Healthy Forests

Our forests are a national treasure but are not considered as such by policy makers and those funding their management. Fires are becoming worse, deaths from insect infestation are at an unprecedented level and the biodiversity is suffering. There is more growth every year than what is removed, and we are capable of assisting the forests in evolving naturally. Removing residues for ecological reasons contributes to a well managed forest. Biomass heating is one of the most beneficial uses for the materials from forest restoration, fire mitigation, and thinning. The use of these locally generated materials for energy will pay to maintain our future forests. When future generations look up at the forest we hope they see a diverse patchwork of healthy trees, varying in species and age. We hope they see abundant wildlife from butterflies to moose, from insects to flowers and brush. The forest must be wisely managed to accomplish this and appropriate removal must occur. A plan developed from a collaborative effort of scientists, environmentalists, and business, we all can all be look to the future with optimism.