Forest Sustainability in America

The United States is richly endowed with forests, and their care and conservation have been a national concern for more than half a century. This book provides data and analysis aimed at addressing this concern by enhancing dialogue and decisions in pursuit of the goal of forest sustainability. On the whole, no evidence suggests that we are "using up" our forests. In fact, the total area of forests has been stable, and the volume of wood found on them increasing. But a number of issues cause significant concern which range from regional forest fragmentation and loss to widespread increases in forest insect infestation and other disturbances. Potential changes in climate compound the risks and uncertainties associated with these issues.