Managing forests in a changing climate
While the 2020 and 2021 fire season were particularly devastating for the forests of southern Oregon, scenes of devastation are not unique to Oregon. As temperatures warm and the climate changes, forest ecosystems across the U.S. are affected. The Forest Service has released its plan to adapt to climate change now and in the future. (USDA Forest Service photo)The…
sustainability, climate change, Adaptation, wildfire, drought, wildlife
Fighting future fires
Blue Ridge and Plumas Hot Shots working on the 2021 Dixie Fire in the Lassen National Forest, California. At nearly 1 million acres, the Dixie Fire was the second largest wildfire in California history. Climate change is anticipated to increase the extent of wildfires and firefighting costs on federal lands. USDA Forest Service photo by Cecilio RicardoClimate change…
wildfire, climate change, fuel reduction, drought
From Forests to Faucets: Where does your drinking water come from?
Watersheds are land areas, also known as basins or drainage areas, where rainfall flows to streams and rivers and then to outlets, like an ocean or bay. National forests and grasslands are home to watersheds that provide clean drinking water for millions of people. Photo credit: Eric Vallery, USDA Forest ServiceStanding on the banks of the Yadkin River in Wilkesboro…
water, watershed, climate change, research
Young Women in Central Africa are a New Generation of Leaders on Climate Change
30 Cameroonian women and their instructors pose for a photo following workshops and seminars from the Central Africa Women’s Initiative for Climate Action. The program seeks to support these young women in gaining technical skills that will advance their careers in fields climate change mitigation, carbon emissions reporting, and tropical forest management. Photo…
climate change, international programs, Climate Fellows, central africa, women, leadership
Climate Fellow works with partners in Costa Rica to monitor tropical forests and tackle climate change
Tropical countries are home to abundant forest resources. The Forest Service manages several programs that address climate change in tropical forests around the world. The Climate Fellows program, which the Forest Service manages with funding from the State Department, embeds experts in a host country to serve as technical advisors. These experts help build local…
climate change, International Cooperation, Forest Monitoring, Land Use, Climate Fellows
Growing trees – and capturing carbon
Planting the right trees in the right places at the right densities could greatly increase the amount of carbon captured on forest lands. USDA Forest Service photo from Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.Research Forester Grant Domke thinks a lot about trees and carbon, and he is not alone. When not “captured,” or fixed in place naturally by trees, soil, grasslands…