New York’s Woodlands
are:
The mission of the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is to promote sustainable woodland practices and improved stewardship on privately owned woodlands in New York State. NYFOA is a not-for-profit group of people who care about NYS trees and forests and are interested in the thoughtful management of private forests for the benefit of current and future generations.
Beautiful and Important, but also Threatened‌
Learn more at www.NYFOA.org Like us on FaceBook 800-836-3566
BEAUTIFUL Whether viewed from the Thruway, a hiking trail in the Catskills, or a canoe in the Adirondacks, New York’s woodlands contribute to the quality of life we all enjoy.
IMPORTANT Did you know New York’s woodlands: • sequester carbon dioxide • produce 260 pounds of oxygen per year (per mature tree) • provide habitat for wildlife • provide renewable energy • protect watersheds • prevent soil erosion • purify and retain fresh water And that: • 67,000 New Yorkers are employed in the wood products industry • the forest products industry contributes billions of dollars to NYS’s gross annual product • woodlands provide the backdrop for NYs tourism industry
THREATENED Scientific studies have determined that a majority of mature NY woodlands that should regenerate are not sustainably regenerating; coincidentally those woodlands are approaching the limits of
their natural life spans. Unfortunately, without adequate regeneration of woodlands the beautiful landscape and its ecological and economic benefits are threatened. Most importantly, those benefits will not be available to future generations of property owners or society. Is there an explanation for the “threat”? Yes. There are three main factors that have contributed to the widespread current condition of New York’s woodlands: Whitetail deer appetites It is no secret, in recent decades whitetail deer populations have grown to exceed the carrying capacity on much of NY’s landscape. However, it is not a well-known fact that aggressive deer browsing throughout New York’s woodlands has effectively neutralized the ability of many tree species to reestablish the understory. Interfering vegetation Native and non-native plants can interfere with the ability of desired species to regenerate. Interfering plants can thrive in the shade of the forest, and are resistant to deer browsing. Tree-cutting methods Some woodlots have been degraded by past, exploitive tree-cutting practices. Property owners should seek foresters and loggers who will tend woodlands with care, and who will use tree-cutting methods that have been proven to provide a healthier understory,
and which promote seedling regeneration and protection. What can be done to improve the condition of New York’s woodland understory? Planning for regeneration is complex. There are many variables to consider, and the timing and sequence of operations is critical. • Deer populations must be managed more effectively. • Where present, interfering vegetation must be managed. • Tree-cutting methods, whether to allow more sunlight or to harvest mature trees, need to be carefully considered. What is being done? The New York Forest Owners Association has launched the “Restore New York Woodlands” initiative. RNYW is engaging and educating stakeholders who value NY’s woodlands, and is bringing New York’s woodland health to the attention of all New Yorkers. Visit NYFOA’s website: NYFOA.org where you will find information about: • NYFOA’s RNYW campaign • A local woods walk • How to subscribe to and support NYFOA
RNYW RestoringNewYorksWoodlands@gmail.com
800-836-3566