#Research

Indicator 1.07: Number and Geographic Distribution of Forest-Associated Species at Risk of Losing Genetic Variation and Locally Adapted Genotypes, 2003–2014

Thumbnail with text, Forest Sustainability Indicator Report

Forest-associated species and infraspecies are increasingly vulnerable to genetic erosion as their geographic ranges shrink. A reduction in genetic variation makes species less adaptable to environmental change, increases the risk of extinction, and lowers the overall resilience of forest ecosystems. This indicator report, tiered to the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests, evaluates the number and distribution of such taxa by comparing their current ranges with historical baselines.

#Sustainability, #Genetics, #ThreatenedAndEndangeredSpecies, #Research, #Science

Indicator 6.39: Area and Percent of Forests Used for Subsistence, 2013–2023

In the United States, subsistence rights are codified through Federal laws, State constitutions, and Federal treaties with Tribal Nations and Canada. These bodies of legislation protect subsistence rights in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest (States of Washington and Oregon), Hawaii, and the Great Lakes region (States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan). This indicator report, tiered to the 2030 National Report on Sustainable Forests, summarizes the area and percentage of forests in these States used for subsistence activities and describes changes since 2010.

#Sustainability, #Science, #Research, #Hunting

Fire in the pinelands: An experimental legacy continues in 21st century

Loblolly and pitch pine plantation at the Silas Little Experimental Forest, November 2023. USDA Forest Service photo by RL Martens. WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tucked among the pines, just off the beaten path from the greater Philadelphia area suburbs, the Silas Little Experimental Forest produces and…

#Research, #ExperimentalForests, #PrescribedFire

Sucking up toxins

Dr. Ron Zalesny, center, stands within the thriving poplar stand at the Menominee Falls closed landfill to explain how he chose which trees to use for contamination removal. Fadi Al Nahri from Lebanon is to his right. Research Professor Dr. Chung-Ho Lin, from the University of Missouri’s…

National Report on Sustainable Forests talks sustainability of US forests

According to the 2020 report, forest land area in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past century and forests continue to serve as the largest national net carbon sink. WASHINGTON, DC—The USDA Forest Service has released its 2020 National Report on Sustainable Forests. This report tracks forest…

#Research, #Science, #Forestry, sustainable forestry

Around the Forest Service: September 2023

WASHINGTON, DC—Trees make a difference, something that Forest Service employees have always known. In September 2023, through Inflation Reduction Act funding, the agency made historic investments to boost the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide. National grasslands are also getting attention. Great American Outdoors Act funding is providing resources for some…