Paul Smiths, NY – 7/3/2019 – Micro-enterprise forestry training program at Paul Smith’s College. (Ian MacLellan for Northern Forest Center)

Providing Leadership

Healthy Forests for the Future

Center webinar explores how thoughtful forest management promotes healthy ecosystems, supports communities, and maintains wood flows into the future.

In our Apr. 19 webinar on Ensuring Long-Term Forest Health and Resiliency – part of our Today’s Northern Forest Economy series – Center Program Director Julie Renaud Evans facilitated a discussion with three forestry leaders about managing forests for resiliency in the face of climate change and other forest stressors.

They discussed what this means both in theory and in practice, why it is important, and the challenges and successes they have experienced. We recorded the conservation for you to revisit or share with others.

Ali Kosiba, Extension Assistant Professor of Forestry of University of Vermont, provided a foundational overview of forest resiliency and what a healthy forest looks like. She also shared various resources that land managers can use, particularly when considering climate resiliency.
Kevin Evans, Director of Woodlands of Dartmouth College, highlighted tangible examples of what long-term forest management looks like, including Dartmouth’s integrated approach and how soil types, forest composition, anticipation of invasive species, and climate changes impact management decisions on the Second College Grant in northern New Hampshire.
Steve Tatko, Vice President Conservation Research and Land Management of Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), described the organization’s high-level strategy for forestland acquisitions in the 100-Mile Wilderness in north-central Maine. Steve explained AMC’s work in watershed restoration, habitat restoration, and ecological restoration through active forest management.

The discussion spanned several topics – from different management approaches and financial mechanisms that make this work possible, to current trends and opportunities.

Go get engaged in conversations because you've heard it here multiple times: There's no one right fit solution for the problems you're facing in your management.”

– Steve Tatko, Vice President Conservation Research and Land Management, Appalachian Mountain Club

Takeaways from the discussion included the importance of employing different management approaches depending on the historical and ecological characteristics of a forest, considering the role of climate change in management decisions, and seeking additional funding sources to help bridge financial gaps.

We hope you enjoy the recording. Please share it with others, explore previous webinars, and save the date for our next.

Promoting Healthy Forests

Julie Renaud Evans

Program Director

Cell: 603-724-8322

Kendall Gray

Program Assistant

Cell: 443-841-5201

Healthy Forests for the Future

Promoting Healthy Forests

Building the New Forest Future: Webinars on Forest Stewardship and Wood Products

Tracking Changes Across the Northern Forest

Community Forests Deliver on Conservation and Community Goals

Julie Renaud Evans

Kendall Gray

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