Private Forest Development Can Affect Thousands of At-Risk Species

Private forests in the US are home to about 60% of the country’s at-risk animal and plant species, according to a report released Jan. 6, 2011, by the US Forest Service. The 4,600+ threatened species live in more than 90% of the country’s watersheds.

In addition to all the current threats to these species, such as wildfire, insects, and disease that alter the forests, additional pressures are coming as development continues to encroach into these timbered lands, which make up more than half of US forests.

• “Threats to At-Risk Species in America’s Private Forests” (includes several maps that allow you to quickly determine if at-risk species are in your audience area); press release.

In addition to identifying problem areas and issues, the agency discusses a number of plausible solutions.

For more information on other environmental aspects of private forests, see:

• TipSheet of Sept. 1, 2010.
• TipSheet of May 12, 2010.
• Previous USFS reports in the Forests on the Edge series.