Working Forests Caucus

In honor of , we're re-reading this op-ed from WFC Co-Chair Bruce Westerman.

"Conversations surrounding forest management can quickly turn combative, as conservationists advocate for active forest management, but some environmentalists push for a hands-off approach. The solution to this impasse is simple, albeit counterintuitive. If we want more trees, we should all be using more products made from trees."

The best way to preserve forests? Use trees. We need to work together to steward our country’s abundant natural resources. Working forests provide long-term carbon storage and outdoor recreation, and they create profitable jobs and products we use every day.

WFC member John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) hosted an event at the Caddo National Grasslands in his district.

Can you guess what trees are in the background here?

WFC Co-Chair Bruce Westerman hosted USFS Chief Vicki Christiansen in his district over August recess. Read more about their time below 👇

ICYMI: "More U.S. communities are setting goals to reach net-zero emissions. If these goals are to be accomplished, forests need to be part of the equation."

We couldn't agree more 👏

Hundreds of community climate action plans, yet few include forests It's about accounting for the forests and the trees.

"With the impacts of a warming planet becoming more apparent every day, climate change is taking center stage in the race for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Most of the candidates have articulated commitments or released plans to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions through legislation, administrative actions, international diplomacy and other initiatives. Yet, the candidates have spent almost no time on one of America’s best weapons against climate change — forests."

Working forests work. Here's why.

Putting America's forests to work on climate change For the Democratic presidential candidates and all policymakers for that matter, investing in forests to slow climate change makes political sense.

ICYMI: this story showcases just how much local communities depend on working forests.

“At one time, we were a mill town,” Clemons said, days before the closure. “Now, we are a town with a mill.”

This is why we need to raise awareness of the need for working forests. When we hurt the mills, we hurt the forests, which means we don't value the pure air, clean water, and wildlife habitats they provide.

It was the backbone of this town for 131 years. Now Luke paper mill is gone. Almost 700 people have lost their jobs, and a Western Maryland town has lost its center.

"The environmental reality is that working forests are the most powerful carbon capture technology we have. In New York's working forests, a never-ending cycle of growth, harvest, and regeneration keeps our forests doing exactly what we need them to do — perpetually drawing carbon from the atmosphere and storing that carbon in long-lived wood products. Nationally, forests sequester 15 to 20 percent of our emissions every year. But that sequestration only occurs if we can keep the forest there to begin with."

Yes! 👏🏻

Commentary: New York's working forests help offset climate change With Washington paralyzed by partisan gridlock, states are tackling climate change head-on. New York is poised to lead. But the stakes are high — if Democrats with a supermajority in a key state like New York can't get climate policy right, comprehensive policy to address climate change at the nat...

Celebrating trees should be a national holiday....oh wait, it is! Wishing you all a happy National Arbor Day, a day to educate the world on the importance of caring for and replanting trees.

We on the Working Forests Caucus believe that sustainable forestry includes replanting more young trees than we harvest, to encourage forest growth and preserve wildlife habitats. Healthy, vibrant forests are always our primary goal.

It's ! U.S. national parks are home to some of the most incredible trees in the country, including Redwood National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Sequoia National Park.

When we revitalize working forests to minimize wildfire risk and maximize wildlife habitats, it's a win for all of America and allows these more famous trees to thrive!

Did you know that active forest management actually stimulates wildlife expansion?

It's a common myth that all forests are better off left to themselves. In reality, planting new trees, clearing old brush, and restoring young forests improves water quality, captures more carbon, and makes the environment more pest-resistant.

Check out how these wildlife cameras educate people on the need for forest management:

‘Oh, Hi There.’ Forest Cam Captures the Secret Lives of Animals. A new project aims to take a census of endangered forests, one hidden-camera snapshot at a time.

It's anything but a slow news week in Washington, but that doesn't mean we're forgetting about trees. This article from City Lab provides interesting insight into an often overlooked topic: urban forests.

Just because trees are growing in cities doesn't mean they still can't benefit from active forest management!

“We need to undo the conception that natural areas are inherently self-sustaining,” said Sarah Charlop-Powers, executive director of New York City’s Natural Areas Conservancy. “We need to start thinking of [them] as one more type of urban parkland, and we’d never say: ‘We built that playground; we don’t need to check and make sure the equipment is in good working order.’”

Read more ⬇️

Urban Foresters Need More Data to Fight Climate Change A new survey finds that urban forests could benefit from better data on climate change and pests and a focus on social equity.