The 30% Climate Solution: Forest conservation and management in NE

presented by Bob Perschel 

Take a moment to imagine a New England in the not-too-distant future where vast and wonderous wildlands and exemplary managed woodlands together support thriving wildlife populations, sustain rural jobs, provide the raw materials to meet our housing needs, and store immense amounts of carbon. Such a future is well within reach but only if we put aside differences and collaborate on behalf of the forest that sustains us.

New England is the most forested region in the country and is a key part of one of the most intact temperate forests on Earth. New England forests are mostly privately owned and form a backdrop to the region’s identity and way of life. What many don’t recognize is the huge potential for these forests to help us avoid the worst of climate change and support rich biodiversity. To reach such potential, partnerships are emerging between organizations long dedicated to forest conservation, but not always on the same page.

The work between New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) and Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT), is a good example. NEWT focuses on rewilding land through forever-wild conservation — places free from logging and allowed to grow old. NEFF protects managed forests, and brings exemplary forestry practices to them and selectively harvests trees that provide renewable forest products. Many assume these conservation goals clash. They do not. We know there is a better way forward by putting aside our differences and working together toward a resilient future.

Please join us for a presentation by Bob Perschel, Chilmark resident and Executive Director of the New England Forestry Foundation, which is executing an exciting forest restoration initiative that has the potential to offset 30% of our regional climate mitigation needs. NEFF’s climate program was featured on Chronicle TV Magazine and recently awarded a $30 million grant from United States Department of Agriculture to pilot this innovative approach.

This exciting program is co-sponsored with the MV Commission's upcoming event, Climate Action Day, on Sunday May 7th at the Ag Hall. The MVC has planned a variety of sustainability programs that day as well as having organization's Climate Action representatives present for people to engage with.

Live stream the May 2nd 6:00-7:15 event at  https://vimeo.com/event/2886385

CONTACT: Anne McDonough  508 696 4211 x116  amcdonough@clamsnet.org

LOCATION: Zoom 

https://newenglandforestry.org/