Forests on the Edge

Forests on the Edge is a project that identifies and analyzes areas across the country where private forest services, such as timber, wildlife habitat and water quality programs, might be affected by factors such as development, fire, insect pests, and diseases. The project also seeks to understand how increased housing density near national forests might affect recreation, wildlife, water resources and other public benefits that we receive from national forests. Learn more 

Reports

National Forests on the Edge: Development Pressures on America’s National Forests and Grasslands

This report examines the risk that the 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands face due to growing housing development on private lands bordering these areas. The study found that a half-million acres of private rural land next to 13 national forests and grasslands will experience increased housing density. Such development will impact the management and conservation of these national forests and grasslands, and affect public access and recreation and benefits received from these areas.

Threats to At-Risk Species in America’s Private Forests

This report examines 4,600 native animals and plant species that are at risk of decline or extinction due to the loss of private forest areas. Sixty percent of all at-risk species reside in private forests in the U.S. The study also identifies areas where the future of forested habitats for at-risk species could be compromised by additional pressures from wild re, insects, and disease.

Sustaining America’s Urban Trees and Forests

Close to 80 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas and depends on the essential ecological, economic, and social benefits provided by urban trees and forests. As urban areas expand across the country, the importance of the benefits that urban forests provide, as well as the challenges to their conservation and maintenance, will also increase. This report provides an overview of the current status and benefits of America’s urban forests, compares differences in urban forest canopy cover among regions, and discusses challenges facing urban forests and their implications for urban forest management. Learn more