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Forest Ecology

From Root to Tap: How Trees Ensure Fresh Water Supply

When you turn on the tap for a drink of water, forests may have played a role. Forest lands supply more than 50 percent of our nation’s water supply and 65 percent of the supply in the West. In total, this encompasses about 180 million in more than 68,000 communities, including major cities like Los Angeles, Portland, Denver, and Atlanta. National forests alone provide 18 percent of the nation’s water and more than half of the water in the West.

A Breath of Fresh Air: How Trees Help Mitigate Climate Change

Just like humans, trees breathe. But, while humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, trees do the opposite: their leaves pull in carbon dioxide, water, and energy from the sun to turn into sugars that feed the tree.

Why Reforestation: Regenerating Our National Forests

Reforestation is a top priority for the National Forest Foundation, the USDA Forest Service, and many state, tribal, and private forest land managers. In fact, the U.S. Congress directed the Forest Service to improve and protect forests as early as 1897 with the passage of the Organic Administration Act. Though our understanding of forest health has advanced remarkably since then, reforestation remains a key goal. Why?

Right Tree, Right Place: Using Science to Guide Reforestation

Reforesting our National Forests is not as simple as placing a seed in a hole, covering it with soil, and hoping it grows. The process is more complicated, integrating the best available science and technology.