Forest Resources of the United States, 2017 - Supporting the 2020 RPA Assessment
Webinar Details
When:
Jun 11, 2019 11:00 am US/Eastern
Length: 01:00 (hh:mm)
Advance Registration NOT required.
View now on-demand.
Presenter(s):
- Sonja Oswalt, Forester - Southern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis
Virtual Event Format:
Group Viewing Available:
Forest Resources of the United States, 2017: A Technical Document Supporting the Forest Service 2020 RPA Assessment.
The nation’s forest land area remains stable, but the composition and distribution of those forests is changing. The data supporting this assertion, along with other information on the status, condition, and trends in the nation’s forest resources, are available in the USDA Forest Service’s recently released report Forest Resources of the United States, 2017, and originate from the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program. The report is a supporting document to the upcoming 2020 Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment that is mandated by Congress every 10 years.
The Forest Resources of the United States report guides public and private investment dollars through forest health programs, recreation, tourism industries, and harvesting operations. This webinar will review some of the key findings, in addition to highlighting the scope of information available in the report and associated data tables. The report found that U.S. forest area – including lands covered by forest as well as the small woody species that grow in arid regions – has plateaued at 822.5 million acres. National forests managed by the USDA Forest Service account for 19% of the nation’s forests. These forests are aging, with most tree stands more than 60 years old. Tree volume on national forest lands has continuously increased over the past decade with the exception of the Rocky Mountain region, which has experienced a decline due to wildfires, drought, and pine beetle infestation. Wildfires, insects, and disease are among the largest threats to forests and woodlands in the country. Increased accessibility from the country’s expanding road network means that more people have the ability to avail themselves of the resources and benefits provided by forests, but also results in forest fragmentation that can impact forest health.
Note: We recommend using audio from your computer during the live webinar, but if necessary you can use our dial in number for audio: 1-888-844-9904 participant code 4167967#
Land area in forest (percent), growing stock volume, and number of live trees - View this interactive map here.
Download the Forest Resources of the United States, 2017: A Technical Document Supporting the Forest Service 2020 RPA Assessment by the USDA Forest Service; Sonja N. Oswalt, W. Brad Smith, Patrick D. Miles, and Scott A. Pugh.
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