It’s June’s first Forest Digest and we’ve got quite the line-up!

  • How Europe’s climate policies led to more U.S. trees being cut down — The Washington Post
    In a new analysis released June 2, researchers are casting doubt on a key argument used to justify the cutting of Southern forests to make fuel for European power plants. Scientists found that Europe’s use wood pellets could increase carbon pollution in the future and put at risk some of the most productive wildlife habitats in the eastern United States.
  • America’s Forests Are Facing a Wildfire Crisis — National Journal
    Wildfires caused widespread damage and destruction, including loss of human life, across the western U.S. last summer, and because of extreme drought conditions and funding shortages, this year’s wildfire season could be worse.
  • Unlikely ‘champion’ in battle for Indonesia’s forests — BBC News
    One of the world’s largest pulp and paper producers announced it had stopped clearing forests as part of its operations. The decision presents Indonesian forests, their protectors and the communities that rely on them a big win in the long-running battle to fight deforestation in the country.
American Forests has coordinated restoration projects in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, which is plagued by habitat fragmentation mainly caused by deforestation. Photo credit: Barbara Eckstein.
American Forests has coordinated restoration projects in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, which is plagued by habitat fragmentation mainly caused by deforestation. Photo credit: Barbara Eckstein.
  • Seven New Mini-Frogs Found—Among Smallest Known — National Geographic
    Deep in Brazil’s Atlantic rain forest, a team of scientists recently discovered seven new species of tiny frogs belonging to a genus frogs known for miniscule size and bright colors.
  • Researchers Seek Sneak Peek into the Future of Forests — NC State News
    At the largest and most robust warming experiment conducted in a forest ecosystem, scientists from research institutions around the world are taking samples they hope will offer a glimpse into the future of global forests.
  • Connecticut’s Forests Bring Billions To State Economy — Hartford Courant
    A new study estimates Connecticut’s trees are worth more than $3.3 billion a year to the state’s economy, creating an estimated 12,800 jobs involving everything from paper manufacturing to Christmas tree farms and maple syrup.
  • 7 ways to spot a healthy forest — Treehugger
    Check out these signs of a healthy forest and look for them on your next hike, trail walk or stroll in your local park!