Forest Cover is Declining in Every New England State
Focusing on New England, the report details how forest cover is declining in every New England state, and offers a vision for the future where 70 percent of New England’s forest cover can be maintained.
It’s a tall order, but achievable. We commend the authors of the report for this science-based vision supported by decades of research. At AFF, we too are concerned about the “growing instability of the forest base that supports human livelihood and biodiversity.”
With thousands of acres of forests and farms developed every year in New England, we must continue to work in partnership to sustainably manage these woodlands. As the report notes, “sustainably managed woodlands are an extremely valuable resource.”
From ensuring quality water supplies, to wildlife habitat, to forest products, and recreation, New England forests are vital to the region’s economy, identity and public health. The report outlines four key ways to realize the vision of 70 percent forest cover in New England during the next 50 years. Here are a few ways AFF is helping:
• Increased engagement with landowners through regional conservation partnerships. At AFF, the American Tree Farm System is working with 4,000 family forest landowners in New England who sustainably manage 1.6 million acres of woodlands. Maine family forest landowner, Jo Pierce commented, “It is critical to expand this effort. Land is being deforested every day. We have to work now so that our grandchildren and great grandchildren can enjoy the same New England we grew up in. Where would New England be without our changing forest colors in the fall?”
• Expanded approaches to forest conservation. Helping landowners acquire funding for conservation agreements and other incentives to keep their land forested.
• Development of innovative finance strategies. At AFF, we working with many of New England’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Michael Michaud (D-Maine) to lead the effort at the national level to fund the Carbon Conservation Program to provide incentives for family forest owners to capture more carbon from their forest lands.
• Greater reliance on policy and planning tools. There are a number of federal policies that can help achieve the vision for New England’s forests. For example, we are working to fix federal tax policies, like the estate tax, that discourages the transfer of family land to heirs and often stimulates unsustainable forest management.
We join with the Wildlands and Woodlands vision to “support forest stewardship and economic opportunity” in New England.
