Evergreen Magazine

Posted: 2010-02-20

This Is Embarrassing III

Posted: 2009-08-10

This is Embarrassing II

Posted: 2009-07-24

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BCAP (Bilking Cash Away from Producers) Redefined

Posted: 2010-03-12

More Junk Forest Science from OSU

Posted: 2010-03-09

Nicholas Dennis: Put National Forests To Work For Community

Posted: 2010-02-22

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Forest Facts

Some 1.5 billion trees are planted in the U.S. every year, about 5 trees for every American.

Annually, U.S. forestland owners plant about 6 trees for every tree harvested.

About one-third of America's original forest - some 300 million acres - have been converted to other uses, principally agriculture.

There are 26 million more acres of forestland in the Northeast than there were in 1900.

Today, forests blanket about one-third of the U.S. land base and about half the U.S. East.

U.S. annual growth rates have exceeded harvest rates since the 1940's.

Timber harvesting is forbidden on 50% of all National Forest lands in the U.S.

National Forests account for 20% of the nation's forestlands and 19% of its timberlands.

National Forests hold 46% of the nation's softwood timber inventory but only provide 6% of the annual harvest.

Since 1986, the harvest of timber from America's national forests has declined 70%.

In the West, 34% of all forestland and 54% of all timberlands are in national forests.

National forests in the Pacific Coast and Intermountain West regions hold 68% of the nation's softwood timber inventory, but provide less than 28% of annual harvest.

Forest density has increased 40% in the U.S. over the last 50 years.

Flying Finns

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Jim Erickson & Gary Morishima: Indian Forestry - Imagine the Possibilities

By: Jim Erickson & Gary Morishima

Since our founding in 1986, few topics have commanded our attention more frequently than tribal forestry. Most Americans know very little about forestry in Indian Country. We didn't either until we started our investigation in 1994. Since then, we have been both admirers and strong supporters of the manner in which our nation's Indian tribes manage their forests and rangelands.

We have twice published special issues of Evergreen Magazine: "Forestry in Indian Country - Progress and Promise" was published in June 1998 (click here) and "Forestry in Indian Country - Models of Sustainability for our National Forests" was published in the winter of 2005-2006 (click here)

Evergreen Foundation managing director, Jim Petersen, has also twice spoken publicly in support of Indian forestry: "Is it Time to Give our Federal Forests Back to the Indians," in June of 2007 (click here) and "Gifford Pinchot is Rolling Over in His Grave," in March 2008 (click here)

Now, two tribal forestry experts - Jim Erickson and Gary Morishima - have weighed in on the same topic. Mr. Erickson was associated with the Colville reservation's tribal forestry program for 25 years and served as its director for several years before starting his own consulting business. Gary Morishima has been a technical advisor to the Quinault Nation for more than 30 years. He holds a PhD in Quantitative Science and Environmental Management and is a expert in computer simulation modeling. Click here to read their fine essay on tribal forestry's numerous assets - "Indian Forestry: Imagine the Possibilities"

"We must always consider the environment and people together, as though they are one, because the
human need to use natural resources is fundamental to our continued presence on earth."

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