We just received notice of a virtual meeting this Tuesday, September 12, where your voice is seriously needed. They are hosting a Public Input Session regarding Climate-Oriented Forest Management Guidelines that will affect the direction of the state moving forward. As you know, Massachusetts has some challenges in accepting active forestry as a management practice – and now’s your time to make your voice heard. (REGISTRATION INFO BELOW)
As a primer, we provided some talking points whether you’re able to send in advance or speak up at the meeting, sharing your personal experiences.
- There are 570 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan – the loss of habitat and forest age class diversity is one of the leading factors. This issue is attributed in large part to wide-ranging habitat decline and a lack of forest habitat diversity.
- Healthy, natural forests are age-diverse, like a community or family with multiple generations, young and old. A movement toward healthy forests means more diverse forests on our public and private lands. This will benefit numerous forest-dwelling wildlife and bird species.
- There’s a link between forest age class diversity loss and wildlife declines. Forest habitat diversity was historically maintained by natural disturbances – which have largely been suppressed in New England for more than a century. Sustainable forestry emulates natural forest disturbances to create a much-needed balance of tree ages, species and habitat types that are good for wildlife and ecosystem resiliency.
- A concerted effort is needed to ensure resilient, climate-adapted, diverse forest landscapes throughout Massachusetts. Sustainable forestry is a critical part of the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s conservation toolkit to get us there.
- Balanced, resilient forests provide whole ecosystem benefits – clean air and water, recreation, open space and abundant wildlife habitat.
Here are the event details:
Please register for the session using the following link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
To attend the virtual session on September 12 from 6 to 8:30 PM, please sign up here.
To provide oral comment at the virtual session on September 12, please sign up here.
To provide written comments, please submit your input using the following form.
While submission of written comments related to this session by Friday, September 15 at 5 PM will facilitate consideration, comments will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter.
If you have any additional comments or questions not related to this public listening session or wish to share any attachments, please submit to the following email inbox: guidelines@mass.gov
Thank you for your attention and action!
