#Science | US Forest Service

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

The Joy and Science of Fall Colors

Photo: Adobe Stock Why Leaves Light Up the LandscapeEvery autumn, forests across the country burst into flames—not with fire, but with color. Brilliant reds, glowing golds, and warm ambers sweep across the trees, turning even the simplest walk into a wonderland. But behind this dazzling…

#FallColors, #Science, #Seasons, #Fall, #Trees, #Scenic, #October, #TreeScience

Guard the toads, save the environment

A beige toad with brown spots sits in a black gloved hand.

“Toad!” yelled a deep voice from across the stream. With gloved hands, the volunteer excitedly lifted an adult toad from the riverbank then carefully slipped it into a clear sandwich bag. He was one of several volunteers who had spent their morning trudging through greenery and slogging through mud while looking for just this toad…

#CitizenScience, #Animals, #Science

Silvopasture: An Agroforestry Practice

cover of a publication about the practice of silvopasture in agroforestry

This Agroforestry Note, a revision of a 1997 publication, integrates new science and best practices for silvopasture—a type of agroforestry system in which trees and shrubs are intentionally integrated with forages and livestock on the same unit of land. The information in this publication can support natural resource professionals working with farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in silvopasture systems to help them achieve multiple ecological, social, and production benefits.

#Agroforestry, #Science, #Farming, #Grazing

National Cave and Karst Program on National Forest System Lands

Effective beginning 6/02/2025

This website, and all linked websites under the control of the agency is under review and content may change.

The goal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Cave and Karst Program is to protect and maintain the biologic, geologic, mineralogic, paleontologic, hydrologic, cultural, educational, scientific, and recreational values of caves and karst resources.