Wisconsin Green Fire issued a report Dec. 9 listing the threats and opportunities for Wisconsin’s $37 billion forest products industry.
WGF Executive Director Meleesa Johnson says, “If we want to continue enjoying the benefits provided by our forests, from sawlogs and pulp to clean air and clean water, Wisconsin needs to take new steps as leaders in forest conservation. We want everyone at the table to plan for the future of our forests.”
Among the threats listed in the report are:
- The loss of important tree species (such as ash trees)
- Overbrowsing by white tail deer
- Declining forest diversity
- Climate change
- Unstable markets for forest products
- Reduced market opportunities for private forest owners
- Fragementation of forests
Lead contributor to the paper, Fred Clark, says, “Just when we need healthy, diverse, and productive forests more than ever, our forests are facing threats that can prevent them from serving as effective solutions to our greatest conservation challenges. Our goal with this paper is to show the seriousness of these threats and spark big conversations throughout Wisconsin that help shape the next century of forest conservation.”
The paper calls for more research into how to mange forests and respond to threats such as pests and climate change. Investment into education and training for forest owners and managers. Supporting the forest products industry through both economic development, marketing the benefits of the industry and worker training. Regional approaches to forest planning and development of carbon offset markets for forests.
The full report is available on the WGF website at
https://wigreenfire.org/opportunities-now-2024-wisconsin-forests-at-risk.
