Yes, we should celebrate that -despite all of our impacts- the Earth’s natural ecosystems are absorbing a significant amount of our carbon pollution! Unfortunately the future of these carbon sinks is by no means assured - even in the US, there is continuing deforestation.
Also, it’s interesting that another recent study, with similar conclusions about CO2 fertilization for the entire Earth, was interpreted by many as evidence that rising CO2 and climate change is actually good for the planet! Something to watch out for….
Gabe, thanks as always for your great work! Curious if you have any academic studies at hand about the impacts of private v. public ownership on forest health...
Thanks Boyce. Great question - I don't know of any studies asking this general question, but the USFS does study private forest ownership so you might look at whether any of their researchers have taken this on. At a state level, I do know of one paper you might find interesting, looking at biodiversity and carbon storage among different ownership classes in Wisconsin: https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/facoa/3482/
I also don't know that there's an agreed-upon definition of forest health..
Great post! Thank you for providing such valuable insight! For me, as a conservationist, this reaffirms my mission here in western Maine where forest spread far and wide. I know I'm on the right track!
Well done, Gabe. I think that it is not correct that Forest Service staff collect FIA data. In Kentucky, and I think throughout the East, data are collected by state foresters and the states are compensated by the Forest Service. I could be wrong.
Indeed, I was not aware of the FIA, but I'm going to be taking a look at it now! I grew up on the east coast and now own 90 acres of forest land in the Pacific Northwest. It's not in an area considered particularly fire prone (though especially as the climate changes that's increasingly not a matter of if but when) but the stresses are increasingly visible. My husband has lived in the Northwest his whole life and says that the forests and weather here remind him more and more of northern California. We're trying to adapt our stewardship accordingly but we're still very much beginners. There's a lot to learn.
I'm in Washington, and I think those programs aren't quite as built out here (yet) but I've been exploring what's available through WSU extension and also the state DNR, and have found some good resources!
Yes, we should celebrate that -despite all of our impacts- the Earth’s natural ecosystems are absorbing a significant amount of our carbon pollution! Unfortunately the future of these carbon sinks is by no means assured - even in the US, there is continuing deforestation.
Also, it’s interesting that another recent study, with similar conclusions about CO2 fertilization for the entire Earth, was interpreted by many as evidence that rising CO2 and climate change is actually good for the planet! Something to watch out for….
The global greening continues despite increased drought stress since 2000. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989423004262
Gabe, thanks as always for your great work! Curious if you have any academic studies at hand about the impacts of private v. public ownership on forest health...
Thanks Boyce. Great question - I don't know of any studies asking this general question, but the USFS does study private forest ownership so you might look at whether any of their researchers have taken this on. At a state level, I do know of one paper you might find interesting, looking at biodiversity and carbon storage among different ownership classes in Wisconsin: https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/facoa/3482/
I also don't know that there's an agreed-upon definition of forest health..
Great post! Thank you for providing such valuable insight! For me, as a conservationist, this reaffirms my mission here in western Maine where forest spread far and wide. I know I'm on the right track!
That's nice to hear, Samantha! I haven't spent much time in Maine, but as the most forested state, sounds like you all must be doing something right!
Well done, Gabe. I think that it is not correct that Forest Service staff collect FIA data. In Kentucky, and I think throughout the East, data are collected by state foresters and the states are compensated by the Forest Service. I could be wrong.
Usually contract crews do the work out West.
Interesting, thanks for flagging.. I'll have to look into that.
Indeed, I was not aware of the FIA, but I'm going to be taking a look at it now! I grew up on the east coast and now own 90 acres of forest land in the Pacific Northwest. It's not in an area considered particularly fire prone (though especially as the climate changes that's increasingly not a matter of if but when) but the stresses are increasingly visible. My husband has lived in the Northwest his whole life and says that the forests and weather here remind him more and more of northern California. We're trying to adapt our stewardship accordingly but we're still very much beginners. There's a lot to learn.
If you live in Oregon, they have an excellent forestry extension program with local experts who can help (for free). https://extension.oregonstate.edu/forests/health-managment
I'm in Washington, and I think those programs aren't quite as built out here (yet) but I've been exploring what's available through WSU extension and also the state DNR, and have found some good resources!