Nearly 430 million acres of forests in the United States are privately owned, but the viability, and indeed the very existence, of these forests is increasingly threatened by population growth, sprawling urbanization, and patchwork development. Scientists, policymakers, and community leaders have begun to recognize the vital role of private forests in providing society with essential goods and services, from sustainable timber supplies to clean water. Yet despite the tremendous economic and ecological importance of private forests, information about their status and strategies for their protection have been in short supply.
America's Private Forests addresses that shortcoming, presenting extensive data gathered from diverse sources and offering a concise overview of the current status of privately owned forests in the United States. As well as describing the state of private forests, the book sets forth detailed information on a wide range of approaches to conservation along with an action agenda for implementing those strategies likely to be most effective. The book:
identifies the major threats to private forests in the United States
considers barriers to conservation
outlines the available tools and programs for promoting conservation
presents a ""road map"" to guide collective efforts for the conservation of private forests and their native biodiversity
Based on extensive research of existing literature as well as interviews and consultation with leading forestry and conservation experts, America's Private Forests is a unique sourcebook that offers a solid basis for discussion of threats to private forests along with an invaluable compendium of potential solutions. It will serve as an invaluable reference for all those working to conserve and steward forest resources, including forest owners and their consultants, conservation organizations, and agency personnel, as well as researchers and students involved with issues of forestry, biodiversity, land use, and conservation.
Part One An Overview of America's Private Forests 1 Chapter 1: Who Owns the Forest and Why? 5 Chapter 2: The Nature of America's Private Forests 41 Chapter 3: Threats to Private Forests and Barriers to Their Conservation 97
Part Two The Conservation Toolbox and How to Use It 117 Chapter 4: Public Programs and Policies for Private Forests 121 Chapter 5: Cultural Tools: Communication, Education, and Assistance 143 Chapter 6: Financial Mechanisms and Markets for Conservation 165 Chapter 7: An Action Plan to Accelerate the Conservation of Private Forests 187
