Wildlands and Woodlands: Reports

The Vision Statement

Massachusetts offers an unusual and urgent opportunity for forest conservation. Following widespread agricultural decline in the 19th century, the landscape has reforested naturally and currently supports a wide expanse of maturing forest. Despite its large population, the state has more natural vegetation today than at any time in the last three centuries. With its extensive forests supporting ecosystem processes, thriving wildlife populations and critical environmental services for society, there is a great need to protect this landscape for the future. However, this historic window of opportunity is closing as forests face relentless development pressure. Despite decades of forest protection by state agencies and private organizations, patterns of land conservation and forest management are inadequate to meet future societal and environmental needs. Large areas of protected forestland are uncommon, conserved forests are largely disconnected, important natural and cultural resources (including many plant and animal species) are vulnerable to loss, logging is often poorly planned and managed, and old-growth forests and reserves which are isolated from human impact are rare. We urge the people and Commonwealth of Massachusetts to launch a bold, comprehensive initiative to conserve these precious Wildlands and Woodlands and the ecological and social values they possess.

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Executive Summary - 4 page summary of report

If you would like a hard copy mailed to you, please contact wandw@fas.harvard.edu.