Forest Service Report Shows Forest Growth in North Outpacing Other Parts of Country

[OKIsItJustMe]

(Please note, US Forest Service - Copyright concerns are nil.)

http://nrs.fs.fed.us/news/release/NFFP-Assessment-Report

[font face=Times, Times New Roman, Serif][font size=5]Forest Service Report Shows Forest Growth in North Outpacing Other Parts of Country - Region benefits from carbon emissions collection, water filtration, forestry jobs[/font]

[font size=3]WASHINGTON, D.C., March 12, 2012 - U.S. Forest Service scientists today 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 Forests of the Northern United States report, forest coverage in the United States has increased by 28 percent across the region that includes Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

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. "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 the first product 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.

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[NickB79]

1. The forests are growing, but the composition is changing

Here in Minnesota, we're already seeing the North Woods area switching from birch/aspen/pine/spruce to more maples, oaks, and basswood as the climate warms. In the southern portion of the state, hickory and walnut are starting to become more common.