U.S. Forest Service scientists recently released an assessment that shows forest land has expanded in northern states during the past century despite a 130-percent population jump and relentless environmental threats. At the same time, Forest Service researchers caution that threats to forests in the coming decades could undermine these gains.
According to the report, forest coverage in the United States has increased by 28 percent across the twenty-state region that includes the six New England states.
Forested land currently accounts for 42 percent of the northern land area. Population in the region rose from 52 to 124 million people during the past 100 years, while northern forest coverage expanded from 134 to 172 million acres. Total U.S. forest land remained essentially unchanged during that time.
"While it's heartening to see our northern forests thriving in great times of change, we should also use this report as a reminder to remain vigilant about working together across all lands to make sure these positive trends continue," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell in a prepared statement. "Forests have rebounded over the last century, but there are significant threats that could undo many of the gains. Forest Service research including a study released in 2010, have already indicated this. Our future research will delve more deeply into those threats.”
The assessment is an initiative of the Northern Forest Futures Project, a cooperative effort of the Forest Service, the Northeastern Area Association of State Foresters, and the academic community. The project is examining how trends and choices may impact the landscapes of northern states. Partners in the cooperative hope ultimately the project influences decisions regarding the protection and sustainable management of public and private forests.
Outlined in the report are current conditions, recent trends, opportunities, and threats affecting the most densely populated and forested part of the country. This information is designed to lay the groundwork for a 50-year outlook on northern forests, which the Forest Service plans to release in 2013.
The report shows that Maine, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, and West Virginia have the greatest total volume of timber among northern states – more than 20 billion cubic feet each. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, and West Virginia have the highest average volume per acre of timberland – more than 1,900 cubic feet per acre.
According to the report, these trees benefit rural and urban communities by protecting soil from erosion, reducing energy consumption, collecting carbon emissions and providing clean water. Forty-eight percent of the North’s water supply originates on the forests that cover 42 percent of the land.
In its economic evaluation, the northern forest assessment states that about 441,000 people work in the forestry, logging, wood products, and pulp and paper industries – accounting for about 40 percent of all U.S. jobs in these sectors.
To access the complete report, please visit:
U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station: Forests of the Northern United States (January 2012)
Background information:
Northern Forest Futures Project
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