division manages state-owned woodlands, oversees forest fire protection (including the state’s fire towers), and operates the State Forest Nursery. They issue fire permits and work to maintain forest health through sustainable management practices.
• Division of Parks and Recreation: Manages New Hampshire’s extensive system of state parks, beaches, campgrounds, and historic sites. From this office, staff coordinate the operations of the state park system, handle reservations policies, and manage recreational trails.
• Division of Historical Resources & State Council on the Arts: While these divisions have specific programmatic focuses, their administrative oversight falls under the DNCR umbrella, working to preserve the state’s history and support the creative economy.

Permits and Public Access

The public often interacts with this office to obtain specialized permits that are not available at local park gates. This includes special use permits for events on state lands, commercial photography permits, and scientific research authorizations. The office also serves as a resource for landowners seeking information on forestry laws and timber tax requirements. It is important to note that while this is the headquarters, camping reservations are primarily handled through the online ReserveAmerica system, and day-use passes should be purchased in advance online.

Location and Visiting

The DNCR headquarters is located on the east side of Concord, away from the downtown state office complex. The building on Pembroke Road offers free parking for visitors. While many services, such as buying park passes or fire permits, can be completed online, the office is open to the public for specific administrative inquiries during standard business hours. Visitors should be prepared for a professional office environment rather than a visitor center; however, staff can provide maps and brochures regarding state recreational opportunities.

Conservation Mission

The core mission of the agency is to ensure that New Hampshire’s unique quality of life is preserved for future generations. This involves a delicate balance of promoting tourism and outdoor recreation while aggressively protecting the natural habitats and historical integrity of the state. The DNCR plays a vital role in New Hampshire’s identity, managing the assets that make the state a premier destination for hiking, skiing, and cultural tourism.