Forest Service Announces Inventory of Mature, Old-Growth Trees and Forests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 20, 2023

Contact:
Aileo Weinmann | aileo@alaskawild.org

Forest Service Announces Inventory of Mature, Old-Growth Trees and Forests
“Public lands across America are critical to solving the climate crisis, and we celebrate today’s action.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Forest Service announced a process to protect mature and old-growth trees and forests as part of its strategy to help federally managed forests cope with effects from climate change. A rulemaking process will come next, including a public comment period to gather input on new policies under consideration. 

The Washington Post also reported that federal agencies released the first inventory of mature and old-growth forests, per President Biden’s Executive Order. Federal lands in Alaska were not included in the inventory, where analysis is ongoing. Mature and old-growth forests provide many benefits, including healthy watersheds, critical wildlife habitat, wildfire resilience – and are a critical natural climate solution that absorbs and stores tons of carbon.

Statement by Andy Moderow, Senior Director of Policy, Alaska Wilderness League: 

“Public lands across America are critical to solving the climate crisis, and we celebrate today’s action by the Biden administration to take next steps to ensure that our nation’s forests are elevated as climate solutions,” said Andy Moderow, senior director of policy of Alaska Wilderness League. “We look forward to continued engagement around how federal lands in Alaska, including the Chugach and Tongass National Forests, are elevated as a necessary part of our nation’s climate approach.”

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