It’s been a big week for forests both at home and abroad. Stay up-to-date with the latest Forest Digest!

• Forests Win Big In Bonn Climate Breakthrough – The Huffington Post
  In an unexpected display of international cooperation, representatives at the UN climates talks in Bonn agreed on a drafted proposal of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), which will help to protect the world’s forests in an effort to combat climate change.

• Study Finds Increasing Wood Pellet Demand Boosts Forest Growth, Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Creates Jobs – USDA Blog
  Researchers at Duke and North Carolina State Universities have found evidence that more demand for wood pellet from biomass markets leads to more forest investment, overall net carbon sequestration and a better job market, despite concerns from environmental groups.

• Bill would streamline review of thinning projects in national forests – Rapid City Journal
  This year has seen a push from House Republicans for legislation that would make it easier to harvest timber and clear brush in projects called for by the U.S. Forest Service. Advocates state that these projects help to protect National Forests from disease and wildfire, although opponents worry about inadequate consideration for environmental effects.

• Twenty Years Of Science Show Mixed Results For Northwest Forest Plan – Northwest Public Radio
  The latest report on the Northwest Forest Plan illustrates further decline of the forests of the northwest in multiple areas, attributing the loss to wildfires as well as commercial logging.