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ROADLESS FORESTS

Protecting our most pristine forests from development; Preserving resources for wildlife and humankind.

Most Recent Science

Carbon Storage from Revegetating Unneeded Forest Service Roads

February 9, 2010 - An overlooked opportunity to sequester carbon on National Forests rests with its massive road system. Preliminary analysis by TWS has indicated that returning unneeded Forest Service roads back to a natural state would be equivalent to revegetating an area larger than Rhode Island. We estimate that carbon storage from decommissioning and revegetating unneeded roads on our national forests is 39.5 — 48.5 million metric tons. more

Recreation Economic Impact Tool (REIT)

December 23, 2009 - The majority of individuals that visit our national forests participate in quiet, nature based forms of recreation such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and fishing. These same quiet recreationists provide a significant source of revenue for local businesses when they spend money during their visit. It’s important that land managers consider the economic consequences of decisions that they make — such as approving a timber harvest or constructing a dirt bike trail — may result in the displacement of quiet recreationists. more

Ecological Foundations of Fire Management in North American Forests and Shrubland Ecosystems

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April 16, 2009 - The degree to which human intervention has modified fire frequency, intensity, and severity varies greatly among different ecosystems, and must be considered when planning to alter fuel loads or implement restorative treatments. more

Effects of Timber Harvest Following Wildfire in Western North America

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April 14, 2009 - Timber harvest following wildfire leads to different outcomes depending on the biophysical setting of the forest, pattern of burn severity, operational aspects of tree removal, and other management activities. Removal of snags reduces long-term fuel loads but generally results in increased amounts of fire fuels for the first few years after logging unless surface fuels are effectively treated. more